The Rules of Engagement

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Chivalrous Intent
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Hermione felt a bit unsettled as she walked to the hospital wing with her fiancé. Severus had risen early and left the Head Girl’s room before she had awoken. The bed had felt empty in his absence. She couldn’t blame him for wanting to go back to his quarters for a shower and change of clothes, but the realization of how important his presence was becoming , had her unsettled. She was also baffled by her own tearful plea for him to stay last night. She had never thought of herself as the kind of woman to use feminine wiles to get what she wanted, even if she had not done it on purpose. There had just been something about hearing Severus say he was effected by her emotions. Until recently, she would not have thought the Potions Master effected by anyone.

“You are upset with me ?” The dark man asked as they neared thfirmfirmary doors. Her eyes cut to the side.

“No.” Hermione said in a clipped voice. At the raised eyebrow, she realised the answer came out fharpharper than intended. “I’m just worried about Remus.”

“It would seem Lupin will recover. Miss Leonov will see to that.”

Upon entering thfirmfirmary, the couple went to Madam Pomfrey’s office to speak with her. Thankfully she was much calmer than she had been the previous evening.

“I am just glad there is an explanation for Remus’ illness and ady ady . . . . . cure.” The older woman’s apple cheeks blushed softly. Hermione felt a grin play at her lips.

“When will you release him ?” Hermione asked to cover the beginnings of her own blush.

“I would like Remus to stay at least one more night. I want to make sure he is properly rehydrated and is eating well. Though he has already been through one breakfast tray this morning and has asked for another.” Madam Pomfrey said, smiling for the first time in a long while.

“Miss Leonov did say his appetite would return.” Severus said, just as the sound of a loud threatening growl came from the direction of the private room, but it did not sound like Remus.

“Blessed Merlin !” The nurse said with a gasp. The three of them ran out of the little office and entered the hospital room just as another growl sounded, lower and more threatening this time.

Hermione gasped when she saw Annya standing between Remus and Tonks, looking poised to pounce on the auror at any moment. The werebitch’s hands were curled into claws, her lips drawn taught to bare inhumanly sharp teeth. Tonks stood in a defensive position, her wand drawn and pointed at the other woman. Remus appeared confused, as if he was not certain what to do.

Next to her, Hermione sensed Severus draw his wand. No, she thought. This situation was rapidly getting out of hand.

“Nymphadora, back away.” Severus instructed.

“No.” Came the quick determined answer from the auror.

Remus seemed to animate at the exchange. He stood from the bed.

“Annya. Stand down.” The werewolf commanded. The werebitch turned her head slightly to the side, her oddly luminous eyes never leaving Tonks, and growled in answer to Remus. The werewolf’s eyes grew brighter and narrowed. He strode forward and placed his hands none too gently on Annya’s shoulders, leaned over and gripped the side of her neck with his teeth. Tonks gasped as the werebitch let out a pained snarl that was followed by a submissive whimper. The soft sound seemed to appease Remus as he released his hold and lapped at her reddened flesh to sooth the pain.

A broken hearted sob escaped Tonks and she ran from the room. Hermione turned to go after her friend, but was stopped by the firm grip of her fiancé.

“It is best she accepts this now, Hermione.” Severus said.

“Who was that woman ?” Annya demanded.
friefriend.” Remus said in answer.

“She did not smell like just a friend.” The werebitch turned an accusing look at Remus.

“You told me you would not be dangerous during this time.” Severus snapped as he put away his wand.

“Only if someone is foolish enough to threaten the mating.” Annya glared at Severus and frankly, Hermione was impressed. The werebitch then cast her glare at the werewolf. “That woman desires you.” Remus drew up to his full height, his eyes unblinking.

“I said Tonks is a friend and I will not speak of it again.” Remus snapped more forcefully than Hermione had ever heard him speak before. Annya held his gaze for several breaths, then slowly lowered her eyes, which seemed to allow Remus to relax.

“I am moving you to the Manor today. It is best you are not around others if Miss Leonov is going to act this way towards every silly female who has a crush on you.” Severus said. A gentle grin came to Remus’ face and he arched an eyw atw at the dark man.

“Jealous, Severus ?”

“I most certainly am not.” He said quickly. Hermione looked nto nto her intended’s face. Was he jealous of Tonks ? Or jealous of student crushes ? Her brow knit with consternation at the thought of some vapid seventh year making a play for HER fiancé. She didn’t like the thought. No, not one bit.

“What the bloody hell is going on ?! Why did Tonks run from here crying ?” Ron yelled as he came storming into the roomh Hah Harry in his wake. Both young men stopped short and gaped at the blonde woman still standing in the middle of the room.

“Who are you, then ??” The red head spat out, glaring at the werebitch, who glared back evenly and crossed her arms in silent challenge.

Harry seemed to catch on how rude they were being and elbowed his fellow Gryffindor. Ron turned his friend an annoyed glance, then understanding registered on his face. He looked back at the woman.

“Sorry.” He said, then begrudgingly held out his hand. “Ronald Weasley.”

The corners of Annya’s mouth turned up and she uncrossed her arms, accepting Ron’s hand and shaking it warmly.

“A pleasure to meet you, Ronald Weasley. My name is Annya Leonov. You can call me Annya.”

Harry stepped forward and offered his hand. “Harry Potter.”

Annya froze, her hand stopped in the air halfway to Harry’s. Her eyes grew wide and she stuttered. “H . . . . . Harry P . . . Potter. Holy crap ! You’re really Harry Potter ?”

Hermione was afraid Harry might have been insulted, but instead, he laughed. Stepping closer, he took her hand and shook it.

“Well, yeah, so they tell me.” Harry said in good humor. The werebitch’s face flushed a deep red, which only caused her eyes to appear more brilliant.

“I . . . . . . um . . . . Please, excuse me.” She said, gaining back some composure. “I hadn’t thought I would meet ‘The Harry Potter’.”

“You haven’t. This is just Harry. A friend of mine.” Remus said.

“It’s alright.” Harry said. “I’ve had worse happen.”

“Forgive me for cutting short this meeting of ‘The Harry Potter Admiration Society’, but I for one have classes to attend to. I will return at noon to take you both to the Manor. Be ready.” Both werewolves nodded.

“Hang on !!” Harry interjected. “You’re leaving ?”

“I’ll explain at breakfast.” Hermione said.

“I still want to know why Tonks was crying.” Ron said. Hermione sighed.

“I’ll explain that too. Let’s go.” The young men still looked uncertain, but they turned towards the door. Hermione stopped in front of the Potions Master. “Will I see you later ?”

Severus leaned down and kissed her cheek. “After dinner.” Hermione smiled at him, then pushed her fellow Gryffindors out the door. This was going to be interesting breakfast conversation.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Friday night Hermione was in her room after the Halloween feast, changing before going down to meet Severus in his quarters. She had just pulled on a v-neck jumper over her jeans, when the sound of shouting caught her ears. It was coming from the common room. Still in bare feet, she snatched up her wand and headed out doo door.

The sight that met her eyes was almost comical. Ron, with a look of near terror, was being held up off the floor against a wall by the two strong hands of none other than Neville Longbottom. Hermione might have laughed, but for the enraged look on Neville’s face. The red head caught sight of the Head Girl and began sputtering his pleas for help.

“Neville, put him down.” Hermione said, in what she hoped was a calming voice. She looked at the other boys standing by for some explanation, but they appeared too shocked to be of much use.

“He’s going to take it back, Hermione.” Neville spat out, not removing his eyes from his prey.

“Take what back ? What did you say, Ron ?” Hermione heard Ginny say. She hadn’t noticed the youngest Weasley in amongst the others.

“Me ? I didn’t say anything.” Ron shot back.

“Ron.” The Head Girl said as warning. Neville unceremoniously dropped Ron, who caught himself against the wall.

“He was making lewd remarks about Mary Dorchet.” Neville finally said. Mary was a Hufflepuff fifth year Neville had been tutoring in Herbology to help her prepare for her OWLS. Why would Ron be maligning her ?

“Is that all it was ?” Ron said looking vaguely sheepish and surprised.

“Is that all it . . . . “Neville lunged at Ron again, but Harry and Hermione each grabbed an arm and held him back. Hermione thought it best to remove Neville from the common room until this was all sorted out.

“Come on, Nev.” She said softly. The burly Gryffindor looked down at her breathing heavily, then shook off her’s and Harry’s hands, turned and walked into her room.

“Mione, I . . . .” Ron started, but she stopped him.

“I’ll find out what’s going on.” With that she turned and went into her room to find Neville pacing in front of the fire.

“I won’t have it, Hermione.” He said forcefully, when he realised he wasn’t alone.

“Won’t have what, Nev ?”

“They can talk about me all they like, I don’t care, but I won’t have spr spreading such disgusting tales about Mary ! It isn’t right !”

Hermione sat down on her couch and watched Neville pace back and forth. His strides were slowing, but he was still quite agitated.

“What did Ron say about Mary ? Neville, please. Can you sit ? I’m getting sea sick.” The large youth plopped heavily into a chair and rubbed his face with his hands.

“We were just sitting around chatting, as usual. Dean askedhavehave a look at a book I have from the library and I told him ‘sure I wouldn’t need it tonight because I had a tutoring session’. Well, Ron latched onto that and started saying how he knew I had been seeing some girl and . . . . . . and he said . . . . . . . . Look, it doesn’t matter what he said. Mary is a nice girl. She doesn’t deserve to have rumors spread about her. I’d rather it came out who my lover is, than hurt an innocent girl.”

Hermione sighed to herself and wanted to grin. Neville was so chivalrous. His heart was in the right place, even if he nearly beat up one of his best friends.

“I’ll speak to Ron. You know him, Nev. His mouth just gets away from him. Sometimes I think it isn’t connected to his brain at all.” Hermione said, letting out a little giggle.

”Yeah.” Neville said with a laugh. “I know he doesn’t mean it.”

Neville looked up at the clock. “I better go. I don’t want to keep Mary waiting. “ He moved towards the door to the hall, then turned back. “Look, tell Ron I’m sorry.”

“I will.” The Head Girl replied. When he opened the door she spoke again. “And Nev . . .”

“Yeah ?”

“Ten points from Gryffindor for roughhousing in the common room.” He sent her a sheepish grin and she couldn’t help but grin back.

“Thanks, Mione.”


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Severus had been enjoying himself these last couple of days. Hermione had taken to spending her evenings in his quarte He He worked grading papers, while she concentrated on her schoolwork. A year ago he would not have believed it would be such a pleasure to have another person invading his personal space, but then love changes everything, does it not ?

“Have you heard anything from Remus and Annya ?” Hermione asked, looking up from a large tome laid across croscrossed legs as she sat on the rug before the fire. Severus looked up from his periodical, then closed it and set it aside.

“No, I have not. Tinker would notify me if there were any problems. I am sure they are fine.”

“I . . . . I just wondered how they were getting on.” Hermione looked mildly embarrassed and looked back down at her book. Severus felt a grin threatening.

“I am sure Miss Leonov has Lupin . . . well in hand.” The young Gryffindor’s head shot up with a shocked expression.

“Severus!”

“I meant that she is helping him acclimate to the mating. What were you thinking ?” Severus said, arching a challenging brow. ioneione mumbled something, then lowered her head going back to her reading. He picked up a different periodical and began perusing it. A while later Hermione spoke again.

“Could we stay at the Manor after the wedding ?” He raised his eyes and studied her face. “It would be nice to see Remus now that he feels better and I liked Annya.” Holding her gaze, he waited. “And we could spend some time together.”

“Are we not doing that now ?”

“You know what I mean.”

“And you know my feelings on that matter.” Damn, the little minx was grinning at him. “My dear, you will no longer be . . . . . . incapacitated. The risk is too great.”

Hermione stood and walked over to his chair. For a fleeting moment, he feared she was going to sit on his lap, but instead she rested her shapely bottom on the arm of the chair, draping her arm across the back.

“We would have at least a week, before we had to worry about getting pregnant.”

“That is not entirely correct. A wizard’s seedmoremore . . . . . . hardy, than a muggles. I won’t take the chance.” Severus said, trying to sound as if that were his final word. Hermione sighed and he looked up into her face.

“I miss you.” She said softly.

“Am I not sitting right here ?”

“I miss . . . . sleeping with you. Not sex, necessarily. I liked having someone there when I woke up.”

Severus felt like sighing. He had relished the closeness those nights brought to him also. But with the way he felt about her, sharing a bed with Hermione could only lead them down one path. Though, at the same time, he felt a pang of guilt. She had pleasured him a few nights ago, when he had been unable to reciprocate. She was a young, healthy, sexually active woman. Perhaps what she was hinting at was more than simply sharing a bed. He was to be her partner in such matters for the rest of her life. Did he not owe it to her to see to her needs ?

“What are you thinking ?” Hermione asked, rousing him from his contemplation. A delicate hand brushed his brow lightly. “You’re frowning more than usual.”

Severus drew in a deep breath and pulled Hermione down into his lap, as she let out a surprised squeal. “I am thinking I shall have to put up with your cold feet and blanket thievery tomorrow night.”


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The Macmillan wedding was a large society event, exactly the type Severus usually avoided at all costs. But he had found the afternoon rather pleasurable. What a difference it made to attend such a function as part of a couple. He had not expected it, but Hermione had stayed next to him all day. When she wished to speak with someone, she brought him with her. The little Gryffindor with decidedly Slytherin traits had even convinced him to dance with her. If for no other reason than to keep Lucius at bay.

Severus had not been surprised to see the head of the Malfoy family at the wedding. The Macmillan family held a position of power within the Ministry for several generations. Edward Macmillan held a position in trade or imports or some such, Severouldouldn’t recall exactly and didn’t really care.

“Lamenting your bachelorhood already, Severus ?” The dark man turned to find Lucius sneering at him, then the blonde’s gaze drifted lustily to the décolletage of the young woman dressed in wine beside him. Severus snaked his arm about Hermione’s waist and drew her closer to his side.

“On the contrary, old friend, I was cursing the wait until I am this lovely young woman’s husband.” His hand on her waist raised and his long fingers massaged just below her breast. “I cannot wait to treat her as a proper wife.”

Grey-blue eyes hardened into a steely gaze and Lucius’ lips pursed in distain. “Yes, well . . . . A good thing for you the Ministry enacted the Confarreatonis Adnexus, else you might never have found a bride. We both know you were never a lady’s first choice.”

Severus’ eyes narrowed at the dig. Malfoy must be seething to risk speaking to him in such a manner.

“I feel Severus would have come around eventually, Mr. Malfoy. As you have commented, I am not without my charms.” Hermione snapped back in an equally slimily civil tone. She then turned and on tip toe placed a possessive and lusty kiss on the dark man’s surprised mouth. “If you’ll excuse us, my fiancé promised me this dance.”

Malfoy stiffened from the tips of his toes to the top of his head and it was all Severus could do to keep from laughing, when the blonde bowed stiffly and said ‘of course’ before moving on. Hermione lead Severus to the dance floor and stepped into his willing embrace. It was only then that he felt the trembling running through her body.

“You were magnificent, my dear.”

“He just . . . . . . he gets my back up. I’d like to hex him, but somehow I feel that might be frowned on here.” Hermione said and he couldn’t help but bust out in a hearty laugh. He looked down to find her smiling at him crookedly. He bent and kissed her c.
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“You leave Lucius to me. He is becoming bolder. It does not bode well.”
hat hat do you think he’s up to ?” Brown eyes looked up to him worriedly.

“Nothing I cannot handle. Do not worry.”

When the dance ended, Malfoy was nowhere to be seen, but as Severus knew, that did not mean he was not there. The afternoon grew late and the majority of the guests were leaving. Severus collected their cloaks and they made their way to take leave of their hosts. Hermione hugged Susan Bones . . . . . Susan Macmillan and told her what a beautiful bride she had made. Really ?, Severus thought. The girl was flounced out in some ridiculous white muggle get up that took up the space of three people. It looked like the makings of a dress that had somehow gone horribly wrong. And the colors of the wedding were enough to put Dumbledore off sweets. Halloween appeared to play a major role in the deciding of the color scheme, but the orange, black and white somehow did not mix into a harmonious presentation. Severus was jostled out of his musings when he felt his hand being clasped and shook heartily by a preposterously happy looking youth.

“Professor Snape, I am so happy you could make it today and congratulations on your engagement.” Macmillan, in his excitement had not released his professor’s hand. Severus looked at their hands, then raised the youth an eyebrow. The Hufflepuff let go immediately with a sheepish grin.

“Thank you, Mr. Macmillan. I can only hope that our ceremony is as . . . . . . . interesting as yours.” Severus said, then he felt Hermione’s penetrating gaze land on him. Macmillan appeared happy with the praise, the future Madam Snape did not.

“It’s a shame you won’t get much of a honeymoon.” Hermione said to the young couple.

“Professor Dumbledore gave us three days off, so we could have a short honeymoon. I’m going to show Ernie muggle London. It should be fun.” Susan said.

“It only matters that we’ll be together.” Ernie said, before placing a very wet and heated kiss on his eager new bride. Severus cleared his throat to separate the two before they embarrassed themselves right then and there. The newlyweds parted and said good bye again before Severus took Hermione’s arm and lead her out of the Macmillan ballroom.

They stopped in the entry hall and Severus placed Hermione’s fur lined cloak about her shoulders.

“I’m not planning on our ceremony being anything like this, you know.” Hermione snapped.

“I did not say you were.” He answered calmly while putting on his own cloak.

“I heard that snide comment to Ernie. It looks like a Halloween nightmare in there !”

“One does not want to dampened the mood of the happy couple.” He said as he offered his arm. They walked out of the door and down the stairs. The late afternoon sun shone golden across the vast lawns. The Macmillans were not one of the wealthier wizarding families, but they were certainly more thanfortfortable.

“I ‘m trying to plan a tasteful ceremony.”

“I am certain you are.”

“You could be more involved . . . . if you like.”

“I will rely upon your judgment.”

“Which simply means you don’t care !” She snarled, stopping and pulling her arm out of his. For a moment, Severus was taken aback by the force of her outburst. He looked down to see the glow of the fading sun rivaled by the look in his intended’s eyes. He placed a hand on her cheek and gazed at her, with a knitted brow.

“Do not ever believe I do not care.” The statement erupted from his heart, unchecked by his head. Her expression sofd and and the voice in his head urged him to speak his love now. ‘I love you’ was on the tip of his tongue.

“We’d better go. Remus and Annya will be expecting us.” She said, taking his arm again and they walked to the apparation point.

The moment had passed and he had been too cowardly to put his feeling into words. His insides were trembling like a lovesick teenager’s. The words had only passed over his lips once before and that woman he had failed. Severus closed his eyes against the old familiar pain and the new shame of inaction.

“Severus, are you alright ?” Hermione asked softly, putting an arm around his waist. “You look tired.”

He gave her an upturned smirk. “I always find social engagements tiresome.”

“Then let’s go home.” She said. Home. Yes, it was to be ‘their’ home, no longer his alone. With that warming thought, he clasped her tightly and apparated to the Snape Manor.


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~*` Glinda’s Corner `*~

I know . . . . . not nearly long enough for you, but there you go. I will be working on the next section and the pace of the story is going to pick up soon, to get us to the bonding.

In the meantime . . . . . . . I wrote an original PWP for my hubby for his birthday. I posted it for ya’ll to read and REVIEW. Let me know what you think. (A little more than ‘that was HOT’, please ;)

‘Something nice’
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The evening promised to be interesting, to say the least. And believe it or not, it was all Jake’s idea. My husband of nearly 10 years wanted to do something nice for me. Really nice. I admit to being a little shocked and didn’t believe he meant it, when he first brought up the idea of bringing another man into our bedroom.

http://adultfan.nexcess.net/aff/story.php?no=35132

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Toddles . . . . . . Glinda



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