Requests

~o0o~

When Hermione and Snape came back from the trial, Snape was actually leaning on her for support. He was very pale, sweaty, and he was shaking. Hermione knew he was exhausted and helped him to his bed, then assisted him in changing out of his robes and boots. "Do you want anything?" she asked, trying to mask the concern in her voice.

"Your concern is touching," he said, sounding slightly grumpy. "I'm sure you would rather be at the Burrow congratulating Potter and Weasley on their success."

Hermione was used to his surliness. "I already did thank them, twice. I know you'd prefer Mrs. Weasley's roast dinner... You know, if you want to rest a bit, we could still attend," she suggested.

His eyebrow rose, but his eyes remained closed. "I don't feel up to going."

She tenderly brushed his hair off his face, smiling at him with a joy she hadn't felt since watching Sirius fly off on Buckbeak. In fact, that was exactly how she felt at the moment. "For a wizard who's just won his freedom, you sure seem reserved." He opened one eye, looked at her then closed it again. "I suppose the trial really wore you out."

"I just need to lie here a moment, that's all," he replied softly. "Why don't you go?"

"I'll go later. I'd rather like to be with you a while, if that's okay?" she asked, sitting next to him on the bed. She wanted to do something for him to make him happier but wasn't sure what he'd like for her to do.

"Do what you like," he stated. "Don't you want to be with your friends? You don't have to stay here any longer. You don't need to attend to me, I can manage on my own, and you no longer need to supervise me."

"You really are a git," she said, laughing at him. His eyes snapped open and he scowled at her. "Now don't get your wand in a knot, I mean that in an endearing way. You just won your freedom; you have your life back: no masters, no overlords, no supervising monitors, no Azkaban, and you're scowling. I'd be ecstatic and happy – blimey, I'm ecstatic for you! But I think you should rest awhile and then come with me to the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley is cooking a feast, and I know everyone wants to congratulate you and celebrate your victory."

"I'm not in the celebratory mood, I'm tired," he said, then sighed. "Fine, I'll rest, and then we'll go see your friends." Hermione nodded and stood to go, but he reached out and caught her hand. "Would you maybe read to me a while?" he asked.

Hermione swelled with happiness at the request. "Sure, I'll just go get a book. Do you have any one in mind or should I choose this time?"

He smiled and shook his head. "A novel or poems, no spells books," he said with a grin. He held her hand for a few seconds, his thumb caressing her palm before he released her. She stood, watching him, amazed that such a simple gesture could make her feel so warm inside.

Hermione hurried to the sitting room to scan the shelves for a book they might both like and settled on a book by Jeffrey Archer, Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less. When Hermione returned to the Snape's boudoir, he was sound asleep.

~o0o~

Five Days Later

Snape and Hermione had fallen into a comfortable routine. They discussed which potions they would brew at dinner, Hermione checking the supplies to make sure the ingredients were on hand and fresh enough. The rest of the evening was spent reading or discussing magical theory of the spells she'd read. Mornings they brewed the bases needed for the potions; afternoons were spent on academic study and the practical application of spells, helping her to perfect her nonverbal skills. He was a firm taskmaster. It was amazing to her how competent a teacher he really was. She had already gone through his seventh-year schoolbooks, the ones he still had, and even many of the spell books in his sitting room. He flat out refused to teach her any Dark Arts spells, though, except those that were not originally thought of as such. This morning Snape entered the sitting room stopping short when he saw Hermione sitting cross-legged on her cot, reading a journal she'd found on a lower corner shelf. "Why are you still reading that book? I thought I made it quite clear that I was not going to teach you the spells in that book," he said curtly.

He hadn't been nearly as snarly as he'd been at school, however, the scowl on his face indicated to her that she might have crossed the line again. "Yes, well, you said you weren't going to show me..."

"And yet you persist on reading that book when I specifically asked you to leave it alone."

Hermione looked up, forcing down the feeling of intimidation, and met his glare. "I recognize some of these spells, they are different, but the Latin is easy enough to translate and know what the spell does." She still wanted his tutoring for her N.E.W.T.s and had been ravenously reading every book on his shelves that she could before he asked her to leave, but he'd been adamant against teaching her any spells from this particular journal without explaining why. "Iaculorari does the same as Iactus, I think, and Contorqueo and Contorquere have the same meanings... so does Detortum and Detoquere, somewhat. So why am I allowed to learn how to use Iactus but you refuse to teach me Iaculorari, and I can do Contorqueo but not Contorquere? Likewise you let me do Abrumpere Diremptum but you will not allow me to try Abrupi Deicio?" Hermione asked as she dropped the journal on her lap.

Snape sighed even as his scowl deepened. "As you well know, spells change, wizards twist the intent of a spell for causing more harm, to hurt or destroy," he said, trying to rein in his temper at her impertinence. "Yes, Miss Granger, these spells were used in the war, but not all of them are – socially acceptable or necessary. As you know Iactus is used to cast or throw an object, and the desired force can be controlled by the intent. However, Iaculorari is use to hurl something with great force, but the force is inert to the spell and can't be controlled by intent. The object is thrown with such force as to kill, maim and destroy the target object. It's a Dark Arts spell, and Iactus can be used for the same effect without killing. The same goes for Contorqueo and Contorquere. Contorquere the force of the spell is inert to the spell, used to violently twist or contort the target object with extreme force. Contorqueo does the same action but the caster is able to control the effect by their intent, while the witch or wizard who uses Contorquere cannot."

Hermione thought carefully about what he said. "So, Detortum, which will bend, distort an object or it twist out of shape, is very much the same as Detorquere, however, Detorquere is an uncontrollable spell, the strength of its force is extreme... But why can't they be controlled?"

"Think, rationalize it out," Snape said, crossing his arms, watching her speculatively.

She stared at the journal, reading the round, feminine lettering, as she tried to rationalize the reason the spell couldn't be controlled. Suddenly, Hermione recalled how the Levicorpus and Sectumsempra spells worked. "Because the spell has its own strength, which is simply released against the target, it's not reliant on the strength of the wizard nor their ability. The concentration of the spell isn't in the action as much as in the direction, aiming. While the caster can learn to control their aim and the direction, the actual strength of the spell is constant. But then Detorquere would be an easier version... No, because it would rely on intent to do harm – like the Cruciatus, the wizard would have to mean to cause harm, desire the effect. Detortum, however, the wizard has to determine not only the strength but the aim, they have to concentrate on the force of the cast as well as the object... it requires more skill."

Snape nodded, with a look of approval. "This is Bellatrix Lestrange's journal. Think of the witch who wrote this," he said with a sly grin. "She liked taking general spells and twisting their intent and effects into a Dark Art, making the strength of the spell inert to the spell itself. Only the direction is controlled, the intended target. It's why the Dark Lord favored her so, or one reason at least; she liked hurting, killing and maiming others."

"How did you get her journal?" Hermione asked, feeling sickened by the identity of the author. Now that she knew whose journal she'd found, the book felt dirty to her.

"I knew of her journals, as did many of the Death Eaters. When she was captured, she didn't want them taken by the Aurors. I knew where they were, and I took them before anyone else got to them. I lied to her and said that they were missing. She never believed me," he explained. "Most all her entries are spells she twisted into Dark Arts."

"Then why did you want me to read this?" she asked, disgusted.

"Why else?" he asked, and waited for her to reply. When she didn't, he sighed and looked disappointed. "Bella used these during the war, and she taught them to others, such as Crabbe, Goyle and Malfoy for example. I wouldn't be surprised if these spells are someday used again. So what I want from you is not only a comparative essay of each spell but also which spell you think Bella used to create them. We've already discussed these three; so you can skip them. But I do want you to write down examples of which defensive spells you would use in order to defend yourself, and which would be most effective against all of them."

Hermione nodded and rose to get her parchment and quills.

*

Hermione stood at the sink after breakfast, tending to the small potted herbs that were growing on the shelves in the bay window. She was wondering how long Snape would allow her to stay, if at all. Snape was finally able to move around on his own, nearly fully recovered from Nagini's bite. She watched him in the reflection of the window as he sat reading in his bed behind her. "You know, you're able to get around much better now," she said, trying to sound casual, belying the sudden lump that she felt in her gut.

"What are you suggesting?" he asked, turning the page.

Hermione turned to face him. "I think it is time you move up to your bedroom upstairs."

"And give up my boudoir in the dining room?" he asked, turning the page again.

"I just thought you'd like to have your home returned to normal," she said off-handily. "I mean, you were so adamant about it being temporary when I made the changes, I just assumed you'd want it changed back."

He set the book aside and rose off the bed, looking at the room with a critical eye. "Yes, I suppose it's time," he said.

Hermione thought that she almost detected a hint of wistfulness in his tone. "If you'd rather not, or wait until you feel stronger, I'd understand."

"No, now is as good as any." He crossed his arms, considering the bed and furnishings in the dining room and kitchenette. "Well, get on with it." Smiling, Hermione washed her hands and started reversing the transformation of his bedding back into chairs and a sturdy table, hoping she got the design right of the furniture. "Close enough," he said with a smirk. "My roasting pot," he said, pointing to the kitchen. He stood directly behind her as she transfigured his roasting pot tub back to its original size. "You can reorganize my kitchen back the way it was later," he said, heading out the door. Hermione followed, grabbing the bedding and clothes she'd taken from upstairs.

He stopped abruptly and Hermione bumped into his back. "I thought you'd use the master suite?" she asked.

He looked at her, his expression turning stony. "I do," he said, crossing his arms. "If you like you may sleep in my old room."

"You mean I can stay here?" she asked, gobsmacked.

"And where else would you go? The Burrow? Your parents' home was sold, and you are not returning to the castle... What are your options?" He looked at her but his expression was unreadable. "You may stay here until you take your N.E.W.T.s and can find your own place."

"Thank you. I'll just help you make your bed and bring my stuff up later," she offered.

"That won't be necessary," he said curtly.

"Really, it's no problem, I'll just make the bed and put away your clothes in the wardrobe," she insisted. Her suggestion nearly caused him to get into a row with her. Hermione just couldn't understand why he was so reluctant to let her see the master's suite, it was his house after all, and the room was the largest bedroom. "Please, move aside and let me past," she said, forcing her way by him and dumping the bedding on the bed. She turned to start placing his clothes in his wardrobe and he stopped her. "What?'

"It's my house. I can do this myself," he snapped. "You shouldn't be in here."

Hermione could only stare at him in dumbfounded confusion. "You're embarrassed to have me in here, aren't you? What's wrong? Is it the room? Are you embarrassed to have me in your room?"

"No, of course not. I just... It's inappropriate to have you in here." Snape paused as looked at her confused expression and his expression softened. "I don't like this room, never have. It reminds me to much of him... it's my parents' room," he finally stated.

Hermione realized exactly what he was saying, and it astounded her. "The Muggle clothes in the wardrobe... they were your father's?" She looked around, realizing that except for a few additions, the room did still reflect someone else. "So what, it's now your house, it's technically your room now, not his. You can do with it anything you want." She swished her wand making the bedcovers lie properly and tucked in the corners with a flick of her wrist. "You know, you'd probably like the room more if you changed the colors, Transfigured the furniture a bit, maybe change the rug..."

"There is no reason to do so," he started to say.

"The only reason you haven't is because you lived at the castle?" Hermione finished for him. "It's like the whole house, the only rooms that even reflect you is the lab and the sitting room. The rest of the house is, well, dour. Lighten it up, change it to something you like and make it your own." She promptly turned everything pink, just to prove her point that it could be changed to reflect anything he wanted.

"Change it back," he demanded, scowling. "I will not have my parents' bedroom pink!"

"No, change it to something that suits you, it's your bedroom now," she stated as he deftly changed the room back to its dower browns. "You have to be kidding? You can change it any way you want to, in any color you want, and you want brown?" She made the bedposts thicker like the ones that were used at school, then changed the bed hangings, rug and drapes to a bright burgundy red to resemble the ones in her old Gryffindor dormitory. "At least pick a cheerful color and not something so dull!"

"Absolutely not!" he growled, changing the rug, drapes and bedcovers to black. "I like black."

"You wear enough black, you don't have to make the room black. How about yellow?" Hermione swished and flicked her wand, changing the black to yellow. "Or blue, blue would be nice." With another flick and swish, the room was now a rich, royal blue, then she changed the room to purple with a grin.

"No," he growled, "I'm not a..." he started to say as Hermione changed the colors to orange. "Miss Granger, this is unacceptable!" He flicked his wand the same time Hermione did and the spells must have collided: red, orange and chartreuse mixed on the bed covers with a lime and forest greens that clashed horribly.

Hermione grinned, changing the drapes to chartreuse to match. Snape growled, changing the bedcovers to green just as Hermione added a lace valance over the windows. "Well, it is more cheerful. How about changing the bed?" She aimed her wand, changing the huge four poster into a huge, white bed with lathe turned details, complete with a white ruffled canopy the same time Snape changed the drapes and bed covers back to black, and she quickly added a white lace bed skirt. The delicate white bed frame and white, ruffled lace wasn't too terrible against the stark black covers. "Maybe with white sheets?"

"I will not have it looking like a little girl's boudoir!" he snapped.

"You must have seen a bed somewhere you liked? Make the bed resemble that one," Hermione said, trying to make it sound like a challenge. In his anger, Snape transfigured the bed back, this time with well-proportioned posts decorated with tasteful carvings in a rich wood tone.

"That's terrific!" she exclaimed as Snape snarled, "Better?"

Hermione turned to face him, beaming. "So other than black, do you actually have a favorite color?"

"I like black," he said with a snarl.

"How about navy and white, purple and gold or blue and cream... You don't like burgundy. How about sienna and russet, or a green – we could do it in greens?" Hermione rambled, changing the bed covers with each suggestion. "Do you like green?" she asked undaunted.

"I think I've had enough of green," he said. "The blue and cream wasn't to bad. I don't like white."

Hermione tried several variations with the blue tones, settling for a dark blue comforter, ivory sheets and dark blue shams, matching the drapes with sheer ivory and heavy navy damask drapes. "Now what else reminds you of your dad?"

Snape relented into Transfiguring the rest of the furniture: the wardrobe, twin bedside tables and two chairs into something that would suit his personality and erase his parents' style. After several changes, rearranging the room slightly, they ended up with a room that Hermione was certain was similar to his rooms at Hogwarts, although in dark blues. There wasn't a snake anywhere in the decor.

"So if you are done rearranging my bedroom, would you like to see the other? I'd like to have my sitting room back."

"Sure," she replied, following him into the small room across the hall, smiling. It took a while to fix up Severus's old bedroom, magically cleaning up the shelves, repairing the small desk, enlarging and cleaning out the wardrobe and fixing the small bed into a more comfortable size.

By dinner, Hermione and Severus had changed sitting room boudoir back into simply a sitting room, and Hermione finished straightening up the dining room with everything in its proper place, although the pantry remained engorged slightly. During her stay, the kitchen and dining room had been both tenaciously scrubbed and magically cleaned as well as the sitting room, potions lab and downstairs loo. It looked so much better than when she'd first moved in here, so now that the house was back to the way he wanted, it was in a much more livable condition than when she'd first arrived.

She'd even managed to talk Severus into magically refreshing the paint on the walls. The only room left untouched was the third bedroom, which Snape insisted be left as it was. Hermione had strong suspicions the room had been used by either his mum, which was doubtful, or by his grandma, which was more likely, considering the portraits that adorned the dresser and walls.

~o0o~

Five Weeks Later

Severus had been very gracious to Hermione since the trial. Well, as gracious as he could be. They still had their battle of wits, arguments and discussions; however, she discovered that she understood Severus much better lately. He'd even begun using her first name, unless he was upset about something. She found he had a dry wit and sarcastic sense of humor and could be quite amiable when he wanted. Still, he had offered to let her stay with him, continued tutoring her and still had her help him brew potions. Her N.E.W.T.s were only a few days away, but Hermione found that she was feeling restless.

She wanted to bring her parents home, find them a house and reestablish a dental practice but had no idea how she'd be able to do all that. She was starting to feel guilty about what she'd done to protect her parents, and the sooner she got them home, the better she'd feel. She only hoped that they would forgive her.

~o0o~

Lucius Malfoy made a surprise visit one afternoon. "Miss Granger?" he asked smoothly when Hermione answered the knock at the door.

"Mr. Malfoy, is Severus expecting you?" she asked, keeping the door open enough to take in the appearance of the wizard before her. "I don't believe he mentioned your visit?"

"Open the door, girl, and let me in," he said coolly, trying to push the door open with his cane.

Hermione smiled, knowing that one of Severus' protective wards on the door would only allow it to open to permit people to enter who were actually properly admitted. She waited several seconds before feigning a look of incredulity. "Oh, I'm sorry, where are my manners? By all means, do come in. I shall let Severus know you are here." Hermione stood back to let him in, and Lucius eyes narrowed as he entered, swinging his cane. "If you'd please have a seat, I'll let him know you're here."

"Well, well, well, so the rumors are true, you are staying here. Playing house, are we?" His snide question couldn't hide the surprise he obviously felt upon finding Hermione in Snape's home.

Hermione smiled. "I thought you knew that I was his Protective Custody Services Monitor?"

Lucius raised an eyebrow as he surveyed the books lying about the room. "Indeed. You've made yourself right at home, nevertheless, I see."

"I've been helping Severus recover from Nagini's bite, and in turn he has been assisting me with my N.E.W.T. studies. Please excuse my mess," she said, indicating the books piled on the coffee table and sofa. "I had no idea Severus was expecting anyone."

"I would hardly have thought that Severus would have tolerated having mud – someone like you in his home." Lucius picked up one of the books, examining the title. "Don't expect it to last," Lucius said as Hermione pushed open the hidden door. "He'll come to his senses."

"I'm quite certain he will," she said smugly. Severus met her on the stairs with a questioning look. "Mr. Malfoy is here to see you," she replied, turning to back down the stairs.

She was about to disappear into the kitchen, when Severus pulled her to follow him into the sitting room. "Don't hide, Hermione. Never show a Slytherin he made you back down, especially Lucius. Now is the time for you to stand up to him."

Hermione looked at Severus, her mouth agape. "How did you know..."

"I know him," Severus said smoothly. "You are here because I've given consent for you to be."

"Severus, old chap!" Lucius said as soon as Severus entered the room, however, his eyes narrowed slightly as Hermione approached and stood calmly by Severus' side.

Severus gave no outward sign that anything was remiss. "Good to see you, Lucius."

"I came to see if you were all right. We haven't spoken in a while." Turning to Hermione, Lucius added, "You will excuse us, won't you, my dear?"

"Actually, may I offer you a drink, Mr. Malfoy?" Hermione asked, and Lucius' eyebrow rose in reaction to her polite offer. "Tea, perhaps?"

"Tea would be lovely," he said, trying to mask the coolness in his tone. As soon as Hermione slipped from the door, she heard him ask Severus," Tea, at this hour? Hardly what I'm usually offered in your home?"

When Hermione was returning, balancing the tea tray and trying to open the door at the same time, she overheard Lucius saying, "Nonsense! It must be rather droll, living with her day in and day out."

"You'd be surprised. I'm starting to enjoy her company. She's really quite intriguing and amiable, actually, and she's been rather helpful. She's quite the little witch."

"Is she really? So, you've been keeping up with her lessons, how droll." Lucius chuckled. "Do you really mean to tell me you've been spending your time with her, brewing potions and holding conversations on Charms and Transfigurations. I thought once you were free of the burdens that the Dark Lord set on you, you'd have had enough with teaching. Still, if you were to have that girl living with you, you'd have to do something to pass the time with the her. I'm sure you've found ways to keep her occupied, and from what I can see, she's quite the domestic. Your sitting room has never looked cleaner. Still, I can't imagine why you couldn't be attracted to someone more, pure?"

"Unlike most, I prefer intelligence and skill to blood," Severus stated smoothly.

Hermione felt a rush of pride at his statement as his words intelligence and skill echoed in her thoughts.

"Yes, you always have," Lucius stated drolly.

"I like her, Lucius," Severus warned his friend.

Hermione was stunned. He likes me?

There was a pause of silence, and Hermione almost pulled the door open before she heard Lucius' voice again. "Does she feel the same way about you?" he asked followed by another pause. "You don't know, do you? You haven't... of course not, she's still your student, isn't she?"

Feeling guilty for listening, Hermione pulled open the door and carried the tea tray in. "I took the liberty of making sandwiches. We don't have any cake, presently," she said, setting the tray down on the coffee table between the books. Severus quickly assisted her in stacking her books aside as Hermione poured the tea, serving Severus first. "Mr. Malfoy, I'm not sure how you take yours," she said as politely as she could feign.

"Cream, no sugar," he stated as Hermione offered Severus a plate of tiny sandwiches. Hermione fixed Lucius' tea and passed him a plate as well, then prepared her cup the way Severus preferred his tea. From the corner of her eye she saw that the gesture wasn't lost on Lucius. "So, you intend to take your N.E.W.T.s? Were you not offered jobs with the Ministry, Hermione?" Lucius asked amicably.

Hermione smiled as the sipped her tea, fighting back the urge to grimace from the lack of sugar. "I was offered honorary N.E.W.T.s as well as my Order of Merlin. However, I prefer to earn my marks, Mr. Malfoy. And since Severus has so graciously agreed to tutor me in exchange for my assistance in his potions lab, I could hardly refuse such an offer. He's a brilliant professor, and I'm honored to be given the privilege. By the way, may I congratulate you on the outcome of your own trial? Have you chosen where you intend to do your community service?"

Lucius sat up straighter, his grey eyes flashing in annoyance. "I have yet to select a worthy cause."

"So, you've decided not to work in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures or the Department of Muggle-Relations?" she asked, watching as Severus tried to hide the fact he nearly choked on his tea. "I was under the impression that Mr. Weasley approved your assignment to the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office."

"You are very well informed," Lucius stated coolly.

"I've many friends in the Ministry, Mr. Malfoy," Hermione replied.

"How is it, Severus, that you managed to escape serving community service?" Lucius asked, redirecting the conversation. "According to the new issues from the Criminal Investigation and The Dark Years War Trials Committee, everyone with the Dark Mark, acquitted or not, must serve atonement to the Wizarding community?"

Severus grinned over his cup. "I've been doing my part Lucius," he stated, smoothly.

"You're being modest!" Hermione exclaimed.

"How so?" Lucius asked, pointedly keeping his eyes on Severus.

"I've been assisting St. Mungo's," Severus stated.

Lucius waited, obviously expecting Severus to elaborate.

Hermione wanted to laugh as she watched the two men. "Severus is still providing much needed potions for victims of the war: antivenins, antidotes and restorative potions. There are several people who are alive because of his efforts," she stated proudly, and Severus gave her a warning look. "Stop being so modest, you're still contributing a valuable service to the wizarding world. I know your efforts are being acknowledged both at St. Mungo's and at the Ministry. Even Minister Shacklebolt has motioned your continued support."

"Indeed," Lucius drawled out slowly. "The next thing you'll be telling me is that Severus will be receiving an Order of Merlin."

Hermione already knew that was in the works. Kingsley and Arthur both told her Severus was up for the honor, the only discussion being which class. The members of the Criminal Investigation and The Dark Years War Trials Committee wanted to give him a first class ward, but the members of the Wizengamot were still debating giving him a second class status. Hermione knew that in the end Severus would get the higher classification if Kingsley had his way. She couldn't help but smile, and Lucius stared at her suspiciously.

"So, Lucius, I understand that Narcissa is up for trial next week," Severus asked, changing the subject. "I understand that Harry Potter is on the list of witnesses. How did she manage to gain his support?"

~o0o~

Two Weeks Later

Hermione had received her N.E.W.T.s scores and was gobsmacked by her Outstandings, even the Outstanding in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Severus wasn't the least bit surprised, but to help her celebrate, offered to take her out to dinner in London rather than be subjected to another rousing dinner display at the Burrow. The elegant restaurant he took her to was lovely and the dinner superb. Severus gave her a teardrop pendant in a beautiful green stone as a graduation gift that literally made Hermione's eyes tear up with happiness, much to Severus' confusion over her reaction.

Severus had even helped Hermione retrieve her parents from Australia. Kingsley Shacklebolt, who'd approved Ministry assistance, personally helped relocate Mr. and Mrs. Granger in their home and reestablish their practice. Anna Maria Fierro of the Accidental Magical Reversal Department had restored both her parents' memories, and Healer Stephen Schnall was able to assure Hermione that the Grangers had not had any lasting damage to their minds. At first the Grangers were furious and hurt by Hermione's actions, and the relationship was strained, but Severus made a visit to the Grangers and explained the danger they had been in and that what Hermione had done had definitely saved their lives. Mrs. Granger took the news only slightly better than Mr. Granger, but after reading all the past Daily Prophet editions Severus had brought for them, they finally realized just how much their daughter had done, not only for them and the Wizarding world but the for Muggle world as well. Hermione knew that it would take time for her relationship with her parents to fully mend, but they were extremely proud of her, and very accepting of Severus, even if they didn't like her living arrangement with him, who they assumed was Hermione's boyfriend.

Hermione had also accepted a position at the Ministry of Magic in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. The head of the department had died in Azkaban before all the Muggle-borns and those arrested for being undesirable had been released. Hermione had been alarmed at how many people of her department had been arrested on all types of charges; mostly anyone who had stood against Umbridge and any segregation or termination legislation against goblins and centaurs. Kingsley had brought back Newt Scamander as acting Head of the department, and Hermione had been assigned to him as an assistant. Their directions were quite clear. They were to evaluate and reorganize the department under the Ministry of Magic's new guidelines, evaluate all staff and reassign appointments as they saw fit.

Hermione liked working with Newt. She'd spent hours on a new department organizational tree, which Newt loved and immediately approved, but the reorganization was taking some time. That and many of the current laws needed to be changed.

Also, since several properties had been confiscated during some of the war trials and there had been several families who had been murdered and their homes simply destroyed for not siding with Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle, there were numerous house-elves that suddenly found that they didn't have a 'house' or a 'family' anymore. Newt spent much of his time in the House-elf Relocations Office, trying to find suitable homes for the homeless and orphaned house-elves. Much to her dismay, Hermione suddenly found she'd been designated as a reasonable recipient for a homeless house-elf and now had two house-elves, even though she technically didn't even have a house. This amused her friends and annoyed Severus greatly, since he didn't like house-elves touching anything in his potions lab.

People walked the street with confidence again, feeling secure and safe to be out in public. Shoppers strolled around, looking in windows and selecting their purchases without bothering to look behind them or between the shops and alleyways. It was safe now that Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle was dead. Or so the delusional thought. Many of the Death Eaters had scattered, still causing trouble occasionally, and Harry and Ron had been quite busy, trying to help round them all up. Severus met with Kingsley, Harry and Ron in private, giving them names or descriptions of the Death Eaters he knew about, and confirming which of those on the Auror list he knew had been active followers and which had been Imperiused.

Ginny had accepted a part-time job, working in Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes until school started in September.

Aruidus Raithwright of Witch Weekly had sent several owls requesting an interview, which Severus sent back after cursing the parchment. Hermione wrote a note each time, telling him how to shrink or straighten his nose, just in case he didn't know the counter spells.

News was that Rita Skeeter was writing a book about Severus' life, Severus Snape: Scoundrel or Saint, and she had owled Severus numerous times, requesting interviews. Hermione tried to warn him she'd invent all kinds of nonsense if he ignored her, but he was furious at her over her article, Death Eater Potions Master Let Off, and refused to even allow Hermione to speak her name in his house. There was a not-too-subtle curse that clamped her lips together each time she mentioned the woman, so Hermione had eventually given up.

She had also started looking for a house. Hermione was considering a quaint cottage on Mariner's Lane in a quiet wizard seaside village near the Pembroke coast or a small Tudor outside of Canterbury. Severus was surprisingly quiet on the subject of Hermione's house hunt, often becoming withdrawn whenever she even mentioned house hunting or specific properties she saw.

~o0o~

Hermione stood off to the side of the great room, watching the couples dance. Narcissa and another tall brunette were talking and laughing to Severus across the room from her. His expression was calm and indifferent. Hermione couldn't believe he'd talked her into coming to the Malfoys' formal acquittal party. Narcissa and Draco were both acquitted on the grounds that they had turned, changed sides before the final battle and made several attempts at fighting against the Death Eaters. Actually, Narcissa severely hexed several Death Eaters for aiming at Draco during the battle, and Draco was credited by Harry as helping him and the Order from inside the castle. Lucius' trial was the more complicated, since he actually had attacked Harry and his friends in the Ministry itself, but his money and remorseful pleas finally won out, and he was given conditional probation and hundreds of community service hours to complete. He'd be working for Arthur Weasley in the Department of Muggle-Relations for nearly three years.

Severus stood in Hermione's doorway, watching her brush out her hair. "It is just a party, Hermione. They are my friends."

Her eyes snapped back to look at his reflection in the mirror in reaction to his compliment, but he was gone. Stunned, Hermione picked up her new black cloak and followed Crookshanks down the hall.

"Hello, Granger," Draco's familiar drawl broke into her reverie.

She turned around, warily. "Hello, Draco. Lovely party."

"My family's parties always are." He sipped on his champagne. "Bet you never thought that you'd be back here, did you?"

"No," she said, finishing her glass. Immediately a house-elf came and replaced it with a new one. "Still, it was very kind of your parents to invite me."

Draco laughed softly. "They didn't. I did." Hermione looked at him, stunned, and he smiled at her amusedly. "Look, you, Potter and Weasley saved my life and then stood up for me during my trial. I wanted to say 'thank you.' Potter and Weasley turned me down. I'm surprised that you didn't."

Hermione's lips curled up a bit at his admission. "You're welcome. Severus asked me to come as well. His invite read 'and guest,' which he said meant me. He argued that I'd been invited twice... Now the second invitation makes sense." She sipped her drink, and the silence between them stretched.

"Would you consider dancing with an old adversary?" he asked teasingly.

Hermione laughed. 'Why, Mr. Malfoy, I'd be delighted."

"Draco, Hermione. Mr. Malfoy is my father tonight."

He led her out to the dance floor and nodded to her before he began to lead her in the measured waltz. He was an amazing dancer, but nevertheless, Hermione still tripped twice. "Not used to this style of dancing?" Hermione shook her head, blushing, and he pulled her closer. "Trust me, relax and just let me lead you. If you just let yourself go and trust me, you'll do just fine."

In the middle of the second song, Hermione finally relaxed enough to enjoy dancing with him. When the tune ended, Draco led her to the edge of the dance floor and kissed her hand. "Thank you," he said, bowing slightly and walked away.

Cardyn Warrington was standing next to Hermione when she turned around. "May I," he asked. He wasn't as smooth a dancer as Draco, but he was a strong lead. After two dances, she was ready to call it quits.

Hermione excused herself, finding a quiet niche next to a marble column. Immediately a house-elf gave her another glass of champagne.

"Are you having a good time, Miss Granger?" Lucius Malfoy asked.

Hermione had just sipped her drink and nearly choked, so she simply nodded. He laughed softly, exchanging her glass for another. "Here, try this one," he said. "Its flavor may suit your taste better." The champagne had a slightly pink blush to it and a different taste, which was both pleasing and refreshing. "May I have the next dance?"

"Um... sure," she said, taking a larger drink from her glass, nearly emptying the contents. Mr. Malfoy smiled and then took her glass from her, capturing her hand. Like his son, he was an excellent dancer, but she had the feeling the dance was for 'show' the way he led her around the floor. When he returned her to her niche, he handed her another flute of the blush-pink champagne and walked off.

Hermione finished her glass, enjoying the refreshing drink, and another house-elf appeared, his big, pale blue eyes looking up at her curiously. "Do miss want another?"

Hermione handed the elf her glass, accepting another with the same pale blush. "Thank you."

"Hermione," Severus said, suddenly beside her. The elf handed him a glass and he accepted it. "Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked, sipping on the champagne.

"Very much so," she replied automatically.

"Liar," he said with an amused smirk. "Come dance with me." He downed his champagne and took her hand. Hermione quickly finished hers; nearly dropping it on the floor, but the elf caught the glass in time and scurried away. Severus was every bit as accomplished a dancer as either Lucius or Draco, and his style was fluid and smooth. They danced several songs before Hermione begged to go out on the terrace for some air.

Lucius gave Severus an odd smile and a nod from where he stood near the open doors. Severus returned the gesture, eyeing Lucius speculatively as he led Hermione past him and outside.

Another elf appeared and gave them both fresh glasses. Hermione crinkled her nose after tasting the champagne. This one wasn't as sweet or refreshing as the other one Lucius had given her. Maybe I just imagined it had tasted different... but the glass the elf had given me tasted the same as the ones he'd given me... Maybe there are two types being served tonight. "How much longer do you wish to stay?" she asked.

"People are already leaving," he stated. "We can go whenever you want."

"I'd like to go now, if you don't mind," she asked. The cool breeze felt good on her skin where the formal robes exposed her neck and shoulders, but she was slightly dizzy and lightheaded. Severus took her hand, guiding her back into the room. They made their farewells to Lucius and Narcissa, and Hermione let him guide her to the front door and out past the garden gate.

Severus pulled her to him, wrapping his arm around her to Apparate them to his home, since she couldn't Apparate directly into the house alone. She rested her head on his shoulder, taking in his scent. The squeezing sensation of Apparation lasted only seconds until they reappeared in his sitting room. "Hermione, are you all right?" he asked after a few minutes when she still hadn't released him.

She mumbled assent, nodding her head, and he tipped her face up, his dark eyes looking into hers with mild concern. The harsh lines of his face were gone. He looked like he did when his mask was down and it was all the invitation she needed. She reached up and kissed him, sliding one hand along his arm and into his hair.

He tried to push away once, but her fingers tightened, trying to draw him to her. Her cloak fell to the floor, followed by his as his arms encircled her momentarily, then slid up to grasp her arms as he tried to push her away from him. "Hermione?"

"Yes," was all she could think to say. She was breathless, her head swimming; she looked up at him, wanting nothing more than to continue kissing him.

After several pounding heart beats, he pulled her into his arms again, and Hermione lifted up onto her tiptoes to kiss him. His responding kiss was ardent and passionate, matching hers with his own pent-up desire. She tightened her arms around him, melding into his kiss, and suddenly felt crushed by the quick feeling of Apparation, finding herself suddenly in the upstairs hallway.

She felt as if she was falling and floating as he kissed her. She ran her hands over his back under his frock coat, wishing the coat and waistcoat would vanish. His arms slid from her waist and back and his hands began to roam freely along her body. Suddenly she felt the wall at her back. His kisses became firm and demanding, and Hermione clung to him, giving in to his demands. He suddenly stopped, panting next to her ear. "We shouldn't," he said, his voice horse and uncertain. "You don't want me."

"Severus, yes. I've – yes, I do," she replied, kissing him again. "I want you...." He tried to push away, but she followed him, pressing her body against his. "I've wanted you since the first time you let your guard down with me." He took another step back and she matched him as if they were dancing. "Somehow this feels right." She swayed on her heels as she tried to kiss him.

"You're drunk," he accused, almost sounding like pleading. She stumbled and his arm went around her waist to steady her.

They were now leaning against the other wall. "I don't care," she said in his ear in a deep purr.

"I do," he groaned.

She leaned back to look him in the eye. "You don't want me?" She was hurt and confused. She wanted him so much and couldn't understand how he could kiss her like he did, and then push her away.

'Merlin's beard, girl, I want you," he said, claiming her mouth again, needy and demanding. She felt him unzip her robe, and she let it fall to her feet. He groaned in her hair when his hands landed on her bare flesh, sliding up from her knickers to her strapless bra. He pushed her away again, and she was about to seriously protest, when he swept her up into his arms and carried her to his bed. He practically ripped off his coat and waistcoat as he leaned down to kiss her.

Hermione quickly reached for his shirt, trying to unbutton it, and he laughed at her, pulling it free and over his head. She immediately grabbed for his belt. "Slow down, girl," he hissed, when her fingernails scratched him.

"I don't want to," she said with a throaty purr. "I want you."

He let his pants fall, kicking his feet free before crawling onto the bed, pushing her down to lie beneath him with a hungry kiss.

Hermione raised her head and shoulders, returning his kiss as he pressed her back down on the bed. Again he stopped, his eyes dark with lust and his breathing heavy. His fingers slid down her skin as his gaze swept down her body. She groaned, with both desire and pleasure, her frustration growing.

"Hermione, have you?" he asked, looking at her intently, his dark eyes still showing his desire for her. "Have you... ever before?" he asked between her kisses.

"Please, I want you..." she pleaded, shaking her head slightly, still trying to kiss him. "I want to feel you...."

He pulled away again. "Are you sure?" His mouth lowered so that it hovered just above hers. "Hermione, is this what you want?"

She pulled him down to her. "Yes," she nearly growled lustily....

Author's note: