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The Headmaster's Wife	By : Mrs_HH Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 96752 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 23
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 43
- 44
- 45
New Beginnings
For years, Severus never really thought about what day it was. He was either teaching, or he wasn't. There were no days off for the illustrious double agent; nothing for him to look forward to. There certainly wasn't a willing witch in his bed, and if there had been, she wasn't there for long enough to warm it. His days were simple, yet complicated, in more ways than he wanted to think about. Each day started at five-forty-five, and ended in the early hours if he was lucky enough to get any sleep at all. He would get up, check his schedule, and survive the day as best he could.
But since the end of the war, Severus had many things to be grateful for, and one of the most satisfying changes was that his need to merely survive each day had been replaced by the opportunity to live them. There were days and evenings off now, thanks to Minerva's insistence that they work out a duty roster between them. And Severus was particularly pleased that he'd managed to secure the most decadent of time off―Sunday mornings. The luxury of a Sunday morning lie-in was a new phenomenon for the thirty-eight-year-old wizard, and he fully intended to make the most of it. Unfortunately, Hermione hadn't got the memo, and was currently sleeping, having come in late from an evening in Hogsmeade with Luna and Ginny.
But it didn't really matter because he was in bed, his curly-haired witch was in his arms, their half-kneazle kitten was sleeping on her pillow, and the clock indicated that it was an hour before midday.
The headmaster would have fancied himself to be somewhat content had it not been for his mind trying to decipher the hidden agendas and mysteries surrounding the events and discussions at Beauxbatons.

Friday morning: Madame Maxime's private dining room at Beauxbatons, France.
"Are you sure you want this event to be held at Hogwarts, Severus? Surely you are still in the midst of repairs?" Poliakov asked solicitously as he helped himself to bacon and eggs from the table containing a large breakfast buffet.
Harkinssen, who was seated opposite Severus at the large oval dining table, immediately added, "We could certainly accommodate the event at Durmstrang."
"First of all," Severus drawled dispassionately as he refilled his and Hermione's cup with coffee, "the castle's restoration was completed well before the start of term, and secondly, it was my idea to reinstate the ball so the event will be held at Hogwarts, unless Olympe has any objections."
"I zink it iz a wonderful idea to go back to 'ogwarts. I zink zat after everyzing zose poor children went zrough earlier in ze year zat it will be good for morale, yes? And why are you so keen to get us all to Durmstrang? As Severus says, ze idea came from 'im, and ze only people ee should be trying to convince are zeir board of governors―"
"And we are already convinced," Lucius said quietly from the chair next to Hermione. If his tone and body language gave the impression that he didn't want to be there, then his tone and body language were not lying. He'd knocked on Fleur's door earlier, hoping that he could at least apologise for their misunderstanding the previous night. When there was no response, he assumed she'd already gone down to the breakfast meeting.
But, as he entered the dining room with Severus and Hermione, the object of his affections was nowhere to be seen, and he was grateful to the young witch stood next to him for asking Madame Maxime where Fleur was. The news that she'd gone to her former headmistress in the middle of the night, explaining that she felt unwell and believed it best to go home, was received as if someone had just kicked him in the stomach.
His first thought was that he needed to know if she was alright, but then it dawned on him that he wouldn't be able to apologise. He couldn't just turn up on her doorstep, flowers in hand, and fall to his knees begging to be heard out, no matter how much he wanted to. And for a Malfoy to admit that he wanted fall to his knees in front of anyone for any reason other than to provide sexual gratification was testament to how much Lucius loved this witch. He couldn't call her, and even if he wrote to her, there was no guarantee she would read it. More to the point, there was no guarantee Bill wouldn't, either. Curse-breakers were well versed in all manner of touch and encoding charms and could detect them a mile off. Lucius couldn't run the risk that Fleur's husband would be there when she received the owl. Uncoded, the letter could cause an issue; encoded, would look even more suspicious, and Lucius just couldn't bring himself to do that to her.
He recalled the times he sat chastising Severus for moping around after Lily refused to accept his apology, and now he knew how much his friend's sixteen-year-old self must have felt, Lucius had to admit that he'd probably been a little hard on him. But despite the humiliating display the raven-haired wizard had put himself through as he pleaded with Lily, almost prostrate on the floor outside Gryffindor tower, at least he had the chance to try.
But how the hell was he supposed to apologise? As Lucius sat there, listening to Severus batting away Poliakov's arguments, he realised that part of him was angry with Fleur for taking away the opportunity to set things right, and maybe, he thought, that was for the best. Perhaps he had to encourage that anger; let it consume him and make himself hate her for biting a chunk out of the Malfoy pride. But no, he couldn't do that to her, either.
Lucius had just come to a decision when he was snapped back to reality as Poliakov practically growled, "But you haff enough to deal with, and―"
Hermione felt Severus' increasing tension rippling through her and interrupted with, "Excuse me, Highmaster, but I was one of the students who fought in the battle and watched my school being ripped apart. Even in its new, improved form, there are still areas I can't go without seeing a classmate being mauled to death or struck down by a curse. I'm not alone in that.
"I'm also one of the professors providing pastoral support for students to discuss more personal matters ranging from relationships to the war. We are only a few days into the new school year and already I have a full appointment book, as do my colleagues. Just yesterday, two students were hexed because of tensions regarding the roles their parents played in the war.
"This ball is important. It will give them something frivolous to look forward to in the very place where they witnessed so much pain. Your students may not have been involved, but in the spirit of our schools cooperating more, I believe that their presence at Hogwarts would be seen as an invaluable sign of support."
She then shrugged and added flippantly, "We can come to Durmstrang next year."
Have I told you lately that I think you're wonderful? she heard in her head.
Maybe, was Hermione's coy response before she asked more seriously, but what's going on here? Why are they pushing us to go there?
I'm not sure yet, but the more I think about it, logic dictates that we would be outside the protective confines of Hogwarts, Severus said, his mind roiling more than Hermione had ever known it to do before. From the information that you and Krum acquired last night, it would appear Harkinssen and Sexton have some knowledge or involvement in what happened last week beyond that of mere professional or personal interest. Whatever was meant to happen occurred in a non-sentient building. And if I―or you, if my suspicions are confirmed―invoke the protective wards, any altercation would be diffused by the castle itself.
Hermione huffed knowingly. There's no place safer than Hogwarts.
Still referencing that infernal book? There isn't, but only when the headmaster―or you, as I've stated―is in attendance, Severus qualified. But we only managed to stave off the plot last week because of what we found in Weasley's mind―
And Durmstrang is far enough away that we are less likely to stumble across any plot, Hermione interrupted distractedly.
Indeed. Of course, we're not entirely without the ability to gather intelligence, my darling spanner in the works.
Hermione chuckled in his mind at his term of endearment which referred to how Harkinssen had described her. You're going to ask Viktor to turn informer, aren't you?
It's an option. Perhaps we can offer him some kind of inducement.
Like what?
How the fuck should I know?
"Well, Mademoiselle Granger 'as put zat better zan I. I zink zat settles it," Madame Maxime said cheerily, but the cheer did not extend to her eyes as she flashed a look at the Durmstrang head and his deputy. "Now, we must decide on a date, and discuss ze finer details."
Severus took a sip of his coffee. "I suggest New Year's Eve."
"Then we should call it the New Year's Ball rather than the Yule Ball. Is that the only date you will consider?" Poliakov asked sardonically.
"I don't care what we call it, and, yes, that is the only date I will consider," Severus said defiantly. "It's the best fit for my students. Our new term begins on January fourth, so the students only have to return three days early. Whereas your terms begin a week later. And I would suggest that to cause the minimum disruption to both your schools that we restrict the Yule Ball itself to fifth years and above. We will hold an event earlier in the evening for our younger students, but I think this is the most satisfactory way forward for all concerned."
"I agree wiz Severus," Madame Maxime said, "and if you are not 'appy wiz zat, Boris, zen Durmstrang can always join us next year."
Poliakov's eyes widened at the headmistress' threat that they would proceed without them, and looked furtively at Harkinssen.
"Durmstrang will be there," Harkinssen reassured. "But a thought occurs beyond closer cooperation regarding the Yule Ball. I haff not run this past you yet, Highmaster, but I think you will be pleased with my suggestion. When Viktor suggested inter-school Quidditch matches, I thought about the fact that, as schools, we all have our own areas of expertise. Our expertise is, of course, the true magic―"
"The true magic?" Lucius scoffed incredulously.
"If by true magic you mean the Dark Arts," Severus intervened, "then I can only conclude that you have no understanding of their actual nature."
Poliakov started blustering. "Headmaster, what Anders means is―"
"You forget with whom you speak, Harkinssen," Severus growled, cutting off the highmaster. The dark-haired wizard's black irises suddenly seemed larger than usual. Harkinssen swallowed hard, his response sticking in his throat. "No matter what credence you place on the Dark Arts, an irresponsible, boastful attitude towards them can never end well."
Harkinssen was left reeling from Severus' sudden verbal attack. "But as a master of the Dark Arts, you understand the importance―"
"I understand that they must be treated soberly and with respect, and to say that I am a master of the Dark Arts...well, no one is a master of them, that is the point. However, let us for one moment assume that Durmstrang specialises in the true magic; the magic of your beloved Grindelwald; the magic of Lord Voldemort. Why then were the vanquishers of those two from Hogwarts?"
Viktor looked impassively at Hermione, but his eyes flashed mirthfully as Harkinssen and Poliakov looked at each other, panic filling their eyes.
"Now," Severus continued, "before you made such a grossly pompous statement, Anders, you were about to share an idea with us. Please, continue."
The tall, blond wizard appeared to be mentally shaking himself, much to Severus' amusement before he forced out, "Well, perhaps we could arrange exchange programmes―"
"The French Ministry would need to approve such an initiative," Percy chimed in officiously.
"As would the UK Ministry," Sexton added.
"Oh, I was forgetting zat you two were 'ere," Madame Maxime scoffed. "Please, don't speak again. Carry on Harkinssen."
Harkinssen cleared his throat, and continued. "What I was saying was that we could haff a student exchange programme for those who show aptitude in our specialist areas. So any students from your schools who show an aptitude in the Dark Arts―"
Severus sighed deeply. "Again you refer to the Dark Arts. What exactly do you mean? Do you mean Defence, Spell Creation, Potions―"
"Potions is not a Dark Art," Harkinssen snorted, lifting his cup to drain the last of his coffee.
"Don't drink that!" Hermione yelled.
The wizard's hand and face froze. "What?" he asked shakily, carefully placing the cup back onto the table.
"Well, I may have slipped a tailored poison into your coffee cup which reacts with stomach acid once you've consumed ten centilitres of liquid. That is a ten centilitre cup," she said casually. "Of course, I didn't because a tailored poison like that...well you don't employ the same methods as you do when making Pepper-Up."
Lucius leaned forward and looked at Severus; his smirk was met by a mischievous glint in the headmaster's eyes.
"So," Hermione continued, "I think it would be very foolish to underestimate the power of Potions. It's not all about collecting and brewing ingredients you know."
Poliakov looked flustered as the young witch sat back and finished her own coffee, and stepped in to say sheepishly, "I think we haff not explained ourselves very well."
"No, Boris, I do not zink you 'ave," said Madame Maxime imperiously.
"It is an interesting idea though," Severus admitted, slipping his hand under the table and squeezing Hermione's thigh before looking at Harkinssen. "Drop Olympe and I an owl regarding the exchange programme. I'm sure I speak for both of us when I say we're very interested in hearing your thoughts on the matter."
"Severus is correct. But it iz something zat should be discussed at a later date. For now, ze only subject we must discuss is ze Yule Ball. I zink it best zat we all arrive at 'ogwarts on ze New Year's Eve morning. Are we agreed?"
"Well, we certainly are," Severus stated, observing Poliakov and Harkinssen carefully.
"And so is Durmstrang," Poliakov conceded with difficulty.

"What are you thinking about?"
Severus looked down at the source of the soft, sleepy voice that had brought him back to the present. He shrugged, a small smile gracing the corner of his mouth.
"Nothing, and good morning―what's left of it― by the way."
Hermione smirked. "Good morning, and fibber. Are you thinking about Lucius and Fleur?"
Severus shook his head. Knowing that she would eventually wheedle it out of him―and there were better ways to employ his time than playing an unnecessary question and answer game―he told Hermione what was on his mind. "No, I was thinking about what happened at Beauxbatons, although I suppose Lucius is caught up in there somewhere."
"Will you speak to Pius about it when we go over for dinner?" Hermione asked, lightly running her fingers over the enticing trail of hair leading from his belly button down under his pyjama bottoms. She pinged the waistband in mock annoyance, pouting at its presence.
Severus confirmed that he would be talking to Pius later, but couldn't hide his amusement at her display of annoyance that he had dressed his lower half after answering a call of nature earlier that morning. The castle was getting colder now that October was upon them, and even when he'd lived in the dungeons, he refused to freeze his arse off, both literally and figuratively, at this time of year. "Something wrong, my love?"
"You appear to be wearing something," she said petulantly. "I prefer easier access."
"So do I, and yet you still insist on making me ruin numerous pairs of your knickers. Perhaps now you will understand my frustration."
"Take them off," Hermione growled.
Severus pulled back to get a better look at his wild-haired lover. "My, someone's woken up horny," he commented, whilst his cock began to show its appreciation of her command.
Hermione smiled and clambered on top of him, kissing him deeply. "I can't help it if I want you," she whispered breathlessly before wriggling down his legs to remove the offending sleep pants.
A deep chuckle rose from Severus' chest. "I suppose you are only human," he teased, before hissing as Hermione playfully slapped his thigh. She looked up at him defiantly, her eyes burning into him, before leaning forward and swiping her tongue across the tip of his semi-hard cock, which immediately sprang to life. "Come up here," he growled, gesturing to her to move up and straddle him. He reached and grabbed his erection, stroking it languidly as he pulled her down for another all consuming kiss.
Hermione began to wiggle her arse against his hardened length, and Severus took the hint, stroking his cock through her folds, teasing her sensitive bundle of nerves with the swollen tip. He continued this, relishing her breathy moans from his ministrations before catching a nipple between his teeth. He flicked his tongue over her taut nub, his teeth applying just enough delicious pressure for his witch to beg him to suck harder on the morsel between his lips.
With his free hand, he massaged her other breast, squeezing and twisting her nipple, making her writhe erratically over his cock. "You're all wet, Miss Granger," he goaded her, brushing himself more firmly through her now exquisitely slippery pussy. "What have you been thinking about?"
"All the wicked things I want to do with you," she responded, her eyes fuelled with lust as she tried to position her entrance over his length. But she moved forward too far, and the blunt head of his cock pushed against her tight pucker. Hermione's eyes widened, first in shock, but then Severus noticed how her nostrils flared, and her eyes softened but still burned into him with a flash of renewed wantonness. He continued to rub himself through her soaking folds, his teasing now extending beyond as he skimmed over her other entrance, taking care to not go any further.
"Really?" Severus groaned, pushing his fingers through her hair and pulling her towards him as he leant up to meet her lips. "I love you," he purred, but the sincerity and longing in his voice was unmistakable. He softly pressed another kiss against her lips before flipping Hermione over to lie flat and situating himself between her thighs. She brought one leg up and draped it over his buttocks, whilst her fingers traced his back as his tongue explored her mouth.
Hermione suddenly gasped as Severus thrust into her hot, silken channel. Her words of encouragement and pleasure were whispered against his skin before he moved to kiss her again, swallowing her moans as he caressed her walls with each deep, languid stroke.
"I'd love to know what you've been thinking about. Fuck, you feel good," Severus grunted out, relishing the feel of his balls being liberally coated by Hermione's juices.
She bit her bottom lip, arching up against him, and purred, "Why don't you take a look?"
Severus growled into her neck, nipping and nuzzling the delicate area before grazing her earlobe and whispering in her ear, "As much as I appreciate the offer, I've seen the filth that goes on in your mind. If I looked this would be over far too quickly, and I'm enjoying myself far too much."
"Oh fuck!" Hermione cried out as Severus moved her slightly onto her side and hooked her leg over his shoulder. "This is...I'm enjoying...oh there...just there..."
Severus smirked. He was now so attuned to Hermione that he could sense, just by the subtle change in her breathing, that her orgasm was swelling like the start of a wave deep out at sea. Even when she was silent―which Hermione rarely was―he could feel the ripples of pleasure building as he rolled his hips, and he changed the angles that tormented her most sensitive places, coaxing out her impending release. That didn't mean he was becoming blasé about their lovemaking. Far from it, but like any good potioneer knows, once you brew the perfect base, that is when experimenting can start. And Hermione had certainly been making favourable noises towards experimentation lately.
His hands moved across her skin, heightening her sensations as he expertly played her body. Never had the words, "Severus, please," sounded so beautiful to him as Hermione began begging him for release. He set her on her back, bringing her other leg up over his shoulder. He nearly bent her in two and with an increased surge of passion, he claimed her mouth again, his tongue battling against hers as he thrust deeper and faster into her.
He relentlessly pounded into her, their skin now damp and flushed as both began encouraging each other to come in between a litany of profanities. As Hermione came apart, crying out a resounding "oh fuck!" Severus hissed as her already fluttering walls clamped down around him. Her arms tightened around his neck, her nails biting into his shoulders as he stroked through her orgasm, chasing after his own. Not that he had to wait long. His thrusts became more erratic, and he felt and heard his heart beating faster as his balls tightened and cock pulsed. He closed his eyes, burying his face against her neck, grunting unintelligibly as with three final jerking thrusts, he pumped his release deep inside her.
"Fuck, that was...that was so good," Severus panted, pressing soft kisses to Hermione's neck before pulling back to help her unfold.
Hermione gave him a lazy, satiated smile. "That was amazing," she agreed, wincing as she lowered her legs, "but, fuck, I need to start doing yoga if we're going to do it in that position a lot."
Severus chuckled. "You already seem to be quite flexible."
"Yeah, but I'm not that flexible," she giggled, and collapsed into his arms as they continued to try and regulate their breathing.

Severus pushed Hermione's damp curls away from her face, and pressed a hard kiss to her forehead as she snuggled into him further. They lay there peacefully, knowing they would have to get up soon for Sunday lunch in the Great Hall, when Hermione once again interrupted the silence.
"Sev?"
The only response Severus could muster as he languidly wrapped one of Hermione's curls around his finger, was, "'Hmmm?"
"Have you ever had anal sex?"
It wasn't an entirely unexpected question. He just hadn't quite expected it now, and there was only one way he was going to respond to it.
"Given or received?" he asked, as if asking whether she wanted milk and sugar in her tea.
Without even looking at her, Severus could feel Hermione's eyes grow wide, as well as her sharp intake of breath. He practically heard her thinking about her next question.
"Well...I mean...what I mean is...have you...you haven't...you haven't received, have you?"
Severus couldn't contain his laughter. "Not as such, but in answer to the first part of your question...yes. Whatever made you ask?" He knew perfectly well what had prompted it, but he needed to hear it from her.
"Well I liked it when you touched me there, so I suppose I wondered how it would feel if you...well...you know? And Luna and I were chatting last night, and she said―"
Severus recoiled playfully. "You've been discussing our sex life with Miss Lovegood?"
"No! She was talking about her and Draco, and―"
"I think I'd rather you were talking about us than hear about what my godson gets up to in bed," Severus replied, shuddering at the thought.
Hermione bit her lip nervously whilst tracing patterns on his chest. "The thing is, Sev, I'd like to try it, and I thought that rather than tiptoe around the subject I'd just come out with it."
Severus smirked, scooping up her hair that had splayed itself across his chest and brushed it over her shoulder. "How very Gryffindor of you. Well, then— your wish is my command. But first, we have to be sensible. It's not something you just dive into as it were. It's something we need to take our time over; make sure you're ready for it."
"But I am. I want to―"
"Yes, I know," Severus interrupted before continuing in a tone laced with amusement, "but it's not your mind that we need to make sure is ready."
Hermione's expression turned from confusion to comprehension. "Oh!"
"Oh, indeed," Severus smirked knowingly. "The last thing I want to do is hurt you; I want you to enjoy it, but I have to say something before we continue this conversation. Please don't think you have to try this for my benefit. It isn't for everybody, you know, and I can quite happily live without it."
Hermione rolled her eyes at him, both touched and exasperated by his concern. She pulled herself up his body, placing her hands on either side of his face, before pressing a hard kiss to his lips. "I know. So how do we go about making sure that I'm ready for it?"
Severus looked at her cautiously. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes," Hermione growled, playfully slapping his chest as he entangled his fingers in her hair and rolled her onto her back.
"Well in that case, leave the details to me and I will ensure it's as pleasurable for you as possible," he purred, lowering his head to capture her lips.
But just before their lips met, Hermione pulled back to look at him. "What did you mean by not as such?"
A deep chuckle rose from Severus' chest. "Are you incapable of using your imagination or do I need to spell it out for you, my love?"
"I'm suddenly feeling very thick," she told him cheekily, before coquettishly batting her eyelashes at him.
Severus narrowed his eyes. "Do you really want all the sordid details?"
"Yes, please!"
He pecked her on the lips and rolled onto his back, taking her with him. He brought her hand up to his lips, and kissed it gently.
"I suppose we should extricate the elephant that you have managed to drag into the room first. I have never had part of another man's anatomy inside me, and you know I don't like divulging too many details of my past sexual exploits, but I believe you will find some of this tale amusing."
Hermione pushed herself up, resting her chin on her hands, which she had placed entwined on his chest. She looked up at him with an expression full of anticipation.
"Well, Abraxas Malfoy had a young mistress―Cassiopeia―who, if the nearly fifty year age gap wasn't scandal enough, was also the daughter of Marius Black―"
"Wasn't he disowned for being a Squib?" Hermione asked, recalling the family tapestry at Grimmauld Place.
"Yes, but he married a pure-blood. Cass was a couple of years older than me."
Hermione smiled wistfully. "He named her after his sister? That's really sweet."
"I suppose he did. I hadn't really thought about it. Of course, Abraxas tried to keep their relationship secret, but one night whilst entertaining her at the manor, Voldemort and some of his entourage turned up unannounced. I was visiting Lucius and Draco—I honestly can't remember where Narcissa was—and in a panic, Abraxas asked me to escort her home."
"And did you just escort her home?"
"She invited me in for a drink. It was the summer before I started teaching, and I was young, free and single. It would've been churlish to refuse. And one thing, as they say, led to another. But, Abraxas had another secret that he was even more desperate to keep. He had trouble getting it up, and none of the potions I provided made much difference―"
Hermione suddenly found herself giggling.
"It's not funny, 'Mione. It's much more common than any man or wizard cares to admit," he admonished, but the playfulness in Hermione's eyes brought a wicked grin to his face.
She managed to compose herself. "I know, but when Lucius goes on about Abraxas...it's just not something you would imagine happening to him. And also I was teasing Lucius about needing to take potions the other day."
"I don't want to know how that conversation came about," Severus conceded. "Now, may I continue?"
Hermione nodded enthusiastically.
"As I said, one thing led to another, and we'd done the deed, when she summoned a rather large box from which a number of toys were produced," Severus told her matter-of-factly.
Hermione had a cheeky glint in her eyes. "And what kind of toys were they?"
"Don't play innocent, it doesn't suit you," Severus snarked.
She huffed. "Sorry, I was only teasing."
He strained forward to kiss her on the nose. "I know."
"Then pray continue," Hermione implored, salaciously waggling her eyebrows at him.
Severus smirked at her enthusiasm before continuing with mirth. "Let's just say she could have set up shop in Knockturn Alley. At first I was quite intimidated; slightly put out, if I'm honest."
"Why?"
"I don't know really," he confessed pensively. "I suppose I saw it as a slight on my performance."
Hermione planted a lingering kiss against his nipple. "I doubt you left her disappointed."
"I don't think I did," he chuckled, brushing her hair away from her face. "But she assured me the reason for the appearance of the box was a force of habit. She said they were all presents from Abraxas for the occasions where he failed to satisfy her."
"Very generous of him," Hermione snorted.
"Indeed. But I think we can safely say that, by the number and variety of toys, there were far kinkier forces at work. Anyway, I suppose you could say curiosity got the better of me, and I'll admit that the sensation of a strategically placed vibrator wasn't unpleasant, and the next thing I knew she'd inserted a finger."
"Oh!" Hermione smirked lasciviously. "Did you like it?"
"Well, it was a shock at first," he admitted, remembering the unfamiliar feeling, "but by the time I left, I had graduated to something a little bigger. And if I hadn't enjoyed it, I wouldn't have let her do it again."
"Would you let me do that to you?" Hermione asked, walking her fingers up his chest.
"If you wanted to, you would not hear an objection," he replied, pushing his fingers through her hair and leaning up to kiss her.
But Hermione had one last question. "Did you see her often? It's just you talk about her quite fondly, but you've never mentioned her."
Severus froze. This wasn't how the conversation was meant to go. "I only saw her once more. I liked her, but I was still too hung up on Lily. And in Abraxas' eyes it was bad enough that I'd had an affair with Narcissa. He only tolerated me because I was one of Voldemort's favourites. Merlin only knows what he'd have done if he'd discovered some half-blood had sullied his mistress. Besides, circumstances were against us."
Hermione's brow furrowed. "What happened?"
He swallowed hard. "You...you don't want to know," he told her, his voice raw as he recalled the night Abraxas was punished for once again questioning Voldemort's decision to go after the Potter's child and not the Longbottom's. Abraxas Malfoy was a bastard, but the look of pain in his eyes as he was forced to watch his young lover defiled and killed before him, had stayed with Severus. To this day, he'd never found out who'd betrayed them to the Dark Lord.
"Did Voldemort find out about her?" Hermione asked quietly, instinctively knowing some terrible fate had befallen the woman.
Severus took a shuddering breath and pulled her to him, holding her tight. He pressed a hard, desperate kiss to her forehead, and whispered hoarsely, "I love you," thankful that the tyranny of the Dark Lord was over, but fearful of the lengths that this new threat may go to in order to exact revenge on him. All he knew was that he'd protect Hermione until his dying breath, but hoped it wouldn't come to that. After all, he had a life now, and a witch that he wanted to live it with.

"Come here, young man," were the first words Hermione and Severus heard as they stepped out of the Floo and into the drawing room at Malfoy Manor. Neither could hide their amusement as they witnessed a very frazzled-looking Lucius chasing a blue-haired Teddy Lupin on his hands and knees.
As the green glow died, the blond wizard knelt up and sat back on his heels, allowing the crawling baby to think that he'd gained his freedom. In a tone somewhere between embarrassment and knowing, Lucius said, "You forget how fast they move when they start to crawl."
Severus snorted, his eyes observing the small child cautiously. "I take it Andi's here?"
"Yes," the older wizard chuckled. "Narcissa invited her over to tell her something important. Hence why I'm minding this little horror."
"Hello, Teddy," Hermione said, crouching down to greet him. As soon as he saw her he stopped trying to escape Lucius. He sat up and giving Hermione a big toothless smile, began to crawl furiously towards her. But at the last moment his attention was drawn to the tall, dark wizard standing next to her, and stopping right in front of Severus, smacked his small hand onto a black dragonhide boot.
"Master Lupin. How can I be of assistance?" Severus drawled, staring down at the baby who was now sitting upright again, staring at the towering figure before him.
Suddenly, Teddy raised his arms to be picked up, and Hermione, who had been looking between the two with a sense of enchantment and trepidation, was about to step in and acquiesce to the child's request when Severus bent down and scooped up the son of the man who for years he'd held no love for, and only recently a grudging respect.
Hermione was on tenterhooks as Severus carefully positioned the boy to establish eye contact, but released the breath she was all too aware she was holding when her wizard said to him, "That's better. We can talk properly now."
Teddy shrieked his acknowledgment, and the unlikely pair went to sit down on the sofa. "Now," Severus continued, "may I congratulate you on reducing your great-uncle to his knees? I admire any man who can do that," he teased, which caused the youngster to giggle excitedly before grabbing the headmaster's nose.
Severus stared at the boy, narrowing his black eyes with feigned menace as he gently removed the tiny fingers, which only caused the Metamorphmagus to screech in delight. It was then that his hair started to turn black, and Hermione's heart melted as in her mind's eye she imagined Severus holding their own child.
Lucius instantly knew what she was thinking as she observed Severus and Teddy 'chatting'. He sidled over to her and whispered, "He used to be like this with Draco," giving Hermione a knowing smirk as her eyes sparkled at the scene before her.
"Well there's a sight I've not seen in a long time," they all heard from the doorway. Hermione turned to see Narcissa and her older sister Andromeda leaning against the doorframe, looking at the odd couple on the sofa.
Andromeda suddenly looked concerned. "Oh, Severus, he looks like he's going to be―"
But Severus had already summoned a cloth and laid it over his shoulder just before Teddy was sick, and then cast a cleansing charm.
"Feeling better now?" he asked the baby in his arms.
Hermione's mind was working overtime as she watched her wizard so at ease with the child, and wondered how it was even possible to fall more in love with him. But she had, and was only broken out of her reverie when she heard the boy's grandmother ask, "Have you given Hermione a cuddle, Teddy?"
Andromeda then turned to Hermione and explained, "We're having tea with Harry and his new girlfriend. Such a shame about him and Ginny. Do you know why they split up?"
"I think everyone involved had a few issues to work around," Hermione said knowingly as Lucius choked on his own saliva.
"Are you alright, old man?" Severus asked with an appropriate amount of concern to cover Lucius' unease as Teddy gave his grandmother a glare for even suggesting that he should cuddle anyone else. And just to prove that he was perfectly content where he was, his fingers decided that he needed to hold onto some black hair as if his life depended on it.
"I'm fine. It's just a slight tickle," Lucius choked out as Narcissa shoved a glass of water into his hand.
"Yes," Andromeda continued, "I suppose they were forced apart for quite a while. It must have been difficult to adjust."
Hermione just nodded and smiled whilst watching Severus carefully extricating Teddy's hand from his hair.
"I think you should give Hermione a cuddle," he whispered in his young friend's ear. "What do you think?"
Narcissa chuckled affectionately as Teddy tried to raise an eyebrow to mirror the older wizard's expression before suddenly wriggling violently, and practically throwing himself at Hermione. As she took the baby from Severus, it was now time for his chest to constrict as he watched her holding and whispering to the youngster. A slight smirk graced the corner of his mouth as the child unceremoniously decided to head-butt her shoulder with such force that Hermione almost dropped him. It took all of Severus' willpower not to put his arm around Hermione and join in with her fussing over the boy.
Severus had always battled with himself over sentimental thoughts. Wanting never to be parted from Hermione; knowing that he wanted her to be his wife and mother of his children...well, that was a statement of fact. There was nothing sentimental about it. Yet, looking at the witch who had given him so much hope, talking endearingly to a baby whose mimicry now extended to black, wavy hair, meant that he was finally visualising his child.
Usually that would worry him because it meant he was letting his emotions run away from him, and there had been too many times in his life when he'd found out that wanting and wishing didn't necessarily make it so. His natural instinct―the one that saved his arse on more than one occasion―was to protect his heart from such thoughts, but now he actually felt safe enough to allow such an indulgence. And for once, everyone in that room saw exactly what he was thinking.

Reluctantly, Teddy went back to his grandmother, but only after shaking Severus' finger and allowing Hermione to kiss his cheek. Andromeda summoned her grandson's travel bag just as Pius arrived. In passing, Andromeda gave him the look which only older sisters can give to strike terror into the hearts of their younger sister's partner before she bid farewell and left the Manor to get everything ready for Harry and Cho's arrival.
"Well, at least you know you'll have one student who actually likes you in a few years," Lucius teased the headmaster, who was now sitting by Hermione. His arm was lightly resting on the sofa behind her as she moved closer into his side.
"I admit that he does seem quite the character now, but once he is flooded by hormones, I'm sure I will take my rightful place as a bastard in his eyes by the time he comes under my care," Severus drawled.
Narcissa giggled softly. "I doubt that, but I know it's useless to convince you otherwise."
Hermione put her hand on Severus' thigh, squeezing it gently. "We've got a few years to work on it."
"Well, good luck with that," Lucius smirked, standing up and excusing himself from the gathering.
"Aren't you staying for dinner?" Narcissa asked, her voice laced with concern.
Her estranged husband smiled softly. "No, I have much to arrange, and you have news to share. You don't need me here."
Narcissa glared at Lucius before asking accusingly, "So you haven't told your best friend your news, then?"
"Narcissa!" Lucius snapped, but she ignored him and continued to tell Severus and Hermione what he was reluctant to share.
"First of all, Lucius, sit down. Secondly, our news. Pius has asked me to move in with him, but when we told Lucius last night he offered us the manor, on the basis that he is leaving the country at the end of the week." The tone of her voice was perfunctory at best.
"Narcissa, that's enough!" Lucius hissed, observing both Severus and Hermione's expressions. Severus was trying to look impassive, his eyes fixated at an unknown spot on the floor, but Hermione, who could not contain her shock, was the first to speak.
"Why?" Hermione asked, her voice a melee of emotion.
"It's always been easier for him to run away than face life when it gets a bit challenging," Narcissa responded.
"Will you shut up!" the blond wizard growled. "I simply cannot cling on to some idea that will never make me happy."
"Do you know what's going on?" Pius interjected, directing the question to Hermione.
"I think so," she confirmed quietly, but nonetheless she was bemused by the extreme action Lucius was about to take.
Lucius was standing by the door when Severus spoke. He was still unable to look at his friend, and the bitterness seeping into his voice was tangible. "I can't believe you're taking the coward's way out."
"Well, I am a coward," Lucius hissed back, "but I'd thank you not to remind me of the fact with such alacrity."
Severus finally took the opportunity to observe Lucius and did so carefully. His eyes were heavier than usual and slightly red-rimmed. His hair had obviously been brushed but not washed that day, and his cheeks bore the slightest hint of fine blond stubble. Lucius was playing with his cuffs, and there was a subtle darkened area on his bottom lip where he had been worrying it with his teeth.
"Shall we continue this discussion in your study?" Severus asked curtly as Narcissa dropped the subject, seemingly in favour of leaving the matter in his capable hands, before asking Pius and Hermione if they would like something to drink.
Lucius nodded uncertainly but led the way. As he exited the room, Severus quickly turned to Narcissa. "Did he tell you what happened at Beauxbatons?"
"Only that she was there and that he couldn't run the risk of seeing her again. Why can't he just take her as a mistress? He was never reluctant before," the blonde witch asked contemptuously.
"Because―" Severus started, his tone harsher than he'd intended it to be, but he immediately softened it. "―because he's in love with her."
Narcissa snorted. "I know I'm not an expert at unrequited love like you are, but it still makes no sense."
Hermione could tell that the blonde witch's comments had stung Severus, and chimed in quickly. "There is a Muggle saying, 'If you love someone, set them free. If they come back, they're yours. If they don't, they never were.' I suppose he's doing that. He's letting her go, except he knows she won't come back. But to let her go, he needs to put some distance between them," she mused, her heart clenching at the thought that Lucius believed himself to be a coward. But she couldn't help feel a little disappointed that Severus and Narcissa thought he was too, because in this instance, Hermione felt he was actually far from it.
Severus gave Hermione a watery smile, before taking a deep breath and leaving the room.
Pius looked confused. "I know I can be incredibly thick, but who the hell is Lucius in love with?"

By the time Severus walked into Lucius' study, the blond had already downed a brandy, and was pouring another while holding out a firewhisky to his friend.
"So what brought this on?" Severus asked, sitting down in one of the leather bucket chairs by Lucius' desk. Piles of parchment relating to the older wizard's business dealings had been carefully arranged on various surfaces around the room ready to go into boxes, together with books and other personal effects.
"Fleur and I may be soul-mates, but we can never be together. Aside from the fact she's married and expecting, I'm not right for her, especially as she still believes me to be as bigoted as my past would suggest."
"And yet when you changed your Statue of Inheritance so that Draco could marry a half-blood or Muggle-born, you also added half-breed, didn't you?" The phrase stuck in Severus' craw, but under wizarding law, half-breed was still― unfortunately―a valid legal term.
"How do you know?" Lucius groused.
Severus raised an eyebrow and gave his friend a knowing look. "You practically admitted it. Hermione asked you at the time if that also meant your witch was a half-blood or Muggle-born, and you said something like that. But what I don't understand is why didn't you tell Fleur that? Your relationship may be impossible, but it would have given her some indication that your heart has changed, and that the reason you can't be with her is not because of her blood status."
"I don't know," Lucius admitted, raking his hand through his hair. "I just didn't think. I wasn't given much time to think. One moment we were enjoying each other and then I became acutely aware of the fact that I was about to fuck another man's pregnant wife."
"But she was pregnant when you slept together before."
Lucius sighed. "I didn't know. I had to hear it from you. Fucking another man's wife...well, that's easy―"
Staring into his glass, Severus snorted.
"Don't judge me," Lucius warned. "You've fucked enough in your time...including mine. But I always found the key to not having a conscience about these things was to convince myself that I was delivering them from a substandard sex life."
Severus considered this. "When you put it like that, I feel my conscience already salved. I suppose delivering Narcissa from a substandard sex life was incredibly merciful of me," he smirked as Lucius gave him a sneering pout. "On the other hand, she also wanted to be with someone less arrogant."
Lucius looked at the floor, exhaling forcefully. "I cannot deny my arrogance, but with Fleur, I convinced myself that Weasley must be a crap lover and that I was making her life better, whilst loving her more deeply than I've ever loved anyone. But to find out she's pregnant, to hear her say she loves him, and still fucks him...it was like―"
Severus placed his untouched glass onto the mantelpiece and ventured, "A slap to the face, ego and balls?"
Lucius chucked deeply. "―a wake-up call. I can't be with her. It's foolish to harbour such a notion, but, for my own sanity, I can't be here. Our world isn't big enough to avoid her. I can't risk seeing her. It...it hurts too much."
Severus was finding it hard to accept Lucius' decision. Since Voldemort's return, he'd missed the friendship that he and Lucius had shared. Once the war was over, they grasped their companionship again with both hands. Lucius was family, but it seemed that as soon as they had fallen back into a comfortable routine, it was going to be lost again. But it wasn't just Lucius' friendship and acceptance that Severus valued. Although sometimes he found it easy to forget that Lucius was the older of the two, he always offered his younger friend invaluable advice whether in matters personal, professional or political.
And as their world was again facing an underlying, unknown threat, Severus felt that he needed Lucius to help him deal with the impending political shenanigans. Yes, he could play the game―he was, after all, a Slytherin―but he knew he had a habit of trusting no one and becoming too embroiled; something which Hermione kept warning him about. But Lucius had an uncanny ability of knowing when to influence from afar or when to stick his nose in. It was the only useful skill he'd learnt from his father, and he'd done it for years when Fudge was in charge at the Ministry.
As Severus admitted to himself that he needed Lucius to stay, he tried to find a way to convince him. But for once he wasn't sure how to do it.
"But why leave?" he asked, inwardly shaking his head at the ineptitude of the question and knowing that his next utterance could be construed as him clutching at straws. "You don't seek the company of the Weasleys, and Bill and Fleur live away so we will never really see them. You'd hardly ever hear anything about her."
Lucius gave Severus a wry smile, and said dolefully, "But I would hear enough."
With more desperation in his voice, Severus said, "For fuck's sake, Luce, you've never even lived on your own before―"
"I will have staff―"
Severus snorted. "It's not the same, and you know it."
"You survived on your own." Lucius shrugged, deeply touched by Severus' attempts to make him change his mind.
"I had no choice," the headmaster stated. "Even when I had family I was alone. And what about Draco? You've started to turn a corner with him, and now you're abandoning him―"
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm not abandoning him," Lucius retorted.
Severus cocked an eyebrow and looked incredulously at the blond wizard. "You know that's not how he'll see it."
Lucius didn't want to sound callous, but after they'd dinner the other night, he'd realised that although Draco was still quite fragile, he was intently focused on his new role at Hogwarts, and Luna. As peculiar as she may seem, she had an eerie ability to ground his son. And no matter what, Lucius vowed to himself that he'd be more accessible to his son, even if he was moving away. "At least if he does see it like that―which I doubt because I will speak to him―he'll have you."
"I'm not his father," Severus growled before closing his eyes, no longer able to hide the desolation he felt at his friend's news. "Where will you go?"
"My French estate. Now that Fleur's family has moved over here she won't be going to France as often, and you never know, I may get lucky. There are plenty of witches in the area with no preconceptions of me. But if I don't find myself a witch, at least the surroundings will be more pleasant. And you and 'Mione will always be welcome. In fact, I think I may throw a housewarming party, and I'll be pissed off if you two aren't there."
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. It was obvious that Lucius' mind was made up, and the dark-haired wizard felt a wave of hurt rush over him. His demeanour hardened, and his tone became clipped. "Will you be resigning as Head of the Board?"
"Only if the headmaster asks me to. I'll still attend meetings; I will still annoy you from afar," Lucius chuckled, watching Severus retreat behind his protective walls.
"I have no doubt that you will."
Lucius looked at his friend, his mouth twisting in consternation. "I'll miss you too, Sev."
Severus stared at him, stunned that Lucius had hit the nail on the head, and nodded plaintively. He picked up his glass, drained its contents, and the room fell silent as both men became lost in their thoughts.
"Actually," Lucius said, interrupting the silence, "I might join you for dinner. I have something to ask of your witch."
"In that case, I need to make a request of you also," Severus said stoically.
"And what pray tell would that be?" Lucius asked with a hint of exasperation. "Just don't embarrass yourself by trying to make me change my mind again."
Severus snorted. "I wouldn't dream of it. No, I need to choose something before you leave and would appreciate your assistance."

"So, you're moving in together?" Severus asked, taking a sip of wine. "What brought about this momentous decision?"
Pius smirked. "The events of the Ministry Ball."
"So not when you shagged in your office?" Lucius teased.
Narcissa glared at her soon to be former husband.
"Actually, it was during the fight. I looked over, saw her and Luna deflecting curses, and although everything was turning to shit on my watch, my overriding concern was for her safety." Pius then took Narcissa's hand. "I realised that I was in love with her, and we're at an age where protracted courtships aren't really necessary, so I asked her to move in with me. Although technically I'm moving in with her, but either way―"
"Sex on tap," Lucius chuckled, much amused by his puerile comment. It was just a shame Narcissa didn't feel the same about it.
"Lucius, just because you're new to the concept of falling in love and it hasn't been a happy experience for you, it doesn't give you the right to demean those of us who have been more fortunate."
"And just because you're all suddenly experts in being in love, doesn't mean you've got the right to flaunt it," the blond wizard snarled back.
Pius was about to intervene, but Narcissa stopped him and the estranged couple began trading verbal blows across the dinner table.
Oh gods, are they going to bicker all through dinner? Hermione asked Severus, giving him an embarrassed glance.
She heard Severus' deep chuckle in her mind. I expect so. Just sit back and enjoy the show.
No! Lucius is being an arse. Say something before I do, Hermione snapped back at him.
Despite serving two masters for more years than was healthy, Severus had never taken too kindly to being ordered around. He was too stubborn for that, and was often surprised that his internalised profanities hadn't gotten him into more trouble after an order was issued. But somehow when Hermione told him to do something in her Little-Miss-Bossy-Boots tone, he always felt the need to comply without quibble. It had nothing to do being scared of her―because he wasn't―and it had nothing to do with the fact that he adored her and would do anything for her. No, it was quite simply that he valued his peace and quiet, his sex life, and his bollocks.
"Lucy, that's enough," Severus drawled, and before Lucius could retort, he continued, "I think the occasion warrants a toast." He glared at Lucius until he picked up his glass. "To Pius and Narcissa. I hope you're both as happy as you deserve to be," to which Lucius downed his glass of wine without responding.
That was lovely, Hermione thought to him and squeezed his thigh under the table.
But her next reaction was less discreet as Severus continued, "I just hope you're ready to embrace the world of soft furnishings, Thickie." This caused Hermione to snort softly before he added, "Needless to say, if you hurt her, I know where you live, and no one will ever find your body."
Pius laughed heartily before taking a gulp of wine. "I consider myself duly prepared and warned, but I can assure you, the Prophet will not be reporting my suspicious disappearance any time soon."
"Good. But as pleased as I am for you both, we do need to discuss certain matters following our sojourn to Beauxbatons," Severus stated seriously.
"How so?" Pius asked curiously. "I heard it was a raging success."
"I wouldn't go that far," Lucius snorted, "but if Sev running circles around Poliakov and that man purporting to be...well I'm not sure who he's claiming to be...then yes, it was a raging success. As for the rest of it―"
"We achieved what we set out to do," Severus interjected. "We have a date for the Yule Ball, and we have briefly discussed other ways of bringing the three schools closer, but they were mainly ideas suggested by Durmstrang. They seem to be under some strange delusion that they teach the true magic because they specialise in the Dark Arts."
Pius tried to contain his amusement. "I thought Poliakov was appointed to rid Durmstrang of its elitist image."
"So did I, but I'm not sure that we're dealing with Poliakov, in the same way that I'm not sure we're dealing with Shacklbolt," Severus stated, verbalising his deepest fear.
Pius looked at the headmaster, his eyes widening as he realised the implication of Severus' concern. They'd already discussed the use of Luciferan Polyjuice, in the case of the Minister for Magic, but the thought that its usage was more widespread was deeply troubling.
Knowing that Pius understood his underlying message, Severus asked, "What do you know of Harold Sexton?"
Pius thought for a moment. "He's mid-fifties, Ravenclaw; been a ministry drone since leaving Hogwarts. To be honest, until his appointment as an envoy two months ago, I'd hardly spoke two words to him. He'd left Hogwarts before I started, but rumour had it that he could be a bit of a shit-stirrer. Obviously didn't get him very far. I have no idea of his allegiances during the war."
"Would you say he was a good friend to our Minister for Magic?" Lucius asked, stabbing his fork into a piece of asparagus.
The tall wizard shrugged. "Well, like I say, until two months ago, no one really knew who he was. And I can't say I saw him and Kingsley bonding over a cup of coffee in the canteen, so no, I don't think he is―or even was―a good friend."
Severus pondered this. "So would there be any reason for Kingsley to issue him with last minute orders before he joined us on Thursday?"
Pius looked concerned. "What time did you leave?" he enquired, knowing from Narcissa that Lucius had Floo'd to the Ministry just before one o'clock. That being the case, Sexton couldn't possibly have spoken to Kingsley.
Severus looked at Hermione. "Half-one, wasn't it?"
The younger witch nodded and recalled how Sexton had been out of breath when he arrived.
"Sexton couldn't have spoken to Kingsley because he was at the Wizengamot arguing that, upon reflection, his six month summary judgement on those captured at the Ministry Ball was too rash, and some do not deserve such a sentence."
"In other words, if your name is Rowle, MacNair and Carrow, you'll be released by the end of the week," Lucius snorted.
"Or three less controversial prisoners will be released, except it will really be those three Polyjuiced," Severus offered dispassionately.
A look of panic crossed Pius' face. He stood suddenly, excused himself, and stalked out of the dining room. He needed to make a call which would ensure that the three high profile Death Eaters were allowed no visitors, and placed in the most secure wing of Azkaban under twenty-four hour guard.
Narcissa cast a warming charm on Pius' plate, and Lucius took the opportunity to apologise for his behaviour.
"That's all very well, Lucius, but throwing insults around won't sort out your problem," Narcissa snapped.
"I know," he muttered dejectedly before turning to Hermione and asked, "Would William think it strange if you arrived with flowers for Fleur on the pretext of checking on her after she left so hurriedly on Thursday night?"
"No, but Fleur would see right through it," Hermione snorted.
"Lucius, do not ask this of Hermione," Severus cautioned.
"I need to apologise to her, and 'Mione is the only person who can deliver a message without raising suspicion."
Severus was about to respond, but Hermione put her hand on his, and said, "Fine, I'll go tomorrow after classes, but no ostentatious flowers, Lucius. Something simple―"
"Violet hyacinths represent asking for forgiveness," Severus interjected.
"How do you know that?" Hermione asked, turning to Severus who was now looking a little sheepish.
"Forewarned is forearmed," he told her trying to look innocent.
Narcissa nearly choked on her wine. "Has he had occasion to buy you such flowers yet?"
"Oh, plenty, but as you may have guessed, he hasn't," Hermione quipped. "He did pick a rose for me once at Snape Manor."
Lucius snorted. "You've only given the love of your life one rose from your own garden. That's―"
"I prefer to give more tangible gifts," Severus stated, trying not to smirk.
Lucius shook his head incredulously just as Pius returned.
With a heavy sigh, the head of Magical Law Enforcement sat down and said, "Tell me everything."
And so Severus, Hermione and Lucius told Pius of the open and overheard discussions that had occurred at Beauxbatons.
Pius looked perplexed. "So we can only guess at their motives, we're not sure who this Harkinssen is, we believe Poliakov may have been compromised, and Sexton―"
"―is probably being held somewhere with Kingsley, and that isn't Sexton we've been dealing with," Severus interrupted.
"Fuck!" Pius exclaimed. "Do you have any good news?"
Both Severus and Lucius cleared their throats.
"I believe we can count on Olympe's support," Lucius informed him, knowing that was of little comfort.
"And Mr Krum has agreed to be our eyes and ears at Durmstrang," Severus declared.
"I think I need to set up an Intelligence Division, and given your track record and ability to identify and recruit spies, Severus, you should be my Spymaster," Pius chuckled mirthlessly. "Have you offered Mr Krum any inducement?"
"Only that we will try and assist with a personal issue he's having," the headmaster supplied.
"Which is?"
"His fiancée is a Muggle," Hermione responded. "He could lose his job and place on the Bulgarian team if his bosses find out."
"I see," Pius said before thinking for a moment. "Well, being the ex-Minister for Magic has its perks. I know the manager of the Bulgarian team; I can smooth the way there. As for his employment at Durmstrang, I'm sure between us we can come up with some viable alternatives should need arise.
"However, we're still up to our eyes in shit."
Severus twisted his mouth in consternation. "Tell me about it."

Upon their return to Hogwarts, Severus muttered something about paperwork and disappeared to his office. The truth was, Lucius' news had shaken him, and he needed time to think over current events. An hour later, he was still in his chair, feet propped up on his desk, staring into space.
His contemplation was interrupted when Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Dear boy, we're all at your disposal when you need us. You're not alone, Severus."
Without looking up, the headmaster pressed his lips together, and nodded his thanks to his portrait-bound advisors as Hermione Apparated into his office.
She'd been marking her first-year's assignments in their study, and had scratched an A at the bottom of the last essay when her thoughts turned towards Severus. She walked into the living room and over to the wine rack. Pulling out a bottle of what she hoped would be a nice red, she grabbed two glasses, and using Severus' extended Apparition privilege, arrived in the headmaster's office with a crack.
"I see you're busy," she teased, walking round his desk and forcing herself onto his lap.
Severus didn't answer, but moved so she could sit more comfortably.
Hermione brushed his hair away from his face. "You're going to miss him, aren't you?"
Severus simply huffed.
Ignoring his grumpiness, Hermione asked if he'd like a glass of wine, before babbling on about hoping it was nice as she'd only chosen it because she liked the label.
Severus turned the bottle round. "You chose well. It's a Cotes du Rhone, a Grenache/Syrah blend―so it's a little spicy―but it's quite a young vintage, so perfectly acceptable"
Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck, pressed a chaste kiss to his lips and reiterated, "As I said— I liked the label."
Severus chuckled before burying his face against her neck. His breathing seemed as laboured as his thoughts, and after a few moments of silence, Hermione was convinced he was about to confide in her, but instead he mumbled, "I'll make a wine connoisseur of you yet."
Hermione giggled and tightened her hold on him.
Again, silence reigned before Hermione whispered, "You were so cute with Teddy earlier. I think he likes you."
"He's an infant. He isn't exactly discerning," Severus grumbled.
Hermione huffed at Severus' failure to take a compliment. "But he obviously enjoyed your attention, and come on, admit it, you enjoyed it too."
"As I said earlier, he appears to be quite a character. He evidently takes after Nymphadora. But you were right about him having Lupin's eyes. I found that rather disconcerting, and I have to wonder how his father would react if he knew I was holding his son today."
Hermione brushed his hair away from his eyes. "Knowing what we all know now, Remus would have been delighted."
"Maybe," Severus conceded, chewing the inside of his cheek.
"I just had no idea you were so good with babies," Hermione added casually, carefully gauging his reaction.
"I'm a man of hidden talents, obviously, and you weren't so bad yourself," he teased. "To be honest, Master Lupin is only the second baby I've ever held. I was quite hands on with Draco as Lucius couldn't―or rather, wouldn't―change a nappy to save his life. He'd quite often hand Draco over only for him to vomit all over me. I learnt how to spot the signs quickly."
Hermione giggled and kissed Severus sweetly before he poured their wine, and handed her a glass. They drank in companionable silence, their subtle glances and smiles speaking volumes before Hermione whispered in his ear, "Come to bed."

Harry and Draco were on duty that evening and were stalking the corridors when Harry said, "Your aunt told me to pass on her regards."
"Her name's Andromeda," Draco groused. "Referring to her as 'your aunt' makes me think about the crazy one."
"Sorry," Harry muttered.
Draco huffed out a breath. "It's OK. Just don't do it again."
"Why, will your father hear about it?" Harry chuckled before asking, "Anyway, what's wrong?"
"Hmmm? Oh, I'm tired. Luna went to Hogsmeade with Mrs Snape and the Weaslette last night and came home rather horny."
Harry's eyes widened. "Came home? Are you living together?"
Draco shrugged. "Well, not exactly, but Uncle Sev opened up the Floo connection between our rooms on Monday because...well I made a bit of an arse of myself again, and he's forgotten to close it."
"Is forgotten Slytherin for 'I'll make it easier for you. Don't get caught'?"
"No. It means he forgot. I think. Either way we're taking advantage of it until he remembers. And then I'll plead that I've been a good boy."
Harry laughed heartily. "He won't buy it."
Draco had to laugh, too. "Probably not. So, have you and Cho...you know?"
Harry blushed and shook his head.
"You know," Draco started conspiratorially, "as the staff chambers are connected―if you wanted to that is―Cho could Floo to my rooms and then on to yours."
"Thanks, but I'd rather not lose my job."
"So you're not over the Weaslette, then?"
"What?" Harry snapped.
Draco chuckled. "Oh, nothing, but take your heart off your sleeve before you leave your chambers next time."
"Oh fuck off! You―" Harry suddenly stopped speaking as he noticed a large, dark mass in one of the alcoves up ahead. "What's that?" he whispered.
Draco didn't answer, but both wizards drew wands and quickened their pace towards what turned out to be a collapsed student. Lying a few feet away from them was a piece of parchment.
Harry recognised the boy as Emile Asbourne and called his name. When no response was forthcoming, Draco knelt down by the boy and felt for a pulse. "He's still alive," he said just as Harry bent down to pick up the parchment.
"Don't touch that!" Draco yelled, and levitated it towards him. He gulped, recognising the letter to be written in the same hand as the note he had received about Lucius.
"I'm taking him to the hospital wing. Summon Severus, and tell him Emile's been poisoned."
Harry's Patronus hurtled off to find the headmaster, and he took a moment to look at the floating parchment. His eyes widened as he read it:
Only one with impure blood was a born Slytherin. You and the traitor will be removed.
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The Headmaster's Wife