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The Headmaster's Wife	By : Mrs_HH Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 96743 -:- 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
- 54
- 55
- 56
Severus was staring at a spider, completely enthralled as said spider busied itself with spinning its web on the balcony of the plush hotel suite that overlooked Melbourne's Yarra River.
As with all magical buildings, the hotel looked like a mundane building from the outside―in this case, an old block of unappealing flats. On the inside, however, the hotel was exceptionally modern and luxurious by UK wizarding standards with well-appointed, comfortable rooms.
The spider's antics were failing to distract Severus from his thoughts, and he turned his attention to the balcony's black willow terrace furniture. He quite liked it and made a mental note to order something similar for the villa on his Tuscan estate. However, judging by the untouched pastries, glass of orange juice, and large pot of coffee that sat on the coffee table, the headmaster still had too much on his mind to eat, even if his rumbling stomach was protesting at the selfish overactivity of his brain.
It was here that Simeon found him deep in thought. Noting the empty coffee cup before Severus, the healer suspected that he'd been there for a while. Feeling the coffee pot to gauge its temperature, he immediately banished the cooled pot, ordered a fresh one and put an apricot Danish onto a plate. Whilst all this was going on, the brooding wizard did not even acknowledge his presence.
Summoning another coffee cup for himself, Simeon sat down and studied Severus carefully. "If I might stick my professional nose into your business, you need to eat more than thin air."
Placing the pastry in front of the weary wizard, Severus' response came in the form of a grunt.
"Would you like to talk about it?" Simeon asked, filling both his and Severus' cup with the coffee that had just arrived.
"About what?" Severus dismissed, but the healer was right, he did want to talk to someone about the thoughts going on in his head.
Simeon sat down and examined the steam rising from his own cup. "I can only imagine the burden you must be feeling today. Facing the parents of the woman you love for the first time is always nerve-wracking. I remember when I first met my wife's parents―sweated through two shirts before I'd even left the house."
"It isn't so much that," Severus informed him, ignoring Simeon's attempt to lighten his mood. "I know they will hate me; I am prepared for that. I have, however, a far greater issue occupying my thoughts―one that affects only Hermione and myself."
Indicating that he was listening, Simeon maintained a close watch on the headmaster whilst sipping his black coffee.
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, swallowing hard as he was about to voice the thoughts that had been plaguing him since he heard Simeon say that he and his wife were considering adoption. "There is a possibility that we...that is to say, I, cannot have children."
"I take it this is a recent diagnosis?"
Shaking his head, Severus sighed. "No, I have yet to be diagnosed, but a friend who suffered as many Cruciatus as myself was told that he will be unable to father another child, and―"
"Best not let it worry you until you know for certain―"
"―But I am worried," he snapped before exhaling forcefully and confessing one of his concerns. "Hermione is a lot younger than me and, as much as she says that it doesn't matter, I fear that one day it will, and..."
He trailed off, finding that he was unable to voice his concern aloud. It was one thing to churn the thought over in his mind, but, once it was spoken, he didn't want to create a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Putting down his coffee, Simeon leant forward, his fingers entwined. "Severus, Hermione loves you, and I sincerely doubt that she will run off with another man just because he might be able to impregnate her in the traditional way.
"Now, it is true that the wizarding world is decades behind the Muggles in terms of infertility treatments, which is strange considering that it is mostly Pure-bloods who suffer from it. You'd think they'd be pouring money into research. However, like everything else that seems to question their so-called superiority, most will sweep the issue under the carpet."
The surly wizard snorted derisively. "They don't need research to tell them that they shouldn't be shagging their cousins with such regularity."
But then he got to the crux of his thoughts. "What I wanted to ask you is when you told Mrs Granger that you and your wife were considering adoption―"
"Ah, you mean was that a ruse or are we actually looking into it?"
Severus nodded, feeling more and more uncomfortable as the conversation progressed.
"Yes, we are. Is this something you and Hermione..."
"Hermione mentioned it. I, however, dismissed it. I believe I may have been too hasty."
"She didn't take your rejection of the idea well?"
Severus just gave the man a wry smile.
The healer could sense the conflict Severus felt. He'd felt it too. He wanted nothing more than to have a family with his wife, but when she first broached the idea of adoption he balked at the idea. He'd stated categorically that he wasn't going to raise a child that wasn't his own flesh and blood. Therefore, when his wife made an appointment at a Muggle infertility clinic to help them conceive the baby that they both longed for, he was more than happy to attend.
"Have you discussed Muggle treatments?"
"Hermione rattled off a whole raft of options―mainly techniques employed by friends of her parents. I suppose if I had to―if we had to―then we would explore them. But I just don't know if I could adopt," Severus admitted quietly. "It would not be my child and I would be constantly reminded of what I cannot give her."
"You mustn't think like that," the healer implored. "Look, I understand how you feel. We had to undergo counselling―"
Severus made no attempt to roll his eyes surreptitiously.
"Hear me out. We went to a Muggle clinic and when they told us that the chances of conceiving and carrying to term even using egg donation were small, we were offered counselling. At first, I was reluctant. After all, I'm a healer and we tend to be rather stupid when it comes to our own wellbeing.
"Anyway, after one particularly tear-soaked weekend, I found myself making an appointment with this counsellor, and she gave me the impetuous to pursue the adoption route. You see, my issue had always been that the child would be born of someone else. However, she pointed out that we would be choosing our child together, and that struck a chord with me. And then, if and when we adopt, and our child asks about being adopted, we can tell them that we chose them―that they were, and are, special.
"The next morning I found myself outside the Ministry's Adoption Office. Don't get me wrong, it's still hard for me―for both of us―at times, but it will be worth it."
Leaning on his arm, Severus listened intently, mulling over Simeon's words. Apart from his own concerns, the only time that he'd ever really thought about adoption was as a child. He'd often prayed that Eileen and Tobias had adopted him because a loving couple for whatever reason had been forced to give him up and that one day they would turn up and claim him.
However, Simeon's experience provided much food for thought, but although the idea of adopting a child seemed a little more palatable, he still had very personal concerns.
After his scare with Narcissa, the idea of having children had barely entered his mind for years. The only children in his circle of acquaintance were the dunderheaded spawn of his Death Eater brethren, and he'd taught them. To him, those children were not a joy or a blessing, but a royal pain in his arse, and he was sure many of their parents considered them likewise. Even his godson, whom he'd held only minutes after his birth and actually had some level of affection for, was, more often than not, problematic.
Also, he'd rarely slept with the same woman more than twice. Therefore, any thoughts regarding fatherhood were confined to fleeting glimpses of what he might like in the future should he, by some miracle, survive the war. If someone had told him that he couldn't have children back then, he probably wouldn't have given it a second thought.
However, he was giving it more than a second thought now. He wanted children with Hermione, but also, Severus Snape, like everyone, had an ego. In public, it was huge, but in private, at least to those who knew him intimately, it was a very fragile thing indeed. One of the issues plaguing his mind posed a threat to both his public and private ego, and it was affecting him more than he ever thought it would.
"Doesn't it bother you, though, that people will know that you can't have children naturally?" Severus asked cautiously.
The healer laughed heartily. "This isn't some kind of pissing contest, Severus. No, I must admit that I never held that concern myself. However, if that is a primary concern then think of the headlines: 'The Dark Saviour and The Golden Girl adopt a child and give it a better life'. Consider the good that would do. Adoption rates would go through the roof, and Merlin only knows how many orphans there are after the war. You may have some unscrupulous journalist besmirching your manhood, but public opinion would be on your side, and there is a saying that anyone can father a child, but―"
"―Hermione reminds me of it frequently."
"She is a sagacious witch," Simeon told him teasingly. "Now, as easy as it is to say, do not dwell on this. The situation is entirely hypothetical, at the moment," he said soothingly, his bedside manner coming to the fore. "Get a diagnosis or check your current medical records and see if you were diagnosed whilst you were holed up in St Mungo's. Whatever the outcome, when you areknee deep in nappies, you will forget we ever had this conversation."
Grimacing at the thought of nappies―Draco's had put him off for life―Severus shook his head before stating categorically, "Oh no, I will have house elves to deal with that."
Simeon would never profess to know Hermione and Severus well as a couple, but he knew enough. "Somehow, I don't think Hermione will let you get away with that."
A soft snort accompanied Severus' assertion that Simeon was probably right.

The black of night still felt like a thick blanket covering everything ion this particularly cold December morning in Cheshire. The sun would not rise for almost another three hours, and yet a very nervous Winky stood beside one of the guest beds in Snape Manor with two cups of tea clattering in their saucers.
"Master Lucius, Mistress says that you is to―begging your pardon, sir―get your arse out of bed, sir," she squeaked at the sleeping forms of Lucius and Fleur.
Opening an eye to see the identity of the voice, Lucius grumbled, "Tell your Mistress that I appreciate the wakeup call―and the tea."
"You is welcome, Master Lucius, sir," and with that the house elf left to allow the couple to wake properly.
Sighing in frustration, the blond wizard ran his hand over his face. He didn't want to get up, and he certainly didn't want to leave Fleur, but he knew that he must. Softly, he kissed her shoulder, inhaling her calming scent. "Darling, wake up."
A sleepy Fleur grumbled and settled back down to sleep.
The words, "Sweetheart, I have to go," caught in his throat as he pulled her closer to him.
Turning her head quickly, a now fully awake witch protested, "What? No, not yet. Please, Lucius, a few minutes longer."
"But..."
"No," Fleur commanded with a well-practiced pout, pushing him onto his back as she turned and straddled him with relative ease considering her pregnant state.
Inclining his head to one side, Lucius looked up her and sighed. Trying to ignore her nakedness, a weak smile graced his lips. "Oh, my sweet girl, if only I could stay longer, but I must not tarry and it is imperative that I tell you something before I leave."
He moved to sit up―Fleur still atop him―desperately trying to ignore the proximity of his hardening member to her hot core. Once settled, he took her hands and his, bringing them to his lips before looking deep into her eyes for a moment. He felt their magic thrumming, and he knew he had to speak quickly or else the unsatisfied physical side of their bond would be impossible to ignore.
Cupping her cheek, Lucius pressed a soft kiss to her lips before he began to speak. "As things stand, we both know that we cannot be together. I know that you do not feel complete, and I wish that it was within my power to give you everything you need to make you feel whole―what we both need, for that matter. However, it is not. Therefore, although I cannot provide you with all that a husband should, there is something that I can give you: I want to bind you to the protection of my family."
Fleur's eyes widened. "A Familial Bond?"
"Indeed," Lucius confirmed, stroking his thumb over her smooth skin. "Should you, or any member of your family be in danger you will be protected by any member of mine to the best of our ability. Effectively your family will become a ward of my mine."
"Lucius, I...I cannot ask this of you," she whispered, hanging her head.
Bringing his other hand up Fleur's face, he gently tilted her head back to regain eye contact. A small smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. "No, you cannot. It is for me, and me alone, to extend this offer."
Fleur swallowed hard, her brow furrowing as she shook her head in disbelief. "But this offer, would it extend to Bill?"
"It would." Lowering his hands and placing them over hers, Lucius' confirmation was calm and assured, which only added to the blonde witch's consternation.
"But why?"
"Because he's your husband," he told her matter-of-factly, raising his eyebrows enquiringly as Fleur's body stiffened. "What's wrong?"
"It is my understanding that Familial Bonds can be made for either an entire family, their heirs or for individuals."
"That is correct," Lucius confirmed, surprised by what he construed as Fleur's reluctance to accept his offer.
Fleur bit her bottom lip. "I do not wish any harm on my husband, but if you include him―"
"―I understand your concern, but no one really questioned it when I made my family lawyer available to him. As such, it would not appear that unusual should my family's assistance be required in the future."
"I know, but I felt uncomfortable then and I would feel uncomfortable again. Therefore, if you are to offer this then I would wish it only for my children."
Lucius shook his head, puzzled by Fleur's request. Why she would only want her children to be covered by the bond and not herself or her husband baffled him. Again, he surmised that Fleur was withholding something from him. When he'd seen her last, she had declared her love for both her husband and himself. Tonight, no such sentiments, apart from her love for him, had been uttered. However, he decided not to press the matter further. He was sure she would tell him when she was ready.
"I simply cannot agree to that," he told her plainly before placing his hands on her belly. He swallowed hard, unable to fathom the sense of calm that he felt flowing from Fleur's unborn child. "Have you thought of a name?"
Fleur nodded, slightly annoyed by Lucius' refusal to grant her request. "I like the name Victoire, but I know that Bill―and his mother―would prefer something more British."
"Such a beautiful name! I am sure your choice will prevail," Lucius chuckled, raising his hand to run the back of his fingers across Fleur's cheek whilst he considered a compromise to her entreaty.
Fleur went to speak, but found Lucius' finger pressed to her lips.
"I am prepared to make a concession on my previous offer. I can see that the potential conflict of interest could create an issue for you. However, the proposed amendment is non-negotiable. I offer this to protect you―to bestow upon you something that I cannot give you openly. I offer this to you freely, with no expectation of anything in return, but as a sign of my regard and love for you. Please, Fleur, I urge you to accept this change in that knowledge and without question."
Touched by his earnest supplication, Fleur found it difficult to voice an objection. She knew that whatever his amendment was, it would not trap her into something she did not want.
Lucius' devious and slippery reputation may have preceded him and some still considered him a monster. His past actions and rhetoric could never be forgotten, but ever since their soul bond initiated, Fleur had seen a side to him that few knew existed―one devoid of all his arrogance and airs and graces.
He'd told her that when he saw her during the final battle, it was then he wanted to prove that he could become a better person. And from her conversations with Severus and Hermione, she had no doubt that the man before her was trying to become the new, improved Lucius Malfoy. And so her acquiescence came in the form of a gentle but chaste kiss to his lips.
Taking Fleur's left hand tightly in his own, Lucius Summoned his wand and placed it against their clasped hands. Both witch and wizard fixed their gaze intently on each other as Lucius began to initiate the bond.
"I, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, head of the noble House of Malfoy, solemnly offer the protection of myself, my heirs and descendants to the noble House of Delacour and its heirs and descendants. I vow upon my ancestors and my descendants that this Familial Bond is given freely without coercion, and will hold, never to be broken until the cessation of either line, from this day forth."
Fleur flinched as Lucius mentioned her family's name, but she immediately felt a warmth spread through her body as silver ribbons slithered around their joined hands as the final words of the oath fell from his lips.
As the silvery glow sank into their skin, they both felt the bond's magic engulfing them. However, that combined with their unsatisfied soul bond caused an overwhelming erotic charge to rip through them which neither could fight any longer.
Lucius' mouth crashed against Fleur's, stifling their moans as his hardened length became heated by her wet channel. Instinctively, their hips flexed and circled as they clung to each other, both tussling with their consciences.
Conflict raced through them and although Lucius' body was ignoring the nagging in his mind, he found himself choking out, "Fleur, we shouldn't."
Fleur didn't respond but pulled him tighter to her. Brushing her lips against jaw, she whimpered, "Do you want to stop?"
"Stupid question," the aristocratic wizard growled, bracing his arms under Fleur's peach of a bottom before manoeuvring them down the bed, encouraging her to lay down so that he could spoon her.
From the moment Lucius joined with her again, Fleur twisted to greet his lips, their kisses growing in intensity as they moved together whilst their hands tenderly caressed every inch they could reach.
Whether this was morally right or wrong was now immaterial. Their lovemaking was slow and passionate, but the act had nothing to do with lust. This was not an adulterous affair as far as their souls were concerned. They were fulfilling the calling of their souls, soothing and replenishing them with the love they both so desperately craved. Whilst they were joined, each kiss, each touch fuelled the essence of their very being, until they were surrounded by a white glow which made the two blond lovers look almost ethereal.
Silvery light filled the room as their orgasms broke over them, their bodies trembling as aftershocks ran through them. They lay there for a moment feeling utterly replete; their souls soaring and rejoicing in this act of union. However, in their hearts, they both knew that this contentment would be short lived, and so they were determined to enjoy the moment whilst they could.
Nuzzling Fleur's neck, Lucius chuckled, "Well, that certainly didn't happen after I made a Familial Bond with Severus."
Fleur couldn't contain her amusement. "Oh, and I'm sure he will be devastated when he finds out that it didn't."
Grazing his teeth over her earlobe, his hand gently cupped her breast. "Unfortunately," he said with a mock sigh, "he is more likely to be relieved."
However, detecting something rueful in Lucius' tone, Fleur twisted to look at her lover quizzically. In the time that she'd known Lucius, he'd made a few comments which made her wonder about his preferences. Not that she minded, but if there were a possibility of them ever being together, it would be useful to know. However, as diplomacy was not one of her strong points, she asked him pointedly, "Are you bisexual? Because it sounds as though you harbour feelings for Severus."
Lucius snorted softly, coaxing her to turn over and face him. "I am," was his unabashed response. "As for my feelings for Severus, let us say they are complicated. He's like a younger but more mature brother to me. He is my best friend who has stood by my family through thick and thin, and yet there are occasions when I've wished that his preference extended to...well, not wizards per se, but to me. However, I realised years ago that his value to me as my brother and friend is too high to lose by trying to seduce him into the sack. Therefore, my feelings for him are and will remain unrequited, but they and my sexuality are rather irrelevant now given that there will be no one else but you."
Fleur traced her finger over his jaw and pressed a lingering kiss to his lips, fighting back the tears that were threatening to fall. "But there has to be someone else, Lucius," she told him, running her fingers through his hair. "You cannot waste your life on me. You cannot be alone."
"If I cannot be with you, I can and I will," Lucius told her adamantly. "Apart from my son and Severus―and by extension, Hermione―everyone else in this world pales into insignificance compared to you, and I am a Malfoy―I do not accept second best."
Fleur's breath hitched as she found herself on the verge of telling him her most heartfelt feelings. "I love you," she whispered, kissing him fervently as tears now streaked down her cheeks. "We have to find a way. I cannot be without you."
Lucius felt a lump forming in his throat at her words. He'd tried to tell her once that it was impossible for them to be together, but, now, he wasn't sure he could. He kissed her deeply, pulling her as closely as possible to his body before pressing his forehead to hers. Closing his eyes, he tried to swallow away the tightness in his throat to no avail. "And I, you," he choked out roughly. "We can only hope that if Fate saw fit to bring us together, once, it will find a way to assist us again."
They both knew that Fate had its work cut out if it was to turn this situation in their favour.

After his conversation with Severus, Simeon Apparated back to Canberra to check on Hermione's parents. Once satisfied that their minds were stable, he woke them and after a few hours, he passed them fit to travel. Informing Hartford that the Grangers could be flown back to Melbourne, the Head of Australian Auror Training had never been so pleased to be rid of his charges.
Michael Granger's angry demeanour had not abated. In fact, it had hit a new high when he found out that instead of returning to their home, they would be staying in a hotel―the same hotel as the British Ministry delegation.
However, he seemed somewhat appeased when he saw the suite allocated to them and realised that they had all the benefits of staying in a luxury hotel without the burden of paying for it. Also, Sarah, Michael's undercover squib secretary, had been appointed as the Granger's liaison officer and had brought clothes and a number of personal effects from their house to make them feel more at home. She was beginning to regret accepting the role.
"You lied to me―to us," Mr Granger spat out as he paced the floor of the living area.
Sarah sighed deeply, composing her thoughts and containing her instinctive desire to bite back. "Mr Granger," she began calmly, "I work as an undercover operative for the Australian Ministry of Magic. I was charged with keeping an eye on you in the run up to this mission, and when my superiors approached me, I accepted the role without a second thought."
Taken aback, Michael glared at the young brunette seated before him. "Why?"
Looking up, Sarah stated confidently, "Because anyone with a shred of decency in our world would want to help Hermione Granger."
Helen threw her husband a look, urging him not to utter another word before she sat down next to Sarah on the sofa. "We'd both really like to know what you mean by that, Sarah," she encouraged.
"I'm not supposed to say much―Mr Thicknesse and Headmaster Snape will explain everything to you―but your daughter helped Harry Potter save wizarding Britain and probably the wizarding world by defeating Voldemort. She's a Muggleborn witch, and she's brainy and brave and she's an inspiration...well, to me, anyway."
Helen smiled softly, a sense of pride and concern swelling in her chest. They had been aware that all was not well in the wizarding world from reading the Daily Prophet, but this talk of Hermione assisting Harry in defeating someone was disquieting. However, at the moment, what she found to be more worrying was that her husband had been utterly unmoved by Sarah's words.
"So? She robbed us of our memories," Michael growled, but before Helen could admonish him, Sarah jumped to Hermione's defence.
"And she got the best person possible to help you regain them," Sarah responded defiantly. "I'm sure your daughter had good reason to do what she did. You were undoubtedly in danger, and―"
She stopped speaking at the sound of knocking.
"That will be the headmaster," she announced quickly, rising to her feet to open the door.
Severus could sense the tension in the room even before the door was opened, but the look on Sarah's face told him everything he needed to know. With an arch of his eyebrow, he silently sought her permission to observe her recent exchange with the Grangers.
With a nod of thanks, he entered the suite, his presence immediately filling the room as his Auror escort and Sarah trailed in his wake. He extended his hand to Helen. "Mrs Granger, I am glad to see you recovered. If there is anything you require―"
"What we need is to know what the hell that girl was playing at taking our memories like that," Michael stated furiously. "What right did she think she―"
"Mr Granger," Severus interrupted, pacing his drawl deliberately, "whilst I understand your anger, I would kindly ask you to remember that that girl is your daughter and her actions were born out of necessity rather than malice."
"Bollocks, she had to have had other options. You can't tell me that things were that bad."
"I can assure you things were that bad and I hope that, by the end of today, you will realise that in order to keep you safe, she did not have any other options. Now the reason I am here alone is because Hermione charged me with delivering this letter to you." With that, Severus produced an envelope from his inside jacket pocket.
"And why can't your colleagues be here for this?" Michael grumbled.
Severus held out Hermione's letter to Helen. "Because, Hermione asked me to deliver this to you, personally."
"So you have been in contact with her?" Hermione's mother asked urgently, displaying all the concern of a worried mother. "Is she well?"
"I spoke to her early this morning," Severus confirmed. "She is most anxious to be reunited with you both as soon as possible."
Huffing petulantly, Michael muttered under his breath, "Who says I want to be reunited with her after―"
"―Michael, will you please sit down! Whatever our daughter did, she obviously had a reason. So until we hear the full story you will stop making stupid comments that you know you don't mean and will regret later!" Helen yelled at him.
Severus instantly recognised where Hermione got her dressing down tone from as her mother rebuked her father, but was broken from his internal amusement as Helen took the letter he was holding.
"Thank you, Severus," she said politely, staring at the envelope for a moment, taking in her daughter's handwriting.
Moving away from the couple, Severus watched as Helen, with a sense of trepidation, carefully opened the letter, holding it so her husband could also read its contents.
Dear Mum and Dad,
I don't know how many times I've started this letter. There are so many things that I want, and need, to say to you―and so many things that I should say to you face to face―that I don't know where to start.
I suppose I should start by saying that I'm sorry for what I had to do to you, but it doesn't feel right doing it in a letter. I mean, I am so very sorry, but I want to say it personally, even though I've already kind of apologised here, but it's not really a proper apology. I'm babbling aren't I? Sorry!
Part of me wants to tell you that you were right about the concerns you expressed about me returning to Hogwarts when you read about the death of Professor Dumbledore. You were very right to be worried, but I was too involved by then. However, I didn't return to Hogwarts―not that I could have under the new regime.
Voldemort's grip over the Ministry of Magic was tightening, and we knew the time had come for him to be stopped. So, I went on the run with Harry and Ron, looking for the things that were needed to help bring Voldemort down. I knew my friendship with Harry would make me a target, and my concern wasn't unfounded because once Voldemort took control of the Ministry, I was considered Undesirable Number Three.
The thing that worried me was that a number of Muggleborn and Muggle families were being murdered by Voldemort's followers with increased regularity, and I knew you would have been targets, as well. That was why I had to do what I did before I left. It was to protect you and give you an element of plausible deniability.
I know you will think that you would have lied to keep me safe, but some witches and wizards can read minds. I couldn't let them do that to you―I certainly couldn't have let them torture you for fun afterwards and most probably kill you just because I'm a Muggleborn and Harry Potter's friend. And they did search the house after you left, so I wasn't overreacting.
Soon Pius and Severus will explain to you the seriousness of the war in more detail but before that, I need to tell you about a big development in my life. At the beginning of September, I began seeing my partner. Don't worry, Dad, it's not Ron―I know you didn't think he was stimulating enough for me! Well, I can assure you that my partner is a fiercely intelligent and knowledgeable man. He has a brilliant mind and he has been nothing short of wonderful to me. He brings out the best in me, and I love him more than anything, and I know he feels the same about me.
I hope you think this is as wonderful as I do, but I need to tell you about him before you are told about the war. You see, you will read a lot about him and his involvement and you will undoubtedly view him unfavourably. So I need to tell you about the man I love so that you can give him a chance.
What I must tell you is that he is a hero. He was a spy―a double agent. He had a huge part to play in the outcome of the war, but it appeared that he was not on our side. He was, though. He followed orders meticulously, and he had to do terrible things, but he did them to bring the war to an end, and he almost died trying.
He is now a key member of the wizarding community. In fact, he's the headmaster at...
"Headmaster?" Michael mumbled. "Wait!" he exclaimed quickly, looking into the impassive face of the Severus Snape. "They keep calling you 'Headmaster'. You're the headmaster at Hogwarts?"
"I am."
"Then what the fuck you are doing with my daughter?"

"Oh, so now you're concerned about your daughter? Only moments ago you were disowning her," Severus scoffed, not caring about the response he might receive. He'd held his tongue up until now, but having seen into Sarah's mind and witnessed the way that Michael had been speaking about Hermione, he could hold it no more.
"Well, it's obvious that she hasn't been in her right mind. She's been manipulated by your sort to do all manner of things that my little girl wouldn't normally do," Michael blustered. He rushed to his feet and moved to stand toe-to-toe with an unyielding Severus. Roundly ignoring his wife's insistence that he sit down, he continued. "I mean, you're old enough to be her father."
Hermione's father was almost the same height as Severus, but he seemed to shrink as Severus merely raised an eyebrow and glared at the older man. When he spoke, it was with an eerie calm that, whilst making Michael nervous, also had him transfixed.
"Theoretically, it would have been possible for me to father a child at nineteen years of age, but I fail to see how that is relevant. What is relevant, however, is that your little girl is no longer a little girl, but an incredibly powerful and intelligent witch. She is brave and loyal to a fault and possesses an inner strength that is unparalleled. Rather than demonising her when you have no idea what she has been through, you should be proud to call her your daughter."
"Be that as it may, you were still her―"
"―Mr Granger," Severus interrupted with a menacing drawl, "might I suggest that before you say something foolhardy, you continue to read the rest of the letter? Then you might have more reason to be concerned rather than the accusation of non-existent impropriety that you are undoubtedly about to utter."
"I'm not reading any more of that rubbish," Michael growled, pointing back at the letter.
"Michael Philip Granger," Helen interjected forcefully. "Go and calm down before―as Severus says―you say something foolhardy."
"But―"
"You may not want to read any more of what our daughter has to say, but I do and I would prefer to do it in peace. Go with Sarah and get a coffee or something." It was hard to argue with Helen when her tone was so resolute, and yet Michael tried.
"Why are you so happy to accept what these people have to say when we've obviously been lied to and misled?" Michael hissed, gesturing to the magical inhabitants of the room.
"Because there was obviously a reason. Now, coffee...go!"
Michael glared at his wife, but realising that she was not going to relent, he stormed out of the room with Sarah hot on his heels.
Severus watched the door close, but his eyes snapped back to the woman sitting in front of him when he heard a voice. "And you will sit down and not say a word for as long as it takes me to finish reading this letter."
Severus knew from his experience with her daughter that it would be wise to do as instructed.

"So, Severus," Helen began calmly, placing the letter down on the table before her, "Hermione obviously feels that you need explaining."
"I believe she wanted you to understand her reasons for being with me before you read about my past from the public's perspective," the outwardly impassive, but inwardly worried wizard responded.
"From reading this, it would seem that you are in a serious relationship with my daughter. May I ask if you are as serious about her as she seems to be about you?"
"I am," Severus stated calmly, waiting for the onslaught of awkward questions.
Helen considered this before delivering her first blow. "You were a Death Eater?"
Swallowing thickly, Severus nodded. "I was, and I joined of my own free will."
"At least you're honest and not trying to wriggle out of it."
"Whatever my reasons for joining, I joined nonetheless. There is little point in hiding the fact."
"And what were your reasons? I need to hear this in your own words, Severus, and not from this impassioned defence," Helen said, gesturing towards the letter.
Severus felt compelled to explain from the beginning. If he was ever to be a part of Hermione's family, almost full disclosure was probably the most appropriate course of action. He told her of his childhood and adolescence. He described the pressures he was under and his need to belong through to his eventual recruitment and initiation.
Expecting Helen to dismiss him as unworthy of her daughter without a second thought, Severus was surprised by her response.
"It seems to me that if you had been given more support your life may have taken a different path."
Pressing his lips into a thin line, Severus shifted nervously in his chair. "Perhaps, but I was also culpable. I am a born Slytherin. I wanted the recognition, and I wanted―"
"You wanted to be somebody? Yes, you and Hermione are very similar, aren't you?"
"In her case, her ambition is to be commended. It was a weakness in me that I realised came at a price," Severus admitted quietly.
"Oh, I don't know. Being the headmaster of the only wizarding school in the UK at thirty-eight, an Order of Merlin, First Class, and a war hero makes you somebody, in my book."
Shaking his head, the wizard snorted. "But how I got there is―"
"―Severus, I've read this letter," Helen said, picking up the letter and dropping it onto the table again, "and Hermione has not held back on any of the details. A trait I know you've often chastised her for."
"I still do," Severus mumbled, offering Hermione's mother an imperceptible smile. "However, now that she has free reign over her research, I rather admire that trait," he added quickly. "Unfortunately, it does mean that her mind can go off on very impulsive, but interesting tangents."
Helen couldn't help but titter at his comment. He certainly knew Hermione well. "My point is, I know how you became headmaster the first time, and I know that you were reappointed in peace time. Look, my father fought in World War Two and he―reluctantly―told me about some of the things that he'd had to do and witness during his time as a soldier. Dad was still a good man. Even if you did join Voldemort of your own free will, you saw the error of your ways. According to this glowing report, you have spent a considerable amount of time making amends for your mistakes and now you are attempting to improve your world's way of life. Perhaps, one day, we can talk about your work in more detail, but what I am most concerned about now, is not your past but your future with my daughter.
"Although...actually there are a few things about your past that I would like to know, and I need you to be honest with me. First of all, and I know you denied it earlier, but were you having a relationship with Hermione whilst she was at school?"
"Absolutely not," Severus stated, secure in the knowledge that he had been nothing but honourable whilst Hermione was still under his professional care.
"Did you have feelings for her?"
Now Severus knew he was in trouble. How did he explain about the bond? In Muggle terms, a soul mate meant something entirely different. It was a trite term used in overly romantic novels and by those trying to convince themselves that they had found the right life partner. And it was romantic because Hermione was his life partner, but there was so much more to it. Soul magic was a blessing, yes, but if he thought about Lucius and Fleur, it was a curse. How did he describe the magical pull that he and Hermione felt towards each other without it sounding like he was a lecherous old perv?
He paused for a moment, thinking carefully about how to phrase his explanation. "What you have to understand―"
"Hermione's explained about you being soulmates and that you've felt drawn to one another for a number of years. I think I understand what she's trying to say, but you see, I do remember how upset she was when we told her that we didn't want her to go back to Hogwarts. Her concern seemed to be focused on the fact that she would not see you again more than anything else. If you were not together, then why was she so upset?"
"I can assure you that nothing had happened between us except a growing regard which neither of us acknowledged to the other," Severus stated reassuringly. "I have never touched any student under my tutelage―even when I was twenty-one and some of the seventh-year girls of my acquaintance tried to put me in rather invidious situations.
"With Hermione, no one knew that she had my admiration―although, with hindsight, I believe the former headmaster suspected. The only time that my resolve was nearly broken was on the night that I...that I fulfilled my last duty to Albus Dumbledore," Severus admitted with a heavy sigh.
Helen's brow furrowed as she observed the stoic man before her. "Tell me about that night," she urged quietly.
Severus hung his head, his nostrils flaring as he breathed in and out labouredly. Clearing his throat, he looked back up at Hermione's mother.
"Albus was dying. He believed that he had discovered the secret of Voldemort's power and seeming immortality. However, his curiosity got the better of him, and he put on a cursed ring which not only contained an extremely valuable artefact essential to Potter's quest, but also a part of Voldemort's soul. The effects of the curse were powerful. Initially, I tried to contain it to his hand with Potions and what Dark Magic I knew, but nothing could have prevented its spread and what would have been a most painful and humiliating death.
"Unaware of this, however, Voldemort ordered Dumbledore's assassination. You see, he'd just encountered Dumbledore in a duel and was given a rude reminder of just how powerful the old man was. He tasked my godson to carry out the deed."
Helen recalled Hermione's account of the event. "Draco's your godson, isn't he?"
"Yes."
"But he was just a boy. What a terrible burden―"
"―I agree it was, but then none of them should have been involved in a war," he growled. "None of them should have been raised to fight. In the end, it fell to me to protect not only my students but Harry, Hermione, and Ronald as well, and to ensure that they could protect themselves whilst on the run."
Severus paused, pinching the bridge of his nose before he continued, his tone full of regret. "Unfortunately, I failed some of my students miserably."
The vehemence of Severus' interruption took Helen by surprise just as much as his admission moved her. As a parent, she too felt as though she had failed to keep her daughter safe. However, it was obvious that the man her daughter had chosen was indeed, as Hermione had described, a man of great depth.
"I'm sure you did your best, Severus," Helen commented, unsure if she was saying the right thing.
Severus drew in a deep breath but didn't respond. Deep down he knew that he couldn't have saved everyone, but that didn't stop the guilt.
"So everyone keeps telling me," he mumbled dejectedly. "For years, I believed that Draco was the closest to a son that I would ever have. I informed Dumbledore immediately of the Dark Lord's command and in turn he ordered me to carry out the deed in Draco's stead. Understand that, for the boy's sake, it was an order which I gladly accepted even if it hurt me personally. So, when Draco's mother came to me for assistance, I was more than happy to offer it. However, in my mind, I was trying to formulate a plan to protect her son and relinquish my promise to Dumbledore.
"What I hadn't counted on was Narcissa's sister Bellatrix insisting that I make an Unbreakable Vow. This bound me to carry out Draco's task should he fail, or die. After all, they didn't know of my orders from Dumbledore."
"That does sound rather final," Helen admitted.
"It is, and it meant that my plans were ripped apart. I could not allow Draco to execute Voldemort's orders, so the reality became that I had to kill Dumbledore or forfeit my life," Severus confessed awkwardly.
"An unenviable task."
"Unenviable, but one that I began to prepare myself to face. Unfortunately, Dumbledore, once again, had other plans. He gave me information which meant that I had to stay alive so that I could deliver it to Harry at the appropriate stage of the inevitable final confrontation."
Helen snorted. "Hermione describes Dumbledore as being meddlesome and now I can see why."
"He had a certain way of putting things," Severus confessed, the corner of his mouth twitching. "On the night that I carried out his order, I was not sure that I would be returning to Hogwarts. The perceived wisdom was that I would be appointed headmaster, but I had not yet received the order from Voldemort. Either way, I was technically no longer Hermione's professor, and something―I believe now that it was our bond―made me want to tell her of my true allegiance. However, I realised that I would have been endangering her and the mission should she be captured―which she was."
Helen's mouth fell open. "She was captured?"
"Yes, but I feel that Hermione should be the one to inform you of the details. Only she will know what she is comfortable with telling you. Suffice to say, whilst she was on the run with Potter and Weasley, I watched over them as best I could. However, the pull of the bond was risking the both of us and I had to banish her from my mind. They were captured shortly after this."
Helen's expression was full of turmoil as she tried to piece together all that Severus and Hermione had told her. "How could you banish her from your mind? Is this because you are a Leg...Legili―"
"Legilimens," Severus supplied gently, "and no, it's because I'm an Occlumens. As a Legilimens, I can read minds; as an Occlumens I can protect my mind from being read."
"You can read minds?"
"Read them; manipulate them, and no, I have not influenced Hermione's mind."
Helen's eyes narrowed, searching her gut feeling. "I know you haven't," she told him, her tone calm and assured. "I may not know you, but I do know my own daughter and I know these words are entirely her own.
"Now, I've tried to take this all in and I can tell that you are as Hermione says you are. You appear to be an honourable man who has done some terrible things―either through the mistakes of your youth or through your dedication to a dangerous and complicated situation. I am sure this will all be discussed again in greater detail. As for you and Hermione, I cannot say, as yet, that I am comfortable about your situation."
Severus was about to speak up, but Helen held up her hand to stop him.
"My concern comes purely from that of a mother. I do not know you, Severus, but if you had a daughter who had taken up with someone nineteen years her senior, what would you do?"
"I am uncertain that I could answer that without further incriminating myself."
"It's all right, as a parent you are allowed to threaten violence to their suitors."
"I am aware, but my idea of violence may not be the same as yours," Severus chuckled deeply.
Helen couldn't help but to laugh. "The mere fact that you would voraciously defend your own daughter is actually quite reassuring. Doesn't the age gap bother you?"
"Not as much as you might think," he admitted casually. "She was my student, but when I look at Hermione―my Hermione―yes, I see a younger woman, but she is my partner in every possible sense. That doesn't mean I don't have my own personal insecurities, but on the whole, her age is meaningless to me. And besides, I'm sure she's already told you that witches and wizards have the ability to live longer than Muggles."
"She has mentioned it."
Severus hung his head. "What does concern me sometimes is the fact that although I am considered a war hero―"
"Hermione said you've been dubbed 'The Dark Saviour' by the press."
Severus snorted. "A ridiculous moniker, but, I suppose compared to some of the things I've been called in the past, I should be grateful for small mercies. No, what worried me―what still worries me―is the public nature of our relationship. During the war, my role, my actions, impacted on the lives of many, and there are still those who―"
"I am sure you can be trusted to protect her," Helen said gently, realising that Severus' concerns showed him to really care for her daughter.
Severus looked up, straight into his future mother-in-law's pale blue eyes. "With my very last breath."
Helen gave him a watery smile. "This is far more than just a simple bond between you, isn't it?"
Severus nodded. "I can assure you there is nothing simple about this bond, and yet I am eternally grateful for it. I never expected to live to see the other side of the war, but your daughter had other ideas. She has saved me in more ways than merely ensuring my next breath."
"You adore her," Hermione's mother declared as a statement of fact.
"Absolutely."
"In that case, I will level with you. Unlike my husband, I do not see Hermione as a little girl anymore. She is still my baby, but she has always been mature for her age and has always known her own mind. If she has given you her heart then she must see something special in you. Therefore, I will do you a deal. Prove to me in the upcoming weeks that you have my daughter's best interests at heart, and I will handle Michael for you. If you are as well suited as you seem to be then he will come round, but you must give him time."
Severus could feel the relief flooding his consciousness. "I appreciate the opportunity to prove my worthiness for your daughter's affections, and ultimately―"
A sharp intake of breath proceeded Helen's interruption. "You intend to marry her?"
"I do."
Helen knew she was a hopeless romantic at heart and the thought that this man wanted to marry her daughter, on the one hand thrilled her, but on the other―she was still cautious. "Well, at least your intentions are honourable. She's still very young. I would hate to see her potential thwarted because she has a ring on her finger."
"So would I," Severus told her frankly. "She already has my support in her many endeavours, and will continue to do so. The fact that she is my wife or the mother of my children―if we are so blessed―will not prevent her from achieving whatever she chooses."
Pleasantly surprised by Severus' response, Helen found herself asking, "When?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"When are you going to ask her to marry you?"
The corner of Severus' lips twitched as his plans were already in motion. "Soon."
"Then prove yourself," Helen urged, "and I am sure our blessing will be given. Not that I suppose you need it."
"I don't, but I know how important it is to Hermione that her family coexists peaceably."
Helen nodded. "I'm sure we will," she conceded before a thought suddenly struck her. "You mentioned a white fluffy cat when we first met?"
Severus gave an amused smile. "Ah, yes. Leo. I bought him for Hermione to replace Crookshanks after―"
"Oh shit! Thank God, you told me. She bloody loved that cat―Christ knows why."
Severus couldn't help but laugh, the tension between them lifting as they both found common ground in their incredulity at Hermione's love for a certain―now deceased―ginger half-kneazle.

Helen Granger was true to her word, speaking at length with her husband about Severus and Hermione before their briefing into the recent history of the wizarding world.
Pius and an inwardly apprehensive Severus entered the Granger's hotel suite, accompanied by Simeon and two Aurors carrying heavy folders containing Daily Prophet articles, personal accounts, and court transcripts.
Despite Michael Granger's more compliant demeanour, it was obvious that he had no intention of exchanging pleasantries with Severus anytime soon. Helen, on the other hand, offered everyone coffee and made a deliberate point of asking Severus if their daughter was well.
Severus had called Hermione after his discussion with her mother. His mind had been eased when she stated that if Helen was giving him―giving them―a chance, it was rather encouraging. However, when he told her of Michael's attitude, his heart clenched when he heard Hermione's voice crumble. She feared that the relationship with her father had been damaged beyond repair, and Severus found himself utterly lost. Having felt nothing but relief at the loss of his own father, he could only offer generic words of comfort, and cursed the distance between them which prevented him from wrapping her in his arms.
However, after her initial tears, Hermione's positive streak edged its way forward once again. She almost chuckled when she asserted that her mother could be very persuasive where her father was concerned.
Armed with this knowledge, Severus concentrated on winning over his future mother-in-law rather than further goading Hermione's father. But as he sat there, listening to Pius' opening gambit, he prayed that this wouldn't be as hard a task as he feared.

The next few days were uncomfortable for Severus. In order to make a crucial decision, Hermione's parents, or rather her mother, questioned him incessantly about the war, the current situation in the wizarding world, his past and his relationship with Hermione. Her father just glared at him and snorted derisively whilst Severus provided more in depth responses.
Much to her husband's chagrin, Helen invited the three wizards and Sarah to join them for Sunday lunch at a local restaurant. It was there that they were informed of the Grangers' decision to fly back to the UK later that night, accompanied by Simeon.
Helen's reasoning was simple. She wanted to see Hermione. Michael made no mention of his daughter, but rather wanted to check on the dental practice they'd left behind before declaring that he would not be returning to the UK to live, which angered Severus, but not as much as Helen. He fought back a smirk as Hermione's mother called her husband an arse, and told him that he'd better learn how to cook as she would be staying with her daughter. Michael Granger felt this was an argument that he would not win.
So, by the time he and Pius said their goodbyes and expressed their thanks to Graeme Hartford on Monday morning, Severus could safely say that Helen had his back. Michael had even referred to him as 'Severus' and he felt that he could return to Hermione with some hope of future acceptance into the Granger family―something he hadn't expected to want as much as he did.
It had nothing and everything to do with Hermione. As the two were Hermione's parents, Severus felt a certain level of respect for them, but he was beginning to appreciate them in their own right as more than that.
Helen was no longer just a grown up version of his girlfriend. She was thoughtful and perceptive; intelligent and witty, and Severus quite liked her. Michael, on the other hand, he couldn't say that he liked him. Despite getting off to a bad start, Severus had a strange respect for him. He could see that the man was principled, even if those principles translated into him being a stubborn arse. However, that suited the other stubborn arse in the equation because he didn't want or need Michael to be his friend. He needed him to be another champion for Hermione. And as much as the older man was currently reluctant to have anything to do with his daughter, Severus knew―he hoped―that Hermione would be able to wheedle her way back into her father's affections, especially with her mother's help, and regain her family: the family that Hermione wanted him to belong as well.

The collective inner cursing of the students and staff as they rolled out of bed on Monday mornings was almost always palpable. However, today there was one inhabitant in the castle who couldn't contain their excitement for the day ahead.
Professors Longbottom and Malfoy groaned at Professor Granger's cheerful greeting as they sat down on either side of her in the Great Hall. It was far too early for Hermione's animated chattering and soon her breakfast companions were filling their coffee mugs and excusing themselves, both claiming to have remembered something that required their urgent attention. Once they'd escaped through the teacher's entrance, Draco and Neville looked at each other and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Fucking hell!" Neville exclaimed much to Draco's amusement. "She wasn't going to shut up, was she?"
"No," the Arithmancy professor chuckled. "Still, at least, if she makes it to breakfast tomorrow morning, she'll have Uncle to distract her."
"That sounds like a betting opportunity," Neville smirked, and before Draco could respond he'd wagered one Galleon that the couple wouldn't make it to breakfast the following morning.
"You know, Longbottom, I'm seriously beginning to think you have a bit of Slytherin in you."
Neville laughed, taking a sip of coffee as they headed off towards the staff room. "Nah, I've never had a bit of Slytherin in me."
"No, I suppose you prefer a bit of Muggle," Draco teased, trying not to sound bitter about the fact that Neville Longbottom had stolen Adrian from under his nose. That said, he wouldn't be with Luna now, but even so, his ego had been seriously affronted.
"I think you'll find he prefers a bit of Gryffindor in him," Neville deadpanned, opening the staff room door whilst inwardly fist-pumping as his response left Draco Malfoy speechless.

Hermione's second lesson of the day―the first of her third-year groups―was well underway when she felt something stirring inside her. All week, both she and Severus had complained about an empty feeling in the pit of their stomachs, but all of a sudden it disappeared.
Severus' internal dialogue came flooding into Hermione's head, signalling his return. Their connection had been severed the moment that her wizard left the country and now she was feeling lightheaded as the influx of his thoughts overwhelmed her. Desperately trying to block them out, she continued discussing the method for brewing Girding Potion with her class.
She was doing well until she heard him think, She'd better have a skirt on and preferably no knickers.
Her cheeks immediately flushed as she was indeed wearing a skirt. However, she was snapped out of her reverie when Amanda Everett's Flying Seahorses escaped and in her haste to retrieve them, the young Gryffindor knocked her Doxy Eggs on the floor.
Hermione's sigh of disappointment was purely for effect and she ordered the girl to dispose of the soiled eggs whilst she retrieved new ones from the store cupboard. When Professor Granger returned, it was with one measure of Doxy Eggs in her hand and a pair of knickers in her pocket.

Within minutes of arriving back in the country, Severus and Pius were striding out of the Ministry of Magic, and with barely a goodbye, they'd Apparated away to see their respective witches.
Severus' mind was also being bombarded by Hermione's thoughts, but that only added to his anticipation about their reunion. Of course, he always looked forward to seeing Hermione, and he'd undoubtedly missed her, but this was entirely different: this was excitement.
The unfamiliar and increasingly annoying sensation had been plaguing his stomach since leaving Australia. He wasn't sure what it was at first, up until the moment before they took the Portkey from Paris when Pius expressed his excitement about seeing Narcissa. The last time Severus recalled feeling like this was before meeting up with Lily in their pre-Hogwarts days.
Was that really the last time that I was excited about anything? he thought morosely.
Arriving in his office, Severus took a deep, centring breath. He didn't want to appear overeager, but calculated that Hermione's lesson would be entering the brewing stage and that now would be the perfect time to make his presence known. And given the twitch he felt in his trousers, he was pretty sure she would be able to feel his 'presence' once she was in his arms.
He was about to transfigure his Muggle suit when he felt the castle's magic reaching out to him.
"Are you all right, old girl?" he enquired quietly, snorting softly as the castle somehow responded to him. "I missed you, too," he whispered, feeling a sense of calm wash over him.
"Severus, dear boy, you are returned sans suntan, I see," Dumbledore quipped from his portrait.
Rolling his eyes. Am I not allowed one minute of peace?
Flicking his wand at his Muggle suit, he looked up at his former colleague as his clothes melted away in swirl of black to be replaced by his usual garb. "Thankfully; I didn't have time to get one."
Dumbledore looked slightly disappointed that Severus had changed magically. "Your mission was successful?"
"Their memories were restored," the headmaster confirmed.
"Yes, yes, I am aware of your professional success, but I was referring to your personal one?"
Severus looked confused. "What personal one?"
"To win over Hermione's parents," Dumbledore elucidated.
"That was never―"
"Come now, Severus, you may have convinced yourself that they would hate you, but you didn't go there to reinforce that unfounded view, did you?"
Looking away from the portrait with pursed lips, Severus clenched his fists. He hated it when Dumbledore could see right through him. "Mrs Granger still has her reservations, but we are on amicable terms. Her father, on the other hand―"
"―Well, that sounds very promising," Dumbledore chimed in, an infernal grin on his face. "Fear not. They will see you for the man that you are."
"That's what concerns me," Severus grumbled, nodding his head courteously to the former headmaster before striding out of his office to see the woman he loved.

Despite the thrumming of her magic and the incessant rumbling of Severus' mind in hers, Hermione still jumped when the headmaster flung open the door to the Potions classroom and walked purposefully towards her.
With an undeniable glint in his black eyes, Severus drawled, "Professor Granger, I wonder if I might have a word...in private?"
Trying to contain her overwhelming happiness at seeing Severus again, she replied as professionally as possible. "Of course, Headmaster," came her respectful response, but none of the students were fooled. Furtive smirks and glances spread around the classroom as the Potions professor instructed them to carry on with their brewing.
Reminding the class that they would be able to hear any commotion from the office, Hermione followed her much-missed lover into her office and closed the door.

The moment the door closed, Hermione jumped into Severus' arms, knocking him slightly off balance. Righting himself, he lifted her higher which caused her to squeak and wrap her legs around his hips. His strong arms surrounded her, pulling her into a tight embrace as she clasped her arms around his neck, both groaning with relief at being in one another's arms once again.
Neither spoke out loud or through their connection. They simply allowed their magic to encompass them, revelling in their proximity. For what seemed like an eternity, they remained like that, adjusting and tightening their hold on each other. They may have only been apart for a week, but it felt like forever and yet only a few minutes at the same time.
After a while, their breathing began to synchronise, and burying his face in the crook of Hermione's neck, Severus began an almost animalistic ritual of reacquainting himself with her scent. He had no idea why he had to do this. However, as calm descended within him, he began pressing gentle, lingering kisses along her jaw until he reached her ear, capturing its lobe between his teeth.
Pulling back to look at Severus, all Hermione saw was nothing but fire in his eyes. Her breath hitched at the intensity and before she could speak, Severus' lips crashed against hers.
Devouring her mouth ravenously, he walked forward, pressing Hermione's back against the door before reaching up and removing her hairpins. Discarding them, his long, elegant fingers burrowed into her hair, drawing her face closer to his.
Hermione melted against him, returning his kisses hungrily as her own fingers found their way into his hair. They still hadn't spoken a word to each other. The only sounds that filled the office were the quiet, muffled sounds from the classroom and the heavy, urgent breathing and smothered moans of the reunited lovers.
Soon, however, their bodies demanded more. They needed to be closer, and supporting Hermione with one hand, Severus' nudged up her skirt, reaching between them to move her knickers aside. However, a groan caught in his throat at the most welcome surprise of Hermione's uncovered, wet heat beneath his fingers.
You naughty minx!
You thought it, I obliged.
He smirked at her wantonness, rolling his hips against her and pressing his uncomfortably confined hardness into the apex of her thighs. Still supporting her, Severus scrabbled with the fastening of his trousers, pushing them and his underwear down just enough to allow his cock to spring free.
Without warning, he thrust easily into her tight slick channel, causing them both to become more vocal. Their coupling was urgent and inelegant, their grunts and groans smothered by each other's mouths, until, only moments later, they both crashed over the edge with muffled cries.
As their breathing steadied from their brief exertion and their magic settled, Severus kissed her tenderly, realising that he had returned home, not just to a pile of stone, but to Hermione. She―wherever she was―meant home.
I love you, Hermione muttered in his mind.
And I, you. More than you will ever know.
Tightening his grip on his witch, Severus turned to carry her to the desk whilst he remained within her. Placing her down carefully, it was Hermione's turn to immerse herself in his scent as they clung to each other. A sense of serenity filled the Potions office as they breathed in each other, their bond once again satisfied.
Slowly untangling themselves, Hermione leaned up, planting a soft, lingering kiss to Severus' lips. "Hey," she whispered gently.
"Hello," came his purred response before pressing his forehead to hers and cupping her face tenderly. "Fuck, I've missed you," he sighed, capturing her lips once again.
As their lips parted slowly, Hermione whispered, "I've missed you too," before informing him that Minerva had rearranged the staff rounds so they could spend the evening together.
"How considerate," Severus mumbled, reluctantly pulling out of Hermione's warmth. "Then I hope that introducing Narcissa to your parents goes smoothly so that I can return and thoroughly take advantage of Minerva's generosity. I believe there was some talk of thoroughly reacquainting myself with every inch of your body."
Hermione giggled as she recalled Severus' promise before sighing deeply, her shoulders dropping as she thought of her parents. "Are Mum and Dad all right?"
"I presume so. I haven't spoken to them since I last spoke to you."
Hermione narrowed her eyes at him. "You know that's not what I mean."
"Simeon is pleased with their mental and physical wellbeing, and as for how they continue to respond to you, me, and our relationship, only time will tell. I know that your mother wishes to reunite with you at the earliest opportunity and I shall suggest that we meet them at the flat on Wednesday and take them out for dinner in London."
Hermione shook her head.
"You don't agree?"
"No, it's not that, but Mum will insist on cooking. She'll be in control then and can keep Dad in his place."
"I see. I would have thought that..." Severus trailed off as Hermione quirked an eyebrow at him. "Never mind. Well, I shall suggest that we go over on Wednesday evening, and we must also repay Minerva over the next few weeks for holding the fort. I believe we should take on her rounds. And perhaps, on occasion, we could find a nice quiet alcove in which we could make things a little more interesting."
"You kinky bastard," Hermione purred, all thoughts of her parents temporarily forgotten.
Casting a cleansing charm on them both, Severus tucked himself back into his trousers before helping Hermione off the desk and setting her to rights. "Only for you," he whispered into her ear, "and that's just the tip of the iceberg."
"Sounds fun," Hermione responded coquettishly, Summoning her hairpins and pinning her hair back into place.
Once she was ready, Severus pressed one last kiss to her lips before checking that no evidence of their recent activity had been left behind. Then opening the door abruptly, he gestured gallantly for Hermione to leave the office ahead of him.
The quiet chattering of the class immediately fell silent as the door opened. Professor Granger walked back to her desk whilst the headmaster billowed towards the classroom door.
Unfortunately for Imelda Proust―granddaughter of Argenius Proust, the Ministry of Magic's esteemed Master of Ceremonies―the headmaster had not yet left the classroom when she whispered to her neighbour, "I bet they've been shagging."
Stopping in his tracks, Severus sauntered back to the young Ravenclaw's workstation and quirked an eyebrow. "Firstly, is your potion blue, Miss Proust?"
Imelda swallowed hard, slowly turning to face the source of the voice that had fear trickling down her spine. "Er, n-no, Headmaster."
"And yet you were about to add an incorrect number of Flying Seahorses at the incorrect juncture in the brewing process."
"Sorry, sir."
"Had I not intervened, you would have been apologising to Miss Everett and Mr Mitchell rather than myself. Secondly, betting is not an activity that I wish to encourage amongst students. As such, you have just lost your house twenty-five points for your rather inappropriate comment."
Before the young witch could respond, Severus had already turned on his heel, his departure signalled by a resounding slamming of the door.
"Well, carry on before I deduct any more points," Hermione barked out to the class before thinking to Severus, They're not stupid, you know.
They are if they can't keep comments like that out of earshot, came Severus' chuckled response.

Severus and Hermione's bedroom looked like an explosion of magic had hit it―which was precisely what happened. This time there had been nothing rushed about their coupling. After languidly snogging in the bath, Severus made good on his promise and when they finally joined, their lovemaking was slow, tender and emotionally connecting. Their magic swirled around them before exploding as they reached orgasm.
They now lay together, bathed in glowing candlelight as they revelled in their renewed closeness. The couple's contented purrs and sighs were the only sounds to fill the room as they snuggled against each other and pressed gentle kisses to whichever bit of damp skin they could reach. Eventually, it was Hermione who broke the silence.
"Sev?" she sing-songed, the speed with which her fingers drew random patterns on Severus' chest increasing.
"Hmm?" her wizard mumbled sleepily, nuzzling his nose into her mass of hair.
"Lucius said that he's jealous of the fact that you wear eyeliner better than him," Hermione informed him nonchalantly.
Slightly perturbed by Hermione's statement and wondering how on earth that came up in conversation, Severus' body tensed slightly. "Did he now?"
Pulling herself up to look directly into his eyes, the young witch narrowed hers inquisitively. "Well?"
Snorting softly, he placed one hand behind his head whilst twirling a rather pleasing curl from amongst Hermione's frizzy mop around his fingers. Stretching a little, he inclined his head to one side. "Do you really want to know? Are you prepared for all the prurient details?"
Hermione's eyes widened and sparkled. "Was it kinky, then?"
Severus always found her enthusiasm for anything kinky both arousing and endearing and gave her a rather wolfish grin.
"Tell me," she insisted frustratedly, running her fingers over his ribcage until she found one of his ticklish spots.
"Off, you minx!" Severus yelped, wriggling to escape her attentions whilst trying to contain his unsolicited laughter. Grabbing at her, he managed to capture her wrists before pulling her on top of him and binding her in his arms.
"Should I ask how this topic of conversation was raised?" he grumbled playfully in her ear, nipping at it as she struggled to free herself from his clutches.
Given the insistent prodding against her belly, Hermione realised that Severus was enjoying her writhing far too much. Stilling, she managed to lever herself up, crossing her arms on his chest.
"Angelina asked him if he was ever jealous of you," she stated matter-of-factly.
"Of all the things of which he could be jealous, that's it?" Severus groused, rolling his eyes to mask his amusement.
Chuckling, Hermione's expression turned to one of light-hearted disapproval. "Well, there was that and the fact that you look cooler smoking cigarettes than he does."
"But I don't―"
"I know you don't smoke anymore―which I am very glad about," she impressed upon him with a small smile.
Rolling his eyes, he exhaled forcefully through his nose. "Then I suppose I should confess to the occasional cigar, but the last time I had one of those was after Lucius' trial."
"Oh, well my dad has the occasional cigar," Hermione told him knowingly.
The atmosphere with the bedchamber tensed.
"Yes, but I cannot imagine that your father and I will ever―"
"I'm sure there will be times when you and Dad will share a cigar," Hermione told him with an encouraging smile.
Severus' lip twitched. He hoped she was right.
"I cannot believe Narcissa, though," Hermione continued. "She is such a stirring cow. I would love to have seen Dad's face when she announced that she would help redecorate your French and Tuscan estates―"
―Our estates, love," Severus reminded her.
"All right, our estates. Just wait until he finds out you're titled."
A smug expression fell over Severus' face. "You could see his brain ticking. I was just shocked that Narcissa mentioned that. However, she is an expert at judging a social situation, although what the hell was she thinking with Lucius and Fleur?"
"Just don't," Hermione growled.
The day after Fleur spent the night with Lucius, she'd called Hermione. The French witch was utterly confused by her feelings, but also confided some worrying things about her husband. By the time the call ended, Hermione was just as confused as Fleur.
"Anyway, don't try and change the subject."
"I'm not," Severus protested. "So, were those the only two things to incur Lucius' jealousy?" he enquired, getting back to the subject in hand.
Hermione nodded. "Apparently. So, explain the eyeliner," she deadpanned before kissing Severus' regal nose.
Severus chuckled and removing his arms from around Hermione, he shifted to leave her snuggled against his side and settled his hands―fingers entwined―at the back of his head. "Now where to start?" he teased, enjoying the feel and warmth of his witch's body.
"The beginning?" Hermione offered with a smirk.
Narrowing his eyes sardonically, Severus watched her closely, drawing his bottom lip between his teeth before he spoke again. "I had not long defected. It was the summer before I started teaching. Do you recall me mentioning that there were a number of seventh-year Slytherin girls who tried to tempt me into bedding them during my first year as a professor?"
Hermione nodded.
"Well, I never bedded any of them whilst I was their professor."
"Oh! OK."
"There was a gathering at Malfoy Manor," Severus continued awkwardly, "and we were all under the influence of one thing or another. To cut a long story short, I...well, somehow, I ended up in a guest room with two aspiring female Death Eaters whose father's had decided that my favour was worth currying."
Hermione's eyes widened. "You shagged them?"
Severus swallowed hard as he considered Hermione's question. "I believe it would be more accurate to say that they shagged me." Chuckling at her incredulous expression, he admitted, "I cannot recall exactly how it happened, but they'd tied me to the bed, and―"
"Alright, alright, I don't need you to spell it out," Hermione shuddered. "But, how did you end up wearing eyeliner?"
"I was tied up; they applied it. Needless to say, Lucius happened upon us."
Hermione huffed, unaware that she was now pouting. "And you're not a wizard? You couldn't have released your hands at any point?"
"I suppose I could've done, but I was enjoying myself." Laughing, Severus leaned up to kiss her, hoping that she wasn't upset at his anecdote.
He received his answer when Hermione looked him straight in the eye, a lascivious grin gracing her lips. "Do you like being tied up then?"
Severus licked his lips. "I...I cannot say that I am adverse to the idea."
"Would you let me tie you up, put eyeliner on you and have my wicked way with you?" she purred, grinding herself against his hardened length.
"Fuck, yes," Severus breathed, flexing his hips as Hermione grabbed his wrists.

As all sorts of kinky shenanigans were going on the private chambers of the Headmaster and Professor Granger, another couple in the castle lay together gasping for air after their own rather tempestuous lovemaking.
"Fuck, Luna, that was...stay with me tonight?" Draco implored, pulling his girlfriend to him and holding her tightly against his sweat-slicked body.
Luna swung her leg over Draco's and moved to straddle him. "We promised Severus that I'd―"
Wrapping his arms around her, Draco managed to sit up, kissing her into silence. "He's been away for a week. He won't be making any unexpected visits tonight," he reassured, brushing her hair over her shoulder and nuzzling her neck playfully.
"Well, I suppose I could stay if you make it worth my while," Luna purred dreamily, pushing Draco onto his back and trailing kisses over his jaw whilst circling her hips over his softening cock.
"Again?"
"Yes, please," she said as enthusiastically and cheerily as she would if he'd just offered her another helping of delicious dessert.
"But I've got my O.W.L class first thing tomorrow," Draco groaned, skimming the backs of his fingers up her sides.
"Tell that to your cock," she teased, feeling it twitch beneath her.
"You are fucking insatiable, Lovegood."
"Lovegood by name," she whispered.
"Definitely by nature," he growled, twisting them both until he was on top of her.
He was in the process of nudging her legs apart when an unexpected noise could be heard from the living room, causing the young couple to both stop and look towards the bedroom door.
"Was that the Floo?" Luna queried, her voice hushed.
"Stay here," Draco urged, grabbing his wand and Summoning a pair of pyjama bottoms.
Scampering off the bed, he walked towards the door, wand held resolutely in front of him. Flinging the door open, he certainly wasn't expecting to see the three people who were dusting themselves off in his living room.
"I'm so sorry, darling, did we wake you?"
"Mother? What the hell is―"
"First of all introductions," a less than calm Narcissa puffed out. No matter the situation, if the niceties could be observed then she would observe them. "Draco, this is Mr and Mrs Granger: Hermione's parents. Helen and Michael, this is my son, Draco."
"What are you―"
"No time to explain," Narcissa told him, grabbing a handful of Floo powder. "Be a good host, darling,' she said before calling 'The Headmaster's Chambers' and disappearing into green flame.

AN2: Oh dear, it's a big drop off this cliff...
AN3: Some big chapters coming up...
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- 56
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The Headmaster's Wife