Stubborn and In Love

~o0o~

The next morning Hermione awoke with her head on Severus' shoulder, their arms intertwined. She was still a bit sore from their lovemaking the night before, but oddly content and deeply satisfied, even though her head hurt, and the soft light coming streaming through the bed hangings bothered her eyes.

Severus was shifting a lock of her hair from her face. He rolled her to her back, rising up on an elbow, looking at her with an odd expression that was both curious and concerned. "Are you all right?" he asked softly.

She scrunched the blankets tightly to her chest. "Did we?" she asked and berated herself. The evening was slowly piecing itself back together in her mind around the throbbing in her head. "I mean, I'm sorry if I, um..." He crinkled his brow, and she took a deep breath letting it out slowly. "Of course we did..."

His hand fell to the blankets over her stomach. "I'm sorry, I should have recognized the effects," he said. "Hermione, I – I'm sorry."

"Should have recognized what exactly?" she asked, confused. "If I remember right, I practically attacked you."

His lips curled in to an amused smirk. "Yes, you did, although I didn't do anything to stop you," he said, then smiled. "The first time."

She looked at his chest. "I think you did, once in the sitting room... and in the hallway and again... You asked me if I was sure, then..." Her eyes returned to his face. "The first time? This was our first time... Oh! Each part was a time?" He nodded and she blushed.

"So how are you feeling?" he asked, concerned.

"Odd... I woke up feeling content... surprised, but satisfied... but my head hurts, and I'm glad the drapes are drawn," she stammered. "I'm not sure what came over me to behave like I did."

"I should get you a Hangover Potion? Are you sore?" he asked tenderly.

"Severus?"

"Yes?"

"I don't know how to say this..." she stammered, her eyes diverted from his face. How do you tell someone that what happened...? That you think you did something you didn't mean to? She stared at his hand as he moved his arm to rest it on his side. "Please don't hate me, but I think we were slipped something at the party."

"Yes. I'm sure of it. I don't think it was a love potion – not Lucius' style. I think it was a lust potion."

"A lust potion? How dare he – how could he – the champagne! He didn't!" she looked at him aghast.

She could read regret in his eyes, and she felt hurt by the expression. "Yes, Hermione, he dares, he could, and I'm quite certain he did. I don't know which one, so I'll need your morning urine to find out."

"Mine?"

"Yes, yours. Both of ours, but yours would be best. You were affected more strongly than I was," he explained before she could protest. "Oh, I was under the influence, too, but you obviously had more of the potion. You were insatiable last night."

"I thought that champagne tasted different. Sweeter, more refreshing, pleasing... So he gave it to me – so that I'd...?" She could feel her cheeks burn. "I need to get up." She suddenly realized she had to walk across the room to get to the loo, and she was still naked. "Will you... do you mind turning your head?"

"Leave your urine in a cup on the counter. It's important, Hermione. If this is a simple lust potion, we are through it. If there is something else, I need to know in case I need to make an antidote."

She looked up at him, gobsmacked. "What you're saying is that it could be permanent?"

He sighed. "If it's a lust potion, no, it will fade. But the Malfoy library is extensive, and not all his books are kept out in plain view. If Lucius gave us a lust potion, there could very well be something more to it. I won't know until I can analyze your urine."

*

Hermione was watching Severus intently during breakfast: the way he held his fork, the way he held his cup... the way he sipped his tea. She noticed that for some reason she was far too preoccupied with his hands to look at him when he asked her a question. A lust potion... I just spent the night in his bed – making love – and it was nothing more than a lust potion... She couldn't stop thinking about the fact that her first time was with Severus. But he wanted me, too... I think he did. He's never given any indication to me that he felt anything like this... So the only reason he did was because of a potion? The thought was disturbing to her. Still, each time she did look him in the face this morning, her eyes immediately fell to his mouth.

"I tried to do a contraception charm, but I'd fallen asleep at one point. I... Hermione, do you take a contraception potion?"

"Huh?" she asked, forcing her attention away from his lips.

He set down his fork. "Hermione, have you even heard one word I've spoken?"

"Yes! You asked if I wanted to help you with the antidote, then told me it may be better if I did something else, like work in your garden. You were telling me about which plants I should be careful of and which to just cut back. I think you said that I should save any of the night-briar berries since you wanted to keep them and not to hack the fanged ivy too much. Then I think you said I should... um... take a potion..." She had to shake her head to think as he took another bite of eggs.

"Hermione, it's disconcerting having someone stare at you while you're eating."

"Huh?" she asked again, shaking her head.

"If we are together, this – whatever this is – will grow stronger. It may take me a week to brew the antidote, therefore, it might be best if you go to the Burrow for a while. If you stay here, we will have sex again."

The determined tone of his voice both thrilled and surprised her. "You mean you want to – with me – again?"

"Hermione, I'm a man. We always want to. But I don't like the idea of taking advantage of you or being under the influence of a potion." She looked up at him, unsure how she felt at the news. "The contentedly satisfied feeling you are feeling will fade within hours, or by nightfall, depending on the potion and you – we'll driven to copulate again." His words sunk in, and she looked down, embarrassed. "I'd rather you have a clear head to think about this before I – we – if we do... Please, look at me when I'm talking to you."

~o0o~

Finally Alone

The silence around him became uncomfortably heavy, like humidity on a muggy day. He picked up a book, hoping that he could alleviate the quiet with the comfort of the written word while the potion he'd been brewing simmered. He dismissed the unease he felt, not willing to admit that it was too quiet with her gone. When he opened the book to the marker, he realized that it wasn't his, it was hers. Irritably, he removed the slip of parchment about to crumple it when he recognized her tiny, delicate script.

Severus,

Hermione Granger

Severus read and re-read the note in disbelief, fingering the delicate piece of parchment, then simply stared at it for a moment, contemplating her words. He placed the note between the pages of his book further toward the end and began to read from where he'd left off. The subtle hint of a smile curled one side of his mouth as he read.

~o0o~

Requests

Hermione paced around Percy's old room as she considered the request Amos Diggory had given her. It helped to concentrate on work, to keep her mind off Severus. Nevertheless, he haunted her dreams each night and filled her mind whenever she closed her eyes.

As usual, Amos was being a bit too stern in his decisions, and his proposal was a bit overzealous. He was obviously not too happy with the idea of having goblins actually working in the Goblin Liaison Office and not too happy with her choice of Hagrid as Centaur Liaison officer since the centaurs would not come to the Ministry. Besides the Centaur Liaison officer had very little to do since the centaurs very rarely, if ever, used the services of the office, so Hagrid could keep his job at Hogwarts and easily do both. He only had to come in to the Ministry for monthly staff report meetings. In addition, Cuthbert Mockridge, who was head of the Goblin Liaison Office, didn't seem to mind having two goblins in his office as it made his job easier. Still, the new reorganization of the department was taking some getting used to. Not that she blamed them. Change was difficult. Then there was her proposal to have Danny Fitzgerald and Gaven Dougherty both working in the newly organized Werewolf Liaison Office. She easily convinced both Newt and Kingsley of her idea, and Danny and Gaven were hired that same day. The problem was that no one else wanted a werewolf actually working at the Ministry, let alone two.

A horned owl landed in her open window, holding his leg out to her. She thanked the bird, giving it a treat and opened her letter. A pretty green vial rolled into her hand.

Dear Hermione,

SS

Hermione read and re-read the note several times, lifting the parchment up to her nose, and was just able to make out the subtle scent of herbs and smoke that she associated with him. She felt a deep pang of regret at the remorseful tone of the letter. She sat down on the bed to analyze exactly what he'd written. His indiscretion... He blames himself? The potion enhances... I didn't lust after him, did I? He said that the potion doesn't create lust. Nevertheless, she knew that she'd been lusting after Severus Snape ever since that morning. Hermione swallowed the potion in the vial and waited for the potion to affect her. She didn't feel any different.

Hermione rose and walked back to the window, reading the message again. She could imagine him leaning over his desk as he wrote out the tiny script, the ends of his black hair sweeping the parchment. She wondered if he was still taking baths every other day and smiled, remembering the first time she bathed him in his engorged roasting pot. Had I known how incredible you'd feel making love to me, I wouldn't have disillusioned you. She wondered how he would have reacted if she'd been brazen enough to touch him, caress him in the soapy water. He'd have shoved me away, or worse, tried to hex me. But the thought of washing him again, rubbing her hands on his skin in his bath wouldn't leave her. Everything reminded her of him, the green in the trees, the soft wafting breeze carrying in the scents of the herbs and flowers from Mrs. Weasley's garden, Percy's school banner on the wall, the green and blue rug on the floor, the scent of her shampoo she still used – his formula... Oh, this is madness. I need to concentrate on work and how Newt and I are going to thwart Amos from undoing the progress we've made with Goblin relations!

*

Hermione crossed the street, quickly heading to the small café that she liked, simply because they made the best soups. She had just opened her menu when several sheaves of parchment landed on the menu in front of her.

Dear Master Snape,

I was most elated when word reached me at Dust and Mildew that you are considering submitting a manuscript for a Potions book and that you want to publish your versions of the Potions books currently used by the students attending Hogwarts. Miss Hermione Granger informs me that...

The second one read:

Dear Master Snape,

We at Hardingcot and Waverly are delighted to hear that you are considering writing a Potions book and may be considering revising the existing books used at Hogwarts. I would be favorable to meeting with you at your...

She picked up the third letter on the pile.

Dear Master Snape,

I would like to inform you that we at Obscurus Book would be most interested in reviewing your manuscript for your Potions book...

"How could you invade my privacy and expose my personal information to these people, not to mention that you broke my confidence in you by doing so – against my expressed wishes that you not tell anyone about my annotations and personal notations in my school books," he snarled before she could read the fourth or the fifth letters.

"I didn't!" she said, looking up at an irate Severus Snape. "I merely inquired if there would be an interest in any transcript that you might write in the field of Potions. I assure you I broke no confidences..."

"Then explain these letters!" he said coolly as he sat down. "If you did not break my confidence and mention my annotations, how did they know..."

"All right!" she dropped her menu on the table and handed him back his letters. "I wrote to these publishing offices and asked if there might be an interest. I said that the existing Potions books were outdated and that you'd be able to update them and in many instances improve the potions' directions. That's all. I promise."

He sat, staring at her as if deciding whether he believed her.

The noise of the street didn't dim the silence that stretched between them.

"I've missed you," she said demurely, finally ending the silence. "How have you been? You never return my owls anymore..." She paused when the waiter showed up. She ordered the mahi mahi sandwich and soup of the day, and he smirked in amusement at her choice. "Do you want anything?"

"I'll have the same," he replied and crossed his arms as he leaned back in his chair. "Why?"

The waiter nodded and took the menu away.

"Why, what?"

"Why did you do this?" he asked, indicating the letters.

Hermione stared at the letters. "Tell me that you can't rewrite the school's Potions books, improve and update the directions and not only make the directions better, but easier to follow, improving the quality of the potions, and I'll apologize." He looked at her with a contemplative stare and Hermione smiled. "See, you can't. I know you too well. You were surprised by the requests, flattered momentarily, your ego was sufficiently stroked, and then you became angry because you'd thought I'd expressed more than I did." She watched his eyes narrow as he considered what she said. "The truth is that I've seen your Advanced Potion Making, and your annotations were brilliant. Harry never did better in Potions before." She ignored his raised eyebrow. "You'd make a fortune, become famous for something positive, and you could move from your father's house, which you love so much, and possibly receive another award for your bookshelves."

He scowled at her last comment.

Lunch arrived. "So, tell me, what have you been doing with yourself?" she asked.

"Brewing potions and reading," he said, smirking at her.

She smiled as she sipped her soup. "I miss those times with you."

"Do you," he said, placing his napkin on his lap.

Hermione smiled and quickly placed hers on her lap, knowing that he preferred proper table manners. "Yes, I really do."

*

Hermione came back to her quaint, two-story Tudor cottage carrying a new book, having had just had dinner with Severus again. He'd given her a signed copy of his Beginning Magical Potions, which he said he'd been very surprised to receive back with such an enthusiastic response from his publisher. So, he told her that he'd submitted his revised version of Magical Drafts and Potions to his publisher earlier that week. Hermione had asked him how he was able to write the draft so quickly, and he'd smiled, opening up the book to the credits, and she saw her name listed as a research assistant. "You did most of the preliminary work copying my annotations into your journals," he'd replied. "So I gave you credit for your assistance."

She'd stared at her name in print with an odd sense of gratitude, lovingly caressing the page. She'd been delighted to know that he'd accepted an offer to publish his books and was amazed that he'd gift her with a first print of his book. That alone had meant the world to her.

Hermione carried the book to her sitting room, placing the book on her shelves and stood back, still staring at Severus' gift. She finally picked up her new copy of Jeffery Archer's Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less and curled up in her favorite chair by the fireplace to read.

*

Severus sat casually in the booth of the bistro, his fingers caressing the coffee cup in front of him. He'd listened to Hermione talk about her work, discussing his views on the changes she'd implemented during the light dinner. They were there actually to celebrate the Order of Merlin, First Class, that Kingsley had awarded Severus earlier that day in a small hors d'oeuvres reception that had been held in his honor, but the evening had grown into much more than that and it was now really late. Hermione never really realized just how much she had missed just being able to talk to this man.

When the waiter brought them dessert, Severus pulled a wrapped package out of his pocket. "I have something for you."

"For me?" Hermione asked, taking the offered gift. She knew immediately that it was a book. "What...?"

"Open it," he said, smiling.

"We came here to celebrate your achievement; I should be giving you the gifts not the other way around." She untied the ribbon and unwrapped his newest Potions book, Magical Drafts and Potions, fresh off the presses and signed by the author. "It's out already? Oh, Severus, this is wonderful. Thank you!"

"I'm glad you approve," he replied. "I think you should know I pulled Potter aside to demand the return of my Advanced Potions book."

Hermione nearly choked on her tea. "You didn't! What did he say? He treasures that book."

"I got the impression he was rather miffed that I insisted to have it retuned to me," Severus said smoothly. "Do you know that the insufferable boy had the audacity to refuse? He didn't want to relinquish the book to me unless I promised that he'd get a copy of the new book when it came out."

"Severus, the reason he doesn't want to give the book up is because of all your annotations and the spells you wrote in the book," she admitted. "Still, I could probably get the book from him if you'd like."

"Yes, Hermione, I definitely want my book back." He paused, sipping his coffee. "If Potter wanted to copy my annotations, I cannot stop him, but yes, please see if he will relinquish it to you. I suppose you can tell him I will get him a copy of my book after it's published."

"So, you're going to rewrite Advanced Potion Making?" she asked, tasting the cheesecake he'd ordered for them.

Severus took a forkful of the cheesecake before answering. "Yes, I'm taking the advice of a remarkable witch and improving and updating the directions of the school's Potions books. As you so delicately pointed out, not only can I make the potions better by improving the directions and filling in the missing steps, but I made the directions easier to follow. Although, there are still those incompetent dunderheads who will still melt cauldrons and explode even the simplest of potions."

When the check arrived, Severus laid the appropriate amount of coins on the table and rose. He assisted Hermione with her coat, keeping his hand on the small of her back as he escorted her from the restaurant to the Apparation site. "Severus, the dinner was delightful, and I love my book. Thank you."

"It's my pleasure," he said as he kissed her hand before he stood back to watch her Apparate home.

*

Several weeks later at another dinner date, he gave her a signed copy of Intermediate Potions and Draughts, which was his O.W.L. level book. Hermione already knew that his publisher was thrilled and had expressed his delight that Severus' books were on the Hogwarts book list for the upcoming year.

Severus told her that his manuscript for his revised Advanced Potion Making for N.E.W.T. students was nearly complete and that he would submit it for publication by the end of the week. He walked her to her door, pausing to face her in the dim light of her porch light. "Hermione, the annual dinner of the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers is going to be next week, and I'd like to have you attend with me. I have been informed that I'm to receive the Hector Dagworth-Granger award for my contributions during the war, and it would mean a lot if you'd be there."

"Oh, my gosh, Severus, that's wonderful! I'd love to go!" she said, clutching her new book to her chest.

Severus placed his hand on her cheek as he stepped closer to her. "Thank you. Having you with me, by my side, will be an honor." He placed a feather light kiss on her lips before he bade her goodnight, waiting until she closed her door before he walked to her garden gate and Disapparated.

*

Hermione emerged from the Ministry, carrying a large leather Muggle briefcase and a large leather tote in the other hand. She crossed the street, heading to the quaint small café that had recently opened up in Hogsmeade. Shortly after sitting at a table on the outside patio, the waiter walked over and asked how her day was going, leaving three menus on the table and three cups for tea. She'd sent an owl to Headmistress McGonagall, requesting that Ginny be allowed to meet with her to discuss something important, not really alluding to what that actually was. She'd been delighted to have her request approved.

All right, Ginny or Harry will be arriving soon. No – Harry is in Exeter today, chasing down a lead on that Death Eater, Jiggers. But Ginny is due here any minute. Ginny had said that both she and Harry liked the food here and the service was fast. Hermione only had half an hour to eat anyway. She looked up from rummaging in her briefcase for a file. Ginny Weasley had just appeared on the street next to the café, right as the waiter brought the pot of tea. Oh, thank Merlin. No sooner had Ginny sat down than Mr. Weasley joined them.

"Ginny, Hermione, are you all right?" Mr. Weasley asked, placing an affectionate arm on Ginny's shoulder in a quick hug and taking a seat. "Thank you for inviting me. What's good here?"

Hermione was surprised to see him. As Head of the Muggle-Relations Department, which included the Muggle-born Liaison Office and oversaw the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, he'd been really busy as of late, so having him join them for lunch was really unexpected. Mr. Weasley had also implemented a new Muggle-born Misuse of Magic Office, which monitored and handled all actions regarding under-age magic in Muggle homes that had underage wizard children, which had been created during the reorganization of the Ministry of Magic. Harry had bemoaned that such an office would have been right useful to him growing up and would have solved half of his Ministry problems when he'd been living with the Dursleys.

"I... um," Hermione said, then saw Ginny mouth, 'I asked him.'

"Right," Hermione replied, smiling.

Ginny smiled with relief. "Nearly everything is, Dad, although if you order the house salad, ask them to go light on the pepper."

Arthur looked at each girl in turn. "So, Ginny, how's school?"

Ginny tried to tell him it was fine while not choking on her tea.

"Fine, then," he said turning quickly to Hermione. "Hermione, do you like working at the Ministry? I know you had your heart set on going back to school full time."

She had just taken a drink of her tea and it scalded her tongue. "No, it's fine. I was able to take my N.E.W.T.s, and Severus practically taught me everything I'd have had in school anyway. I've been able to continue on my own well enough. I don't feel like I've missed out on too much."

"So. How is the job? I hear that Newt practically has you running the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures?" Ginny added, to give her a moment to swallow. "I read every day about your changes and reorganization. I actually approve, by the way, of how you re-organized the Werewolf Liaison Offices."

"Yes, Newt and I redefined the Being and Beast Departments by creature or being and placed all the Beings under one large Magical Brethren Relations Department, and moved the Werewolf Registry Office into the Werewolf Liaison Office, although the Werewolf Capture Unit was reallocated to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Hermione sighed heavily, shaking her head, and then smiled. "Newt liked my idea of appointing Amos Diggory as head of the Magical Brethren Relations Department," she stated. "We have two house-elf matriarchs working in the House-elf Liaison Office, and Bane requested that Hagrid be appointed as Liaison Officer for them in the Centaur Liaison Office. Hagrid doesn't have to do much but owl in the centaur herds' responses and grievances as well as their replies to inquiries. Makes him feel good to do something for them, though."

"I know about that; he couldn't wait to tell me when I got to Hogwarts," Ginny said, smiling.

"I heard that you also have two goblins on the Goblin Liaison Office?" Mr. Weasley asked. "Mockridge, I believe, told me. Amos was flustered when last I saw him."

"Yes, having the goblins at the Ministry caused a bit of a turmoil until Kingsley and Harry sent out their memos of support. I'm actually getting to know the goblins better. Of course, Bill is a huge help in that arena, and Amos Diggory is all right about it now."

Ginny laughed. "Bill said that the goblins at the bank are thrilled."

Mr. Weasley looked over to Hermione, his face very serious. "I've been hearing your name a lot in Magical Law Enforcement. The old Hit Squad crew and apparently the Werewolf Capture Unit have all been angry about something and have started a petition."

Hermione smiled. "I'm not surprised. I just got Kingsley's support on regulations that prohibit unauthorized attacks on registered werewolves unless it is during a full moon, and even then it is preferable to subdue and capture the werewolves rather than kill them. All the hit squads must report any complaints to the Liaison Office heads before attacking any creature or being supported by a Liaison Office, unless it's an emergency situation. That includes werewolves that have complied with the Liaison Offices Ordinance to secure themselves during a full moon and to have their compliance verified by a member of the office. St. Mungo's has a new clinic that offers the afflicted a safe place to change each month and provides them the Wolfsbane Potion, although they are still waiting for Ministry sanction."

"Just be careful, Hermione," Mr. Weasley warned. "I know that there are a lot of us that support all these new changes you, Harry, Kingsley, Wilkins, Davidson and Roberts are making... But still, wizardkind doesn't take to change quickly. There have been many radical changes lately, and a few are restless, even if the changes are for the better."

"I know that my new divisions in my department have made a big difference in Magical Brethren Relations," she said. "But, I'll keep your fatherly advice in mind, I promise. Oh, there is to be a new statue in the atrium by the wall. Although, the commissioned artist has stated that she wants each member of the Magical Brethren to be represented fairly, and each Liaison Office in my department has to approve of her model before she will start. She also wants to have a member of each group select someone to represent them. The centaurs have already selected Firenze."

"Who's that?" Ginny asked, curious, then laughed. "I mean who's the artist?"

Hermione laughed. "Luna Lovegood. Did you know she was an artist? Painter and sculptress. She says she wants to portray the Members of the Magical Brethren life size and realistically."

Ginny smiled. "I know Luna can paint really well. I've seen – saw her bedroom. She had each of us: you, me, Harry, Neville and Ron. She painted all of us on her ceiling, larger than life and realistic enough that you'd think our faces could talk."

"I remember, it was eerie seeing our faces looking down on us, but it's also flattering I suppose." Hermione looked at her watch. "Oh, I have to go! I have an appointment with Kingsley regarding the department monthly reports and a possible appointment with the Wizengamot." She pulled out some money to leave on the table. "Ginny, if you can... can I see you soon? I really need to talk to you... about something personal."

Ginny, scrunched her face in confusion. "Sure, how about we meet next Hogsmeade weekend?"

"Perfect," she replied, hurrying from the table, "owl me and let me know when it will be – but please – I want to talk with you soon."

*

It was a few weeks later at another dinner date when Severus handed Hermione a signed copy of Advanced Potions Making. "Oh, my goodness, you're done with it already?" she asked, flipping through the pages of the book, admiring the detailed illustrations on the margins of the pages. The plants looked so lifelike, Hermione was surprised she couldn't smell them.

He leaned back in his chair, watching her face with a casual ease. "Yes, I finished it. The work on this book went much faster than I anticipated. My publisher is amazed at how quickly I'm turning in my manuscripts, but I have to admit that the journals you wrote out while you were living in my house are really the reason why. You were very thorough. I have of course given you acknowledgement for your contribution as my assistant." Hermione blushed when she saw her name listed in the credits again, then looked up at him, feeling extremely flattered. Severus smiled smugly, clearly amused. "I'm also currently working on my own potions books, a personal project. I should have two more books done soon," he continued.

"So you are becoming quite the proficient author," she said, feeling so proud of his success.

"I've always been a proficient at everything I do," he said smoothly and Hermione blushed. "Even when teaching, I was doing my own work on the side. I do have to admit, though, I do like receiving credit for the years of research and work I've done in potions, although you're the only one I've ever confessed it to."

"I was reading the latest in the monthly journal for the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers. I was furious with Wendell Wainwrite for saying that you were simply riding on Jigger's coattails. I thought that most unfair." Hermione paused as the waiter brought a slice of cheesecake to the table. "I'm glad you've been publishing your books. Ginny said that Professor Helmenstine is already using your books for her lessons."

"Yes, she requested copies of each of my books and has a standing order at Flourish and Blotts to receive each one as soon as they are released," he said, taking a bite of the decadent dessert. "Jullianette Helmenstine is an accomplished Potioneer. Hogwarts was lucky to procure her."

"Rita Skeeter's book has recently come out. Have you seen it?" Hermione was so glad he was finally receiving the credit he so richly deserved, but smiled, knowing how tightly Severus guarded his private life from everyone. Years of spying still left a cautious and secretive nature to his personality she knew would never go away. "You must be so flattered," she teased him.

Severus raised his eyebrow at her comment, obviously not sure if she was jesting with him or not. "It's trivial nonsense and speculation, and nothing but unadulterated rumors."

"It's a best seller," she said grinning. "It's making you a household name."

He snorted in derision. "I was a professor for twenty years and highly active in the war. Thanks to the Daily Prophet's articles during my trial, I hardly needed her insipid book for wizards and witches to remember my name."

Hermione couldn't help smiling all through dessert. "I'm still surprised you didn't want to return to Hogwarts."

"No, I want a quiet life, Hermione." He looked at her and tilted his head, his eyes narrowing with mirth. "It's nice to not have masters, overlords, supervising monitors and the responsibility of dunderhead students demanding my every waking hour. Or having the threat of Azkaban hanging over my head. As you once said, I won my freedom, I have my life back, and I'd like to live it my way for a change."

"I think you deserve it," she said, meaning every word. He'd changed so much in the last few months she'd known him. There was a calmness about him now, although he was still very much in control of his emotions and expressions and still surly and cantankerous occasionally, though not as frequently.

He walked her to her door and kissed her tenderly when they said good night. He waited until she closed her door before he turned and walked to her garden gate. Hermione watched him from her window as he stood, looking at the house for a few minutes before he Disapparated. She wondered what he'd been looking for or if he'd been checking the wards on her house. He'd insisted on setting the protective wards on her home, refusing to believe she had set plenty herself. His caring thoughtfulness toward her safety made her smile.

Hermione turned and carried her new book to her favorite chair to read before bed. Crookshanks mewed to be picked up as soon as she sat down, and he curled gingerly in her lap, laying his head and one paw on her stomach, looking up at her. She stroked his fur, thinking back on the conversation that evening. She felt uneasy and not a bit guilty, berating herself for not telling him what she had been putting off telling him. She'd had a good time with Severus, but she'd avoided asking him what she'd intended to once again.

*

It was nearly the middle of October when Hermione entered the door of her cottage, smiling from another date with Severus, carrying his two new books, Creating Solutions, Salves and Unctions, and Basic Healing Potions. Severus had mentioned her in the dedication of Basic Healing Potions, which had stunned Hermione so that her eyes had even begun to tear up. "In case I need a personal Healer again," he'd said with his usual dry wit, which had made her laugh.

Still, that night when Hermione curled up on her favorite chair, she felt uneasy. Dinner and the walk along the seaside cliff had been lovely. She had told him about accepting the position on the Wizengamot and of course how things were going in her Department. Her promotion to department head hadn't surprised him at all, and he'd been very proud of her. They discussed the latest developments of the Spattergroit Potion and Whymemerger Draught. They even discussed the new werewolf clinic and how Severus' community service was going at St. Mungo's. Hermione had been pleased to hear that Master Harold Grunmaker had been giving Severus a free hand in the Potions Department, allowing him to do research on any case he chose. Severus admitted that he didn't mind the terms Master Grunmaker had set for him. It was more like being an employee than serving a probationary period, and his friend was counting any time he spent in his own lab as hours served as well, which would shorten his time considerably. He even confessed that he might continue the position after his probation was concluded if Master Grunmaker would accept continuing with the current arrangements.

Severus' kiss at her door was warmer and more passionate than on previous nights, making Hermione's toes curl in her boots. "Do you want to come in?" she asked, as she slowly opened her eyes.

His dark eyes seemed to penetrate her soul as he watched her face. "Yes, I want to, but it's late. Another time, perhaps."

Hermione had a hard time controlling the sense of disappointment at his words. "Okay. I had a lovely time tonight."

"As did I," he said, kissing her cheek and walking away. It was the first time he hadn't waited until she was inside before he walked to her garden gate.

He stopped and turned, waiting next to the lilacs and climbing roses. Hermione waved and turned to go inside, hearing the crack of his Disapparation as she closed the door.

The evening had been perfect, the food, the conversation, even the sunset before dinner and the walk along the cliffs after. Nevertheless, she'd allowed him to lead the conversation, avoiding the one subject she'd told herself that she would have with him. Hermione was quite frustrated with herself as she plopped down in her favorite chair. Even Crookshanks, curled up in her lap with his head and paw on her stomach, purring as she stroked his fur, couldn't soothe away her anxiety. Oh, why didn't I just pluck up the nerve and tell him? The truth was, she'd lost her nerve. Well, I'll be seeing Ginny in a week or two... But at this point, Hermione just wanted the comfort of her friend more than anything else.

*

Hermione had been avoiding everyone. She was worried. The wine and cheese sat on her coffee table, and there was a pitcher of pumpkin juice as well. Ron was due any minute, and she wasn't sure what to say. Nevertheless, her mind was made up, and they needed to talk if they were going to salvage their friendship. If he avoided her again, she was going to ask Harry and Ginny or Fred and George to intervene. The knock on the door made her nearly jump out of her skin.

It wasn't Ron.

"Flowers," the man said, behind a huge bouquet of roses, lilies, orchids, Delphinium Belladonna, lisianthus and sweet stock. "Please sign here."

"Thank you," she said, taking the bouquet and closing the door. Damn. They aren't from Ron, that's for sure. The card simply read: To someone lovely.

*

Severus' The Anthology of Venoms and Poisons in Potions was due to come out, and already there was a waiting list. His Antidotes of the Dark Potions of the Dark Arts and To Reverse the Most Potent of Potions and Poisons was released on Halloween weekend, listing all the antidotes and counter-reactive potions Severus had provided during his years under Albus Dumbledore, as well as many of the potions and poisons the Dark Lord and Death Eaters used. Basically, it amounted to twenty-two years of his life, seventeen of which he had served as Potions master and Head of Slytherin House at Hogwarts. Her copies of the three books, signed of course, were sitting beside her, tied up in a black ribbon.

Ironically, Hermione knew from their date that Severus had started these three books the year Albus made him Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. The book reviews said that his books were hard to read, the directions blunt and straightforward, and many of the potions and antidotes that were listed were very difficult and complicated. However, he'd told Hermione over dinner that his publisher said that every Healer and Potions Brewer or Master of Potions in three countries seemed to have ordered copies. His three books were estimated to become the must-have books for all medical and potions practitioners. He'd sent a copy of each to Professor Helmenstine and two copies of each to Minerva as a gift for the Restricted Section of the new library. Madam Pince had been thrilled.

On a wet evening, Hermione met Severus for dinner, carrying with her a copy of an article praising her new appointment to the Wizengamot and promotion to Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures since she'd been acting as department head under Newt since her hire. He gave her a copy of his newest book, Effusions, Essences and Extracts, the Basics of Bases, which he warned wasn't so basic and was well above O.W.L. level. They talked amiably about everything. Hermione sipped her water as Severus sipped his wine, commenting that he doubted that the proprietor had added any potions to the wine. She'd just bit her lip, blushing and laughed at his comment.

"So, Hermione," he said, his finger tracing the rim of his glass. "When were you going to tell me?"

"Tell you what?" she asked, looking at him confused.

"About the baby."

He can't know! She nearly choked on her water. "What...? How...?" I'm just starting to... No, that's not true... However, it's not that obvious under robes!

He simply arched an eyebrow and waited for her to tell him.

"When did you find out?" she asked. I'm not showing that obviously yet – how'd he know?

He cocked his eyebrow again. "Tell me honestly, did you or did you not take the Contraception Potion I gave you?"

"I couldn't. I don't know why, but I simply couldn't." Hermione had to pull her eyes away from watching his finger slide along the rim of his glass. "I don't know what made me do it. I know it was foolish, but I just couldn't bring myself to drink it. I know it would have aborted the baby if I'd conceived, and I really – just couldn't do that. I'm sorry. I poured it down the drain." His expression told her that he'd expected as much, and she dropped her gaze to her hands that lay folded on her lap.

"And the antidote, did you take that?"

Hermione nodded, still refusing to look him in the eye.

He was silent of a long while. "Hermione, look at me." She lifted her chin and looked at his dark eyes, meeting his scrutinizing stare. "Did you?"

She nodded and looked away. "It made no difference at all. I couldn't help thinking about you. Ron and I are... well, we'll only ever be friends."

"I came tonight to tell you I've moved," he said, and she could feel his stare even without turning to look. "However, there is something more important that you and I obviously need to discuss."

*

"His name is going to be Hugh Severus," she said, taking the baby from the Midwitch.

"No, Hermione, I don't think so," Severus said, laughing from the doorway. "Severus? I always hated the name as a child." He walked in and stood by her bedside.

Mrs. Weasley gently took the baby from Hermione and turned to allow Severus to hold his son while the Midwitch cleaned Hermione up. "Go on, don't you want to hold your son?" Mrs. Weasley asked. Severus cocked his eyebrow at her and Mrs. Weasley laughed. "Go on, it's easy... just support his bottom and his head."

"So, you're going to use your grandfather's name for him then?" he asked, staring at Hugh's tiny face, checking out the infant's nose and mop of dark curly hair. "If you are insistent on choosing one of my names, my maternal grandfather's name was Talfryn. I'd rather not use Severus or Eugene."

Hermione and Mrs. Weasley smiled, watching Severus examine his son as if looking for defects. "Hugh was my mother's father, too," Hermione said. "I'll name him Hugh Talfryn, then." Hermione smiled as the quill hovering over the birth record recorded the names.

"Snape," Severus said authoritatively.

"Pardon?" the Midwitch asked. "Miss?"

"Snape," he repeated firmly. "He's mine, Hermione, he will have my name."

"Yes, dear, you're the father," Hermione said, grinning as the quill added Snape to Hugh's record. "Or so you have reminded everyone here, numerous times."

"Yes, Mrs. Snape, I have," he said, placing the small infant in her arms and kissing her forehead.

"I'm still only your fiancée, Severus," she reminded him cheekily.

"Only for the next two months," he said with an amused smirk. "You are my witch none the less, and he's my son."

Hermione smiled as she adjusted Hugh at her breast and looked up at Severus, still beaming. "Yes, we are."

~Fin~