Sunday in the Park

Summary: Severus Snape loses a magical bet. The consequences? The Tango! My answer to the codpiece challenge on Wiktt. HG/SS

Disclaimer: The characters, settings, etc., of the Harry Potter series are not mine; they belong to J.K. Rowling and Co. I promise to return them when I am through. Well, most of them anyway.

~~~ Dances with Witches ~~~

Chapter 43 – Sunday in the Park

Severus smiled as he listened with half an ear to Hermione discussing the next lecturer they were about to hear. His mood had mellowed a bit, lunch having gone better than he'd expected. He didn't trust Tenbrook, but he didn't seem quite the evil Severus first thought him to be. This was the last lecture Hermione wanted to attend. A quick stop at the Trade Hall to order a glass cauldron and the rest of the evening and tomorrow would belong to them. A pleasing thought that actually brought a smile to his lips.

"...When she spoke at Cambridge. It's such a shame she chose next year to take her sabbatical. I would have loved to study under another woman. Oh, well. I'm just glad I could hear her speak again before she takes off for America." Hermione guided Severus into Room 308 and headed for the back of the room.

"She? Who's the next speaker?"

Hermione shook her head. "Professor Morley. Have you been listening to anything I said?"

Years spent as a spy allowed Severus to develop the ability to listen to several conversations at once while gleaning the meaning from each. A talent that proved most useful when large groups of Death Eaters gathered. His practice of distancing himself from the others created an invaluable diversionary tactic, enabling him to move unhindered from group to group and eavesdrop on several conversations at once.

He recited, in a Hermione-like manner, her comments regarding Professor Morley. "One of the more interesting lecturers you've had this year at Cambridge. Well-respected and recognised in the field of potions. Going on sabbatical to America early next year; therefore, regrettably unavailable to apprentice with, as you would have welcomed the possibility of studying with another woman in a field overwhelmed by men. The Symposium has provided a great opportunity to hear her speak." It was typical of the type of answers she would've given him as a student. "You did, however, neglect to mention the witch's name."

"All right, you were listening, more or less." Hermione glared at his self-satisfied smirk. "And I didn't say the field was overwhelmed with men. I merely implied it."

Severus watched the speaker take her place at the podium. Morley. Mid-fifties, blonde, medium-build. Female. Why hadn't he thought of her before? Hermione apprenticing with a female master would put quite a few of his jealous tendencies to rest.

And not too hard on the eyes either. All in all, she would have been a good bet; too bad she's not available. Are you finally admitting you've more of a jealous nature than you'll own up to?"

He mentally shoved the annoying voice to the back of his mind, not acknowledging the sentiment it expressed, and concentrated on the lecture that was about to start.

Hermione had been right in her estimation that Morley was one of the more interesting speakers. The witch spoke about her interest in ancient and lost potions, the forerunners of several of the potions they used today, and the possibility of resurrecting some of those potions that had been lost and abandoned. She cited the main problem: being those potions that were passed from master to apprentice without ever having had the benefit of being put to parchment. It was rumoured that parchment fragments, scrolls, and other paraphernalia – that had turned up, of all the unlikely places, at a graveyard at the edge of Salem – contained ancient and rare potions, not seen in hundreds of years.

The American Ministry was requesting help in the retrieval and study of the fragments and scrolls they had rescued, in the hope that some long-forgotten potion could help those that had been subjected to curses and hexes that had so far proved to be irreversible.

From start to finish, it was a fascinating exercise in pure research, one that both Severus and Hermione would have loved to pursue themselves.

Professor Morley waved to Hermione as the crowd thinned out at the end of the lecture. Her greeting was warm as she smiled at the young witch. "Hermione, how wonderful to see you again."

"Professor, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed your lecture. It must be so exciting, going to America to examine the scrolls." Hermione blushed slightly as Severus shifted next to her. "I'm sorry, I should have introduced you two. Um, Professor Morley, Professor Snape. Professor Snape, Professor Morley." Hermione seemed to be at a loss for words as she glanced from one to the other.

The witch held out her hand in greeting. "Please, call me Ella."

Rather stiffly, Severus took her hand and offered a courtly bow. "Your lecture was most interesting, Ella. It's Severus, Severus Snape."

"Yes, I know. You're as well known for your heroic deeds as you are for your knowledge of potions and the Dark Arts, Professor. Actually, I was at your lecture, Friday. I think just about everyone at the Symposium was there," she said with a laugh. "The chance to hear the reserved Professor Snape speak was just too good to pass up. And as to be expected, you didn't disappoint us. If you ever have the time, I would be interested to hear about the changes the two of you are creating in the Wolfsbane Potion. You do plan to publish your research, don't you?"

Rather than be insulted by the woman's abject honesty, Severus chortled. "We plan to test the first alterations over the Christmas hols. If all goes well, we'll publish the results sometime in the spring."

"Jointly?"

Severus nodded. "It's Hermione's theory. I merely helped her to work within the proper constraints to find the right alterations for the ingredients."

Ella was sure Snape had done quite a bit more, but she had no doubt they were working as equals. Severus was known for his expertise in potions, but Hermione was brilliant, a fact that made itself known within minutes of first meeting the young witch. Hermione was memorable on several levels: her intellect; her status as a hero of the Last Battle and a friend of the boy who lived to finally destroy the evil that was He Who Must Not Be Named, once and for all; and for the simple fact that there were very few witches who chose to become masters in the field of potions. "So, you're here with Severus to set the potions community on its ear with your findings, eh?" The witch's smile took the bite out of the comment, turning it into the compliment it was meant to be.

"Not really. I came to listen to the masters I was thinking of apprenticing with next year. I'm just sorry you're not available. I would love to study potions with a woman; there are so few in the field."

"Thank you, I'm flattered that you think so highly of me. But I'm sure your education won't suffer studying under a man."

"There you are. I was wondering what happened to you."

"I'm sorry, I didn't realise the time. Hermione, Severus, I'd like you to meet my partner, Kathryn Dalton. Kath, may I present Hermione Granger and Professor Severus Snape."

Kathryn immediately recognised both names as heroes of the Last Battle. "It's an honour to meet you both. I don't mean to break up your discussion, but we're on a bit of a time schedule."

"I'm afraid she's right. We have a Portkey back to London in less than an hour, and I still have to tie up a few loose ends regarding a purchase I made this morning, in addition to finishing my packing."

Kathryn shook her head. "Done. If I left it up to you, we'd be rushing at the last minute with you saying, 'what's the problem, we still have sixty seconds left?' You just need to schedule delivery of the books you bought. I've already packed us up and checked us out of the hotel."

Her partner? Severus nodded to the other woman, a woman who looked remarkably like an older version of Hermione. "Than we won't keep you. Ms Dalton, it was nice meeting you. Ella, good luck with your research."

Her partner? Well, you know what they say: two's company, three's a crowd. I wonder what four is? Guess Morley isn't the answer, mate. Better stick with Tenbrook."

Hermione fell into step with Ella. "We'll walk with you to the Trade Hall. Severus was thinking of purchasing a glass cauldron he saw the other day."

The odd foursome headed for the Trade Hall. Ella stopped just inside the entrance. "I'm sorry we're so short on time. I've really enjoyed talking to you both."

Surprisingly, Severus felt much the same way. Kathryn Dalton had told him, when asked, that she worked for the Ministry in Charms development. The conversation between the four had touched on quite a few topics in the short walk to the Trade Hall and had been most interesting to all.

Hermione nodded. "Perhaps we'll run into one another again. Good luck with your research."

"I'll be watching the trade journals for your results. The Daily Prophet and several of the publishers were nice enough to extend overseas delivery to me. I'd hate to miss out on any of the earth-shattering developments that might occur while we're gone." Ella's laugh was warm.

"Ella, the time? I'm sorry, but we really need to get moving."

Ella smiled at the other woman. "Don't know why I've put up with you for so long."

"Because without me, you'd still be standing in our flat trying to remember where you last saw your trunk. Honestly, I can't figure out how you manage to make your publication deadlines on time."

"Ah, the trick is knowing what's important and what's not. Trunks and Portkeys – bah. Books and journals, well, there's really no comparison, is there?"

Kathryn turned to Severus and Hermione. "It really was a pleasure meeting you two. Hopefully, we'll see you again sometime." She turned on her heel and faced Ella, pointing to the far aisle. "Go."

"Hermione, Severus, take care." Ella shrugged, moving in the direction Kathryn had indicated. "I'm going, I'm going. Really, we have plenty of time. This will only take a few minutes."

Hermione watched the two disappear as they turned into one of the aisles. "Well, that was...interesting, to say the least. I really like Ella. Her research sounds fascinating. Imagine, examining scrolls that no one has seen in hundreds of years."

He'd had a feeling the research would have been right up her alley. "I seem to recall reading an article by a Professor E. Morley a few months ago on the unusual practice of using certain ingredients for the negative value they might add to a brew, rather than the positive effect they might have. I believe it was based on an ancient Italian principle, thought to be discovered by Leonardo da Vinci."

One brow rose quizzically. "The Leonardo da Vinci?"

"Yes, Leonardo da Vinci. Painted the Mona Lisa? He was a Potions master." Severus gestured to a merchant stall a few feet ahead of them. "Here we are. See the stack on the right? I was thinking of that middle-sized cauldron."

Hermione turned to stare at him. "Leonardo da Vinci was a wizard?"

Severus chuckled. "Why do you look so surprised? His work, his inventions, his art – they have long been heralded as the work of a master. As if it were touched by angels. I don't know about angels, but I don't doubt that magic accounted for some of it."

Hermione stood lost in thought as Severus negotiated the purchase and delivery of the cauldron. It still surprised her when someone famous turned out to be a wizard, she supposed it had something to do with growing up Muggle.

They spent another hour browsing through the stalls in the Trade Hall. Hermione had been thrilled when she found a rare Arithmancy journal in one of the bookstalls tucked away in the back corner.

They headed for the main lobby and the Portkey columns.

"Where are we having dinner? You've been rather mysterious about it."

"It's not a secret. There's a small restaurant near here that I like. Great food."

"And?"

"There's an 'and'?"

Hermione smiled. "Yes, the way you said it indicates there's an 'and.' It has great food and...?"

"And a live band. Jazz last time I was there, but the type of music rotates."

"A band!"

Severus nodded. "I thought you might enjoy dinner and a bit of dancing. Before..."

Hermione's eyes gleamed; he didn't have to explain what would follow 'before.' The feel of his body against hers as he danced with her never failed to arouse the witch. It was one of the things she missed now that Severus had completed his bet with Albus. His natural grace made him an excellent dancer. "You never cease to amaze me."

He indicated the open square set in the column in front of them. "Tap your wand so we can go upstairs, and we'll discuss what else I might be able to do to amaze you when we return to Eden tonight."

Hermione felt her stomach clench in response to his seductive tone. Wordlessly, she tapped the silver circle inside the square.

Severus smiled. He'd been deliberately watching Hermione's eyes and was pleased to see her pupils dilate at the suggestion in his last comment. No matter how many times he had her, he could never seem to get enough of the witch, a fact that had first worried him. Now, he just hoped the feeling would never end.

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The Star's Journey proved to be a small, dark establishment with a seemingly endless number of small, semi-hidden alcoves. The maitre d' greeted the couple, recognising them immediately.

"Miss Granger, Professor Snape, so happy you could join us this evening. I have the table you requested all ready for you. If you'll follow me?" He led them around the dance floor to a table set back into a niche in the corner. "May I suggest the salmon tonight? It was flown in fresh this morning and prepared by our chef in a delicate dill sauce that enhances the flavour. Your waiter will be with you momentarily."

Hermione giggled, thoughts of fish flying past men on broomsticks filled her head. After all, she lived in a magical world; if men could fly, why not fish?

Severus quirked one brow, questioningly.

"I had visions of fish flying past wizards on broomstick. If a hippogriff can fly, why not a fish?"

"I believe the gentleman meant someone flies them in daily, not that they fly themselves." Severus said. "But I do seem to recall a species of invisible flying frogs in South America that are quite valuable as potion ingredients since they're so difficult to catch. Their speed can rival a Snitch, at times."

His manner was so nonchalant that Hermione was unable to tell if he was pulling her leg or not.

"So, what appeals to you?" he asked as he scanned his menu.

"An invisible flying frog?"

"I don't think they're on the menu."

"Severus!"

The waiter appeared and took their order for dinner and drinks. Hermione tapped her foot to the music as the band started up. The tune was soft, almost mournful, with an underlying blues rhythm.

Severus stood and formally offered her his hand. "Would you like to dance, Miss Granger?"

"I didn't think you danced unless you were forced into it."

"Dancing the Tango in front of God knows how many people, my students included, in tights and a codpiece is number two on my list of things I plan to never do again. Dancing with you, in a secluded setting, is another story."

Hermione took his hand and let him lead her to the dance floor. Severus pulled her close as they moved to the soulful beat. "What's number one on that list?"

"Do not join the next Dark Lord, no matter who he is."

"Severus..."

"I know. We've been through the whole 'we couldn't have won the war without you' bit before. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't join. And before you ask, yes, I do believe someone will try to pick up the title again. It may be ten years or a hundred, but evil is evil. It never really disappears; it just hides for a while."

It was a sobering thought. Another Dark Lord. "Then I'm glad we're together now."

Severus remained silent; gently, he kissed her temple, his hand at her waist pulling her closer to him. He no longer believed Hermione would leave him, unless he gave her reason to; he knew she loved him, and those that she loved, she held fast. But every now and then, he thought he might wake up one morning and find that their relationship had been a dream, or maybe a hallucination brought on by one hex too many. Reality is fleeting; it's all in your perception of the world around you; that's why he had decided to stop worrying about the whys and just enjoy the here and now.

A comfortable silence fell between them as they danced. Hermione could feel the play of muscles as her hand rested across his shoulder. One song merged into the next; Hermione sighed and laid her head against Severus's shoulder. They still had tomorrow in Florence, but after spending the last few days together, she was loath to go back to Cambridge alone.

They returned to their table as the waiter appeared with their meal. The remainder of the night was spent quietly. They talked of the Symposium, the various masters they'd met, and toasted Hermione's apparent victory over Rancine. Tenbrook had shown her the updated scroll at lunch, listing her name among the other names of apprentices. And they danced, an activity they both missed, the sensual glide of one body pressed up against another.

The evening was warm, and the two continued to enjoy the cocoon of intimacy they had wound around themselves as they leisurely walked back to the hotel. The remainder of the evening, and late into the night, was spent exploring the jungle suite from a variety of... positions. It was late before they both fell into bed, sleep claiming the pair almost immediately.

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"This is exciting, I've never been to Florence before," Hermione said, checking her appearance in the mirror.

Severus looked around the treehouse, making sure they hadn't left anything behind. Their trunks were miniaturised and rested safely in his inside coat pocket. "I've already checked us out; we just need to be at the departure zone in a half hour, or we'll miss our Portkey."

They made their way to the main lobby, bustling with wizards and witches. They could still see a fairly large crowd in the Trade Hall. Several stalls proclaimed last minute sales in an effort to draw people in and boost their sales now that the lectures had ended and quite a few of the Symposium's participants had already departed. Severus guided Hermione to the far side of the lobby, toward a large sign designating the departure zone. He checked in at the desk next to the roped off area, showing the bored wizard the papers he'd received confirming their Portkey's time and destination.

"If you and the lady will just move to the side, we'll call your name when it's time. Please don't leave the immediate area. We're on a tight schedule with all the people departing today. I would advise you not to miss your assigned time; our next open departure is not available until tomorrow. You're scheduled to leave in fifteen minutes, at twelve-noon for..." The young man glanced at the name listed at the top of the parchment. "...Professor...Professor Snape. I, uhm, didn't realise it was you, sir. It won't be but a few minutes, sir."

Severus glared at the young man, who had the good sense to pale under the Potion master's malevolent gaze.

Less than ten minutes later, Severus's name was called. He and Hermione moved behind the rope, both taking hold of the brass ring the wizard handed them. At the count of three, Hermione felt the pull behind her navel that characterised Portkey travel. No matter how many time she Portkeyed, the feeling always left her slightly disoriented when she landed.

They arrived in another roped off zone inside a small office. A young witch in gaily-coloured robes greeted the pair. "Good afternoon, Professor Snape, Miss Granger. I can't tell you how happy we are to have you visiting our town. Your request for the Portkey stated you were here for recreational purposes, is this correct?" The witch took the ring from their joined hands.

Hermione nodded blankly at the witch.

"Wonderful, you're scheduled to Portkey out at ten tonight. If you could please return here ten minutes ahead of your departure time, we would appreciate it. Enjoy your day."

They walked out the front door of the office and stood in the middle of a grassy park. The building seemed to disappear behind them; a Disillusionment Charm, Severus guessed.

"Oh my God, look!" Hermione pointed to the building ahead of them. Rising majestically in front of them was Michelangelo's statue of David.

Severus smiled. "Would you like to see the museum? It's been a while since I was here, but the Gallery of the Academia has some of the most outstanding paintings and sculptures in the world."

Impulsively, Hermione kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, this is wonderful. Come on."

Severus followed Hermione into the museum; they spent two hours pleasantly wandering through the exhibits. It had been some time since he'd been to Italy, but Severus was well read. He acted the part of guide, pointing out various works of art by old world masters as well as relating bits of information he'd read. Hermione was particularly interested in those artists he indicated were actually magical and not Muggle.

While the works of art contained in the museum were breathtaking, the city outside the museum was also a feast for the eyes. The ancient buildings, with their medieval accents and classic Roman architecture, were as impressive as the works of art some of the buildings housed.

They came to the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest and most photographed bridge in Florence, characterised by its three arches and two wide arcades on each side. Like most bridges of the day, a row of shops ran along its length. There were small stands that dotted the sidewalks outside the shops, offering a variety of food, drink, and merchandise. Severus stopped and purchased sandwiches from one of the vendors. He and Hermione walked casually along, commenting on items in various windows as they passed.

A piece in the window of a jewellery shop caught Hermione's eye. "I just want to look a minute."

Severus nodded as he followed her into the little shop. The store was larger on the inside, magically enhanced, no doubt. Hermione gazed at a small silver cauldron, wondering if Severus would wear such a pendant. In true mythology, the symbol was meant to be feminine, but he was a Potions master, after all, and cauldrons were an item that represented his trade. 'I wonder if they have any necklaces with phials? Or maybe a stopper for death?' she thought with a chuckle.

The case held quite a selection of 'magical' items. In addition to the silver cauldron, she saw two broom pendants, a witch's hat much like the one that completed her uniform when she was at Hogwarts, dragon pendants of various sizes and shapes, and even a pendant that seemed to resemble a Time-Turner, though she thought it might actually be an hourglass, instead.

To her surprise, she spied beautiful glass stoppers in the next cabinet. The stoppers were various sizes, etched with fine lines of gold and silver, some covered in runes she didn't recognise. Next to those were two short rows of small phials, the corks in their tops containing a bail to thread a chain through. The hand-written note next to the first row proclaimed the phial's contents could help cure any and all ills just by wearing one close to ones heart from new moon to new moon.

"Severus, look." Hermione was pointing to the phials when a sudden shriek interrupted her.

She'd felt the strange energy the minute she entered the store. It was her grandfather's pendant, but not quite. She recognised the original magic, but something about its power signature was different, stronger, but in an odd way. She seemed to recall her grandfather telling her about a couple he'd made a leaf for, how the energy had changed. "They've claimed each other," she said in wonderment. "They must have evoked the elemental magic woven into the leaf, without knowing it."

It was the type of magic her grandfather had described, but a force she herself had never been privileged to experience, until now. The clerk's touch at her shoulder startled the witch out of her reverie.

"Senalda, are you all right?"

The witch shrieked, her hand moving to her breast as if to still her racing heart. "God, Charles, you startled me." Senalda scanned the small shop, her gaze stopping at Hermione and Severus. "Professor, Miss Granger."

Hermione watched as a more subdued version of Sybill Trelawney walked towards her.

"You've claimed each other, how wonderful. I've heard rumours about the elemental magic needed to complete the circle, but I've never been privileged to feel its power before." Her green eyes glowed with an inner light. While she did not have the wild, bug-eyed look her cousin did, there was no mistaking her general physique for anything other than a Trelawney: tall, thin, flowing hair, but lacking the beads and bangles Sybill favoured.

What was the idiot woman blathering about? "Trelawney," Severus said with a snarl. "What the devil are you talking about? What's in that pendant you sold me?"

"A gift, Professor, a great gift."

Of course, Senalda Trelawney, the witch from the Enchanted Leaf, the witch that sold Severus her pendant. "Claimed each other, like... soul mates?" Hermione asked, glomming onto the unusual phrase.

"No, not quite, soul mate implies a lack of free will. No, a claiming is the closest I can come to putting the magic into words," she said with a smile.

"Try harder," Severus bit out between clenched teeth. A great gift; she was spouting the same dribble her brother had that day he'd returned to the Enchanted Leaf. His hand tightened on the wand in his pocket; he would've hexed the witch if he thought it would help. Hell, even if it didn't help, hexing her would at least make him feel better. "What did you do to Hermione?"

"I didn't do anything. Professor, I know we tend to fear that which we don't know or understand, but you really have been given a great gift."

"Yes, you keep saying that, but what in the bloody hell does it mean?" he hissed at the witch. Without realising it, he'd placed himself between Hermione and Trelawney, his stance defensive as he moved to protect her.

"Why don't we go somewhere where we can talk privately? We seem to be gathering an audience here." Senalda gestured to the throng watching the byplay between them.

Severus nodded, abruptly ushering Hermione out the door. Silently, the odd trio walked down the avenue to a small café at the end of the bridge. They sat at a table near the back of the nearly empty café.

"Explain." Severus pinned the witch with a glare, daring her to lie to him.

Senalda smiled. "Yes, I'd love tea, thank you."

Hermione tried to hide her chuckle as Severus's glare turned murderous.

"Ms Trelawney, you mentioned..." Hermione started to say, only to have Senalda interrupt her.

"Please, call me Senalda, all my friends do."

A young wizard took their order for tea and scones then disappeared, leaving them to try and sort things out again.

"Ms Trelawney..." At Senalda's look, Hermione corrected herself. "Senalda, you said we 'claimed' each other. What does that mean?"

"It means you've each declared, willingly, that you choose to belong to the other. The leaf recognises the integrity of your heart, the purity of your intentions."

Severus snorted. "Purity is hardly a word I would associate with me."

"Your intentions, Professor. Whatever you are, or are not, is not the issue, only your true feelings toward Hermione matter. You don't mind if I call you Hermione, do you, dear?" Hermione started to answer, but Senalda pressed on. "You've created a magical bond between the two of you, one the pendant recognises. I could feel the magic in the pendant calling to me that day you walked into the shop. It recognised your intentions then, even if your heart didn't know what it felt. I read in the Daily Prophet about Hermione's unfortunate accident. There was a comment about the leaf glowing. I assume you had established a bond then, but this goes beyond that."

Severus sat back and tried to absorb Senalda's explanation. It was still too vague for his tastes. Claiming each other. A bond. "So we are... bound... to each other?"

"You said we weren't soul mates, how does this differ?" Hermione asked, her brow furrowed in thought.

Severus was not happy with Hermione's thoughtful expression. Did the thought of being 'bound' to him upset her? He wasn't sure how he felt about it, either. Could it be reversed if they chose to separate? While it was true they'd declared their love for each other, they hadn't really discussed the future in anything other than general terms: breakfast at The Burrow Christmas Day; testing the revised Wolfsbane Potion on Lupin over the holiday; Hermione's apprenticeship. He assumed she would stay with him at Hogwarts over Christmas, but they hadn't really talked about it. Severus made a mental note to ask Hermione what her plans were. He didn't want to just assume she'd stay with him, only to find out later on she'd made other arrangements.

And what would be so terrible if you two were bound together? You have anther brilliant, good looking, thong-clad witch looking to enjoy..." the annoying voice actually snickered at him before finishing its thought. "...your company?

Fortunately, the waiter had returned with their order, interrupting Senalda's explanation of what it meant to 'claim' each other. The last thing Severus wanted to do was ask her to repeat herself. He refocused his attention and concentrated on the witch's explanation.

"The idea of Soul mates implies a lack of free will on the part of the individuals involved. Their souls belong together, no matter what events occur. No one else can ever be right for them, can ever make them happy but their soul mate. The commonly held belief is that soul mates are joined throughout eternity, destined to wander from life to life seeking each other out. Could be why the only time you hear about a couple being 'destined' for each other is when you look back through history. Can't say I've heard anyone referred to as 'true magical soul mates' in the last six or seven hundred years."

"And claiming each other is different? Would you care to explain the difference?"

"It goes beyond the bond the leaf recognised in the two of you; it means, Professor, you've given yourselves to each other, of your own free will. The magic will only work when evoked without malice, when pledged with purity of emotion. It takes very powerful emotions to create the right timing to call upon this type of magic." Senalda bit into her scone, watching Hermione and Severus digest her comments.

"What type of magic is it?"

It was Severus who answered Hermione's question. "Elemental. The same magic that protected Potter all these years. Her grandfather drew on both psychic energy and natural magic when he created the leaf."

Senalda smiled. "Very good, Professor. Yes, elemental magic is magic at its most basic form, but the hardest of all to control or invoke. Let's say your soul, for lack of a better word, requires thirty items or points to be matched to reach completion and utter happiness."

"Points?"

"Yes, such things as intelligence, looks, kindness. Maybe traits would be a better word. Your soul requires your ultimate mate to share thirty traits with you to find total and unequivocal happiness. That's not to say that you wouldn't be happy with someone who shares twenty-five of those traits you're looking for, or even twenty. We don't know if each trait has the same value to your heart, to your soul, do we? Do blue eyes matter as much as kindness to others? Would two people with blue eyes, assuming that was one of the traits you wanted, would two people with blue eyes rank the same with your heart if one was intelligent and the other could barely read and write, assuming all else is the same? Would you accept another person if they had most of the traits you desired but had brown eyes, instead? Do some traits matter more than others?"

"So, you're saying there is more than one person that could be right for you. The values for each person might be the same, but each would satisfy something different within you." Hermione warmed to the topic as she applied Arithmancy principles to its logic. "Two mates could add up to the same value, but could still have different characteristics. You might be happy with both, but in different ways. The same as two plus two equal four and one plus three equal four. You arrive at the same end, just by different means."

"Exactly. That's the principle the leaf uses to recognise one heart that calls to another, even before the hearts in question know their attraction for each other. It also recognises that your heart, your soul, is happy and has stopped its search; though keep in mind, there are people that might satisfy those same requirements, but you won't feel an attraction to them. These would be people that become your closest friends; you feel genuine affection for them, but nothing more."

Hermione thought Harry and Ron fell neatly into the second category. Not that they met the requirements, as Senalda phrased it, that she was looking for; she loved them dearly, but there was no heat. Severus, however, was another story. The heat that existed between them amazed her. There were times she was actually surprised they didn't burst into flames at the sight of one another; though she supposed, they did catch fire, but in an entirely different manner.

Severus, too, looked thoughtful. "But that's not the 'claiming' you mentioned?" he asked.

"No, that's the bond the leaf creates. The claiming has to do with two people, willingly, at a time of intense emotions and without malice aforethought, giving himself or herself, wholly and unconditionally, to the other person. Legend has it that this 'claim' is characterised by a surge of magic. It is said to create an invisible connection between two people, one that allows either of them to draw on the elements when it perceives the other half of their bond to be in danger. It has to be the change I feel in the magical signature of the leaf."

Senalda watched as sudden comprehension dawned on Severus. "And judging by your expression, I'd say you know exactly what happened and when. Was it as legend claims? Did you feel a magical surge? Where were you when it happened? What did you say? Can you remember?"

Severus remembered. Their first night in Eden, after they'd run into Hermione's ex-boyfriend, emotions had been running high, for both of them. Severus had taken Hermione, without any preliminaries, but she had been just as hot for him. He told her she was his, and she agreed, demanding the same of him all the while telling him how much she loved him. He remembered declaring his love for her just before they both came. A tingle of magic had surrounded them, pushing them both to limits they'd never reached before. It had to be the explanation for the unusual magic Hermione displayed the next day when Rancine confronted them. She must have drawn on the wind as the air whipped around her. Rancine may never know how lucky he was that day. Hermione calmed down before actually hexing the man. There's no telling what change the elemental magic might have caused in her magic at that point, though watching Rancine disintegrate would have been most satisfying, in his opinion.

Hermione looked questioningly at Severus. "The argument I had with Rancine? Is that when the 'claiming' occurred? You said the air was whipping around me. Wind is one of the four elements."

Severus shook his head. "No. That's most likely a result of this 'claiming.' I believe it occurred the night before, when we returned to our suite after leaving the Trade Hall." He watched as Hermione ran through the last three days in her mind, sure it wouldn't take her long to come to the same conclusion he had.

A look of intense concentration crossed her features. "We saw the suite, went back downstairs, stopped by the Trade Hall. That idiot Steve was there. We went back upstairs." Hermione flushed as she recalled exactly what had transpired upon their return to Eden. "When we went back upstairs," she said in a whisper.

Severus nodded. He had meant to mention the tingle of magic, but it had merged with the most intense orgasm he'd ever had. It had been difficult to breathe, let alone possibly harm himself, when his blood was occupied elsewhere, by attempting to call on a higher brain function by speaking to her.

"Well, it seems you both have figured out the when and where. What happened? What did it feel like? What did you say?" Senalda could tell by Severus's guarded expression and Hermione's equally guilty one that the details might not be forthcoming. "There has only been one recorded instance of this type of claiming before, more than a hundred and fifty years ago. My grandfather told me about it, but I never expected to feel this type of magic; it was legend, nothing more, or so I thought."

Severus understood the woman's need for clarification. For all intents and purposes, they were a lab experiment that worked without the researcher knowing why it worked. "What is it you feel? All of my grandfather's pieces contain a bit of his magic. My brother and I share that magic. It has a certain pattern, a signature. It's how I can tell a fake piece from the real thing. I felt the pull of the leaf responding to you, Professor, when you walked into the shop. My brother was quite angry with me for selling you that piece. But I've been trained, just as he was. I could tell your intentions were pure, that your feelings for Hermione were real. I'd never felt the magic so strongly, ever."

One brow quirked questioningly; he recalled the brother's odd attitude when questioned at the store. "What was his objection?"

"Many years ago, an unscrupulous wizard tried to alter the pendant's enchantment. Instead of calling to another heart, it attempted to enslave it, hoping the leaf would act more like a love potion than an indication of their true feelings. My grandfather recognised the alteration for what it was and managed to replace the leaf with a non-magical one. Shortly after that, my grandfather started to buy back the Enchanted Leaves, fearful they could end up in the wrong hands. I continued the practice after his death."

"Yet you sold one to me."

"Yes."

"Why?"

Senalda sighed. "Because the magic... compelled me to. I know you couldn't feel it, but the pull was too strong. It would have haunted me for the rest of my life if I hadn't complied."

"And your brother?"

"Daemon felt it, too. He's not happy with me, but I think he understands."

"He was worried you misread my intentions. Because I was a Death Eater."

"Severus..."

Severus shook his head, his hand on Hermione's stopping her objection. "Madam?" He knew what the answer would be; the Mark on his arm would colour all that he did for the rest of his life. Senalda's response, however, brought him up short.

"You're an ex-Death Eater, a decorated member of the Order of the Phoenix. You and Potter defeated Voldemort. The leaf never lies. Your intentions were pure." Senalda stared into Severus's eyes, daring him to correct her.

"I believe Potter and I had help with the Dark Lord's defeat," he said dryly. She'd called the boy Potter? Begrudgingly, he had to admit he found her company... tolerable. "And this 'claiming,' is it permanent?"

"It means your souls are compatible on all counts. Whatever you desire in a mate, your hearts and souls have found those traits in the other; that alone would have created the magical pull I felt, but at some point, you had to have given yourselves to each other. I know you both know when it happened; I can see it in your eyes. I must know, please, you have to tell me the details."

"Is it permanent?"

"Permanent, as in the theory that soul mates always seek each other out throughout eternity? No, I don't think so. It's a gift; it's something to be treasured, to know you are right for each other, that the person you love, loves you, unconditionally, as much as you love them. But I would add a word of caution, Professor. Love can be stronger than any force on earth, but it can be just as fragile, too. It must be nurtured and tended to, and allowed to flourish, if it is to grow and continue on."

"Like a garden," Hermione said, smiling as she thought about sharing a bond with Severus. She was happier than she'd ever been. She felt the rest of her life would fall into place, as long as he was at her side.

Severus nodded; Lily's love. Her ultimate sacrifice for Potter had proven just how strong love could be. He understood that sacrifice now. It was the way he'd felt when Hermione was unconscious. He would have gladly traded places with her, if it had meant she would've been safe. He wouldn't have wanted to go on without her.

Gently, Senalda tried prodding the two for information. "When? Where? Professor, Hermione, please, I need some sort of information."

A slight nod when their eyes met induced Severus to try and explain the events that led up to the claiming. "We had just returned to our suite after an...altercation of sorts, in the Trade Hall."

"Altercation?"

"An unfortunate meeting. Hermione ran into an old boyfriend that was... less than pleasant." Trying to clinically recall events and his emotions was as difficult and out of character for Severus as witnessing the dour man skipping merrily through the halls of Hogwarts while whistling a happy tune would be.

"We didn't fight. I told Steve I was with Severus," Hermione said, taking pity on him and continuing the account of their evening. "We returned to Eden..."

"Eden?" Senalda asked, uncertainly.

"The Jungle Suite at The Enchantment. It has to be the most romantic room I've ever seen. You walk over an illusion bridge; it looks terribly rickety, but really, it's quite solid. You walk over this bridge to a treehouse set in the middle of a jungle. If you take the lift to the bottom, there's an amazing waterfall with a pond, tropical flowers everywhere, and complete privacy throughout the suite. The treehouse is something else. It even has its own Jacuzzi. It's heaven."

Senalda laughed; who knew the Professor was a hedonist at heart? "It sounds wonderful. I can see why you call it Eden."

A faint blush coloured Severus's checks. "I thought Hermione would like it."

"Anyway, we returned to our suite and sort of ... confronted each other about our...feelings,"

"Were you arguing?"

"Not exactly."

"The sequence of events leading up to..." Severus said, trying to recall the events again.

"Sex magic."

Severus looked at Hermione, his eyebrows lost in his hairline as shock registered on his face at her blatant comment.

"Well, that has to be what caused it. You were upset and pulling that caveman routine on me, don't you remember? You kept saying I belonged to you and I agreed. I remember telling you the same thing and feeling a wave of emotion, just before we each, uhm...just before... well, now that I think of it, I think that was a wave of magic. Do you remember?"

"Yes, I remember. I just didn't intend to recall the events with such attention to detail, especially, to a third party," he said stiffly.

"Severus, Senalda is the only one that seems to know what this is. We need to know if there is anything we should watch out for. I don't have a library I can run off to for research at the moment. I highly doubt this is covered in "Hogwarts: A History" either, though the author did include quite a few odd facts."

Severus smiled, appreciative of Hermione's attempt to put him at ease. "A know-it-all that doesn't know something? My, my, that is unique."

"At least this explains what happened when I got mad at Rancine." Hermione reached for his hand. "Do you mind? I mean, it doesn't seem to be permanent, but it does mean there are a few more things for us to think about."

"Mind? I should think you would be the one to mind." Mind? She was all he ever wanted.

"No, not at all. Just think how I can hold this over Ron when he tells me you're not right for me." Hermione patted his hand and turned back to Senalda. "Is there anything else we should know?"

"Not that I can think of. Not too much is known about this type of magic, anyway. Perhaps you'll be so kind as to keep in touch with me. Drop me an owl now and then and let me know how things are going."

"Senalda," Severus's rich baritone caressed the witch's name, "what are you doing in Florence?"

"I'm here on a buying trip. I come to Florence once every three months. Several of the merchants broker jewellery made by local artists in some of the smaller villages. Their work is breathtaking." Senalda gathered her belongings. "I've taken up enough of your time. I really do appreciate you opening up to me; I know how difficult that must be, considering the nature of..." Senalda stopped short. Severus had deigned to use her first name; discussing his sexual relationship with Hermione did not seem like a good idea at the moment. "I'll be in London over the Christmas holiday, visiting my brother and his family. Perhaps we can get together for tea?"

Hermione smiled. "That's perfect. We'll be at Hogwarts working on an experiment. I'll owl you and we can set up a date."

Senalda nodded to both as she stood. "Professor, Hermione, I can't tell you how much this meeting has meant to me. I'll speak to you soon."

Severus and Hermione sat in silence for a minute, the events and revelations of their conversation running havoc in both their minds.

"So."

Silently, Severus nodded. So, indeed, now what?

"Severus, talk to me. What are you thinking?"

"What happens next?"

"Well, it's only five-thirty; we still have over four hours until we Portkey home. We could go see the Uffizi Gallery. The brochure I picked up says it's one of the great museums of the world and houses the premiere collection of Italian Renaissance art, featuring works by such masters as Botticelli, Titian, Michelangelo and da Vinci. Who knows when we'll be in Florence again?"

"Hermione, we need to talk."

"About what?"

"About us, about this 'claiming', about what's happened."

"Nothing's happened. We're the same people we were yesterday; nothing's changed that."

Severus shook his head. "The claiming..."

"...Just means we love each other, that you're the right man for me. I already knew that," she said with a smile.

"And the elemental magic?"

"Senalda said it only manifests itself if one of us thinks the other is in trouble. Actually, I think it'll be nice to have something to fall back on."

"And you're not worried about being bound to me?"

"It's a shame it doesn't create a telepathic link, too; it would be nice to speak to you when you're not with me. I'll look it up when we return to Cambridge. Maybe the library there, or the Restricted Section at Hogwarts, has more information. But for now, nothing's changed."

Severus looked at Hermione and shook his head. "Do you want to go back to the jewellery shop before we visit the gallery?"

"Maybe later."

His hand at her back, Severus guided Hermione toward the door.

"I know you love me, but I still want to hear you say it every now and then."

"Indeed."

TBC

A/N: Links to pictures and information about Ponte Vecchio and the other sights Hermione and Severus take in can be found at: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187895-Activities-Florence_Tuscany.html

Rome and Florence hold a special place in my heart, as that's where my husband and I honeymooned almost twenty-three years ago. It was wonderfully romantic. I have high hopes, if all goes well (read: my health holds out...lol), we can celebrate our twenty-fifth anniversary there. We shall see.

A grateful thank you to my beta, Nakhash, for her corrections, suggestions, and never-ending supply of commas; she is truly the best of the best. Another set of eyes is always helpful, the mistakes, however, are still mine. Nak – glad you're feeling better, take care of yourself!

Still to come: The Wolfsbane Potion, Christmas break (including breakfast at The Burrow), a talk about the summer holidays, Tenbrook, further questions about Ella Morley, and more. Enjoy. Please review and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you! As always, thoughts, comments, reviews, whatever are most welcome.

Pearle