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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
- 56
- 57
- 58
A hushed reverence seemed to fall over Hogwarts during the second week of December while NEWT and OWL examinations were being held for some of the 'War Pupils' and assistant professors.
By Thursday of that week, the headmaster was sitting in his office, awaiting the sound which signalled the end of Hermione's last exam. She had tried to convince herself that she was calm and confident about her NEWTs and everyone knew that she had no reason to doubt herself. However, for the last few nights, Severus would wake in the middle of the night to find himself alone in their bed. Every night he would get up to search for her and every night he would find her fast asleep in the study, slumped over her notes.
Severus tapped his quill against his lips, deep in contemplation. He knew that Hermione would be fine and pushed her exam out of his thoughts. However, what he could not banish so easily were the events of the last few weeks.
Since he'd fired a warning shot across the Minister for Magic's bow, he had expected some semblance of retaliatory action, but so far, nothing conspicuous happened. That should have soothed his mind, but instead it worried him. It meant that they were planning something, yet Ron Weasley still hadn't been called before Yaxley and his inner circle despite the steady stream of false but plausible information. It was a definite cause for concern, but even more so after what happened in Australia.
Graeme Hartford―the Head of Australian Auror Training―was of the opinion that he didn't have a spy in his camp. Rather, he believed that it was a case of familial admiration for a sympathiser of the Dark Lord. However, what Hartford didn't know, was that he was about to open a vat of flobberworms.
On the day that the death of Sarah Tindell, the Squib agent employed to protect the Grangers in their final weeks in Australia, was announced, it was also accompanied by the news that two Aurors had met untimely ends. What wasn't revealed to the general populace was that the wizards were found dead in a wizarding brothel in Melbourne, and had been killed hours after the young woman's body had been discovered. They were both carrying unregistered wands which had a very disturbing spell trail.
One of the men―Stefan Lawson―was a senior Auror, known to Sarah from having dated her the previous year. It was an amicable parting and the pair were often seen chatting over coffee. The woman had confided in her current boyfriend that she'd split up with Lawson because he was a drip who was constantly trying to please her, but they hadn't been right for each other. However, she still considered him to be one of her best friends and a confidant. She'd also told her boyfriend that Stefan was always talking about his cousin―a senior British Ministry Auror, called Thomas―whom she was introduced to over the summer when he came to visit. Her impression of him was that he gave her the creeps.
The whorehouse Madam, after reaffirming her commitment to assist the Ministry whenever possible to keep their noses out of her business, told investigators that the two men were there to meet someone as part of an undercover operation. The someone in question arrived hooded and cloaked and was described as having a foreign accent. He'd left soon after he arrived, heading into the city without a trace, and when she sent two girls to entertain the Aurors―compliments of the house―that was when their bodies were discovered.
Severus had no idea if there were sympathisers as far afield as Australia, even though he knew it was entirely possible. Intuitively, it seemed likely that Sarah had ill-advisedly informed her friend of the mission to recover to the Grangers, and Stefan Lawson had informed his cousin. Thomas had then ensured that he was included in protective detail when the couple returned to the UK. However, there was still the issue of the mysterious man who appeared in Australia and outside his London flat.
At first it seemed implausible that this was the same person until time differences were taken into account. If that was the case, perhaps Thomas Lawson was something other than missing. After reading the case file that Hartford had sent over to the UK Ministry's Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Severus knew that discovering the true identity of this person was imperative. Pius proclaimed it to be gruesome reading but having seen a fair number of atrocities in his life, Severus was insistent that he be given sight of the report.
Severus knew that he had a strong stomach, and he would consider that he still did. However, the poor woman's torturers left no one in any doubt that Sarah had been killed because of her final assignment.
The medical report indicated that she had been subjected to hours of the Cruciatus and other arcane torture spells which had left her disfigured; her face almost unrecognisable. Of course, that disturbed Severus, but it was the words that had been carved into the skin on her back that caused the bile to rise and burn his throat:
Traitor, my blood is on your hands. The blood of your Mudblood whore and its family will be on your hands. You will suffer more than you have ever suffered and you will beg for death, but it will not be granted. We shall be avenged.
The fact of the matter was this: This was another warning, but now a life had been lost. Whoever they were, it was becoming apparent that the stakes were rising and the fact that they had signed off their grim missive with the words "We shall be avenged" was the most concerning factor of all. Pius put it down to mere rhetoric to inspire fear―which it had succeeded in doing―but Severus knew that this was far more serious.
However, what concerned him more than anything was that he recognised the style of torture, but knew that it could not have been performed by its chief exponent. For this reason, these Aurors were more than likely under instruction or Imperius to disfigure in this manner. And if Yaxley was trying to emulate this person, they had to stamp out this plot sooner rather than later. He just hoped that Sarah was dead before this disturbing missive was scribed.
But this was not a poisoning where an antidote could be easily found, or a magical explosive which could be detected and destroyed. This was a human life that had been taken, tortured, and defiled, and left as a warning. The questions were: who was seeking to be avenged and why did they feel the need to be avenged?
It was after reading this report that Severus called Arthur Weasley to his office to inform him of the favour he needed.
After Severus' reinstatement, Albus Dumbledore revealed to him the location of a safe house that had been unknown to the Order during the war. The former headmaster had always expected Severus to be exonerated should he survive the war. Knowing how much the younger wizard hated his family home, his final gift to Severus was to provide him with a home in which he could eschew public life and the Prince Estate properties should he so wish.
It was this property that Severus―after discussing it with Hermione―decided was where the Grangers should relocate to for their own safety and he asked Arthur to become its Secret-Keeper. Shacklebolt knew that they were staying at the castle, and after reading that grim warning, Severus was determined that he would be the only target at Hogwarts. He knew Hermione was one, too, but she could defend herself. However, her parents would be defenceless if the school was attacked somehow and he didn't want that on his conscience.
No, he felt it was for the best if Hermione's parents were sequestered away―and soon―until such time as they could rejoin the Muggle world without fear of reprisal. Severus had asked Missy to recommend a house-elf to attend the Grangers and she had selected Wristy to take up the role of ensuring that the kitchen was well stocked and that Helen and Michael's every need was met.
Strangely, part of him was reluctant to take this step. He was quite enjoying having the couple stay in their chambers. Both were adapting remarkably well to the situation and he was pleased that Michael had begun to make more of an effort with Hermione. Their stories of Hermione as a little girl were often charming and downright hilarious. Somehow, his witch didn't seem to share that opinion if her protests and cringing were anything to go by.
Of course, not all the stories were pleasant. Tales of Hermione's struggle to accept her magic and her frustrations with friends were familiar to him. But hearing the perspective and observations of her concerned parents on the matter were heart-wrenching, but Severus found that these insights only made him love her even more.
However, there was a downside to having the Grangers in such close proximity. Whilst he didn't mind giving up his evenings on the sofa with Hermione, the knowing looks from her parents as the younger couple prepared to retire to bed were making Severus rather uncomfortable. In fact, over the last few days, the only places he felt able to show Hermione his physical appreciation were the Headmaster's office and various alcoves during their now joint evening rounds. He was really beginning to miss the comfort of their bed.
Severus glanced up at the clock and realising that he would need to leave soon, he added his signature to the parchment before him, folded it, and was about to call Obsidian when another owl tapped on his window.
Recognising it to be Viktor Krum's he hurried to relieve the bird of its burden and as Obsidian was on the way out, prompted the foreign bird to recuperate upon one of his own owl's perches following a generous helping of treats.
Walking towards to the fireplace, he ripped open the letter and read Krum's words carefully before screwing up the parchment and skilfully lobbing it into the fire. He called Pius quickly and had just finished relaying the information when the sound that he'd been awaiting rang out, signalling the end of Hermione's final exam. He had promised that he would go down to see her afterwards and intended to honour that.

And so with Viktor's latest information on his mind, Severus swept through the corridors as he made his way to greet―barring disastrous NEWTs results―his four new fully fledged professors.
The candidates were milling around outside the Great Hall, each conducting a post mortem on their last exam, when they heard the unmistakable sound of the headmaster's footsteps on the ancient stone floor. The eighth-years quickly dispersed, leaving Hermione and the other three assistant professors.
Hermione was touched when Severus said that he would come down to see her after her final exam had ended, and she turned to greet her partner with a beaming smile on her face.
"I trust all went well, Professors?" Severus asked, fighting his now natural instinct to pull Hermione into his arms. Such a smile deserved to be rewarded, but for propriety's sake, he had to resist for a little while longer.
Harry and Neville opened their mouths to respond, but it was Draco who spoke.
"It was a doddle," he informed his uncle with an arrogant shrug, but Severus noted the mischievous glint in his eyes.
Hermione huffed indignantly. "I wouldn't call that a doddle, Draco. It was quite challenging. I just wish that I'd had more time to study―"
"―You say that after every bloody exam," Harry sighed, rolling his eyes.
"Ah, but you forget, Harry," Neville added, "that she was part of a double act. I mean we'd all be wondering how we had done and Ron would flop down on the sofa and say, 'Bloody hell, I'm hungry. How long 'til dinner?' And 'Mione's reply was always something like―" Doing a near perfect impression of a flouncing Hermione, the sandy-haired wizard put his hands on his hips. "'I don't care Ronald. I'm worried that I should've studied more, and all you can think about is your stomach.' Which in fairness, was pretty much how every conversation went between the two of them."
Hermione gasped, but her glare was saved for Severus when he deadpanned, "I almost feel guilty for being the cause of your break-up if the conversation was that scintillating."
After she'd poked her tongue out at him playfully, Severus narrowed his eyes at her gesture. "And what have I told you about doing that, Miss Granger?"
"Do you really want me to repeat it, Headmaster?"
Draco groaned before turning to the two younger wizards. "Gentlemen, I think it's time we left these two to get an alcove or something."
"And here was I coming to welcome my new fully fledged professors, and you start off your career, Professor Malfoy, with an unprofessional comment," Severus drawled impassively.
"A pertinent comment nonetheless," Draco retorted with a smirk.
"Perhaps," came his godfather's measured response before glancing at Hermione, his lip twitching. "Your results will be available in my office on Monday afternoon if you're interested, and your new positions will be announced at dinner that day. Now, bugger off, I need to escort Professor Granger to the nearest alcove."
With chuckled farewells, the three wizards disappeared, and Hermione took a step closer to her wizard. "I thought alcoves were reserved for rounds only, Severus."
"They are, and you are still accompanying me this evening?"
Hermione confirmed that she was with a coquettish grin.
"Now, I must admit," Severus told her silkily, "that I am rather partial to that alcove near the Divination classroom. The height, depth and gradient of the window ledge are most satisfactory."
"It is," she agreed, "and I would have a beautiful view of the Black Lake if only I could focus for long enough whilst you're pounding into me from behind."
Severus pulled himself up to his full height, his posture stiff as a group of students accompanied by Professor Sinistra, came into view. Hermione noted that he had pulled his robes around him; obviously it wasn't just his posture that was stiff.
"Professor Granger, would you accompany me to my office? I require your expertise in a matter that has just arisen."
With a curt nod of greeting from Severus, a chorused response of, "Headmaster. Professor Granger," from Aurora and the students rang out. It didn't take a genius to know that the couple was the subject of the knowing glances and whispers that followed as the party moved away.
"Of course, Headmaster," Hermione responded politely. "You know you can call upon my expertise at any time."
The couple headed off towards the Severus' office in apparent silence. The students would have been beside themselves had they been privy to their non-verbal conversation.
Severus glanced down at the woman by his side. Have I told you lately that I love you?
Well, not since our shower this morning.
How remiss, Severus purred in Hermione's mind before bending down to whisper in her ear. "I love you."

It was two weeks before Christmas and aside from the usual seasonal decorations, preparations were starting in earnest for the Yule Ball on New Year's Eve. Severus had set up a committee of professors and students from each of the eligible years, to decide upon decorations, food, and entertainment. He wasn't interested in the minutiae. All he only wanted to hear about were the main decisions as he was busy liaising with Madam Maxime and High Master Poliakov with regard to the logistics of bringing their students to Hogwarts for three days.
"Ah, Headmaster," the diminutive form of Professor Flitwick called as he barrelled as fast as his legs would carry him towards Severus.
With a quizzical expression, Severus enquired casually, "Professor Flitwick, are you being pursued by some invisible force?"
As Filius came to a halt, he rested his hands on his knees and panted out, "No. I don't think so. I wanted to inform you of the good news."
"Has one of my numerous enemies died?"
"Not to my knowledge, Severus," the Charms professor said with more control over his breath. "I just wanted to tell you that I have secured the services of The Weird Sisters for the Yule Ball. This will be their first appearance since they reformed."
Severus tried to hide his disdain but gave up. "I thought you said you had good news."
"I know they are not your musical cup of tea―"
"―Indeed not," Severus winced, inwardly bemoaning the wizarding world's appalling taste in music.
"―But ever since the Daily Prophet announced that they would be touring in the new year, the students have been so excited, and this would be a marvellous treat for them given recent events."
"Just for the students? Why, Filius, I think you're more excited about this than they are. Did you approach anyone else?"
Flitwick looked a little flustered. "Well, I...I wrote several invitations."
"You are meant to send them," the headmaster advised, his eyebrow arched knowingly.
Filius gave a sheepish shrug. "Yes, that might explain the lack of responses. Oh, by the way, I had a delightful conversation with Hermione's mother. She seems utterly fascinated with our world. Are we sure she's not one of us?"
Severus chuckled. "As sure as we can be. I believe, however, that having realised just how important Hermione is to our world and vice versa that Helen wants to explore this part of her daughter's life more thoroughly."
"And her father? He doesn't seem to quite share his wife's enthusiasm."
"He will, I'm sure," Severus told Filius thoughtfully. At least, he hoped so because he would need Michael very soon.

By the time Severus reached their chambers, he was still inwardly grumbling about the impending assault that his ears would undoubtedly receive given Filius' choice of musical entertainment. However, the fact that the Grangers were being entertained by Molly and Arthur this evening meant that he and Hermione were free to have a quiet night in to finally celebrate the end of her exams, and that lifted his mood slightly. That was until he opened the door and it was the turn for his eyes to be assaulted.
"What the fuck is that?" he enquired as he spied Hermione levitating baubles near the top of a ten foot Christmas tree, the dulcet tones of Wizzard ringing out.
Hermione rolled her eyes as she carefully placed the silver bauble on its needled branch, whilst trying to keep Leo from tempting a shiny ornament away from its box with his paw. "This, Ebenezer, is a Christmas tree."
A familiar scowl fell over Severus' face. "I am aware of what it is, but the question is, what is it doing in here?"
"Well, I saw Hagrid this morning―"
"―He's back?" Severus interrupted, noticing with horror the fir and holly garland which adorned the fireplace and the floating candles that accentuated it.
"Yes, and coming to see you tomorrow as he had a meeting at the Ministry this afternoon and Olympe is in London this evening so they're going out for dinner. But he did say that impounded shipment was Chimera eggs on their way to Albania. Anyway, I bumped into him this morning on the way back from collecting Snowcap mushrooms with my second years―"
Still examining the room, and noting Hermione's comment about Hagrid, Severus' eyes fell upon a set of twinkling lights adorning the potted plants in the corner of the room. "―Snowcaps? What possible application would you―"
"―Will you please let me finish!" Hermione growled. "If you must know we are doing a project on the efficacy of potions using similar but seasonal ingredients."
Severus considered this as Hermione continued to tell him about Hagrid and the origins of the Christmas tree. "So he said he was selecting the trees for the entrance hall and the Great Hall and I asked if he could find a nice tree for in here, and―"
"―What on earth possessed you to do that? Do I not warrant a say in what goes on in my own chambers?"
Hermione sighed, her Christmas spirit ebbing away slowly. "Our chambers, love," she corrected him with a tight smile. "And I would have asked you, but I knew that you would have been against the idea. However, I also knew that if it was already done by the time you got home then you wouldn't mind it really."
Arching an eyebrow at what he considered an impudent remark, Severus' response was colder and harsher than Hermione expected.
"Well, on one point we can agree. As for the other...I am going to get changed. When I return, all this will be gone," he told her, waving his hand stiffly at the decorations before walking towards their bedroom door.
Hermione's jaw dropped. "What? No!"
His hand had reached the doorknob by the time Hermione responded and he whipped round on the spot to glare at her. "I'm sorry, but I'm sure I just heard you say no."
"You'll be pleased to know that there is nothing wrong with your hearing then. I live here too, you know, and you might have had shitty Christmases, but I love it and―"
As she started to give her partner a piece of her mind, she watched hurt and anger flash across Severus' face. He moved so quickly that her words were interrupted by the slamming of the bedroom door before she had a chance to finish what she wanted to say. In the end, the only appropriate words to conclude her rant were, "Oh bollocks!"
Closing the box of baubles, much to Leo's chagrin, Hermione went to move and realised that her foot had gone to sleep from sitting on the floor for too long. Shuffling on her knees until she reached one of the occasional tables, she used it to guide herself up and hobble to the bedroom door. However, as she turned the handle, she found it to be locked.
"Oh for fuck's sake," she muttered to herself before banging on the door. "Sev, come on. Open up, please. I'm sorry―"
The unmistakable crack of Apparition was heard from inside the bedroom. Hermione's forehead thumped against the door as she whispered, "I'm so sorry."

Hermione spent the next twenty minutes trying to use their connection to contact Severus and track him down, but to no avail. She noticed that his orb had gone from being beyond agitated to pacing the ceiling. She checked his office, the cottage, his London flat, which was now up for sale, Snape Manor, and having decided that he was unlikely to go to any of his other estates, she called the only two people who might know where else he may have gone.
She went to the fireplace, threw in the Floo powder and called, "The Drawing Room, Malfoy Manor," before placing her face into the green flames.
Mitzy answered the call and immediately went to fetch the master of the house.
"What a pleasant surprise. Missing the thrill of Floo sex, are you? Well, you know that I'd be more than happy to oblige," Lucius slurred in greeting, sipping what was obviously not his first glass of wine of the day.
Hermione was not in the mood for his teasing and ignored his comment. "Is he there?"
Chuckling deeply, the blond wizard flopped down into a chair by the fire. "Had a row, have we?"
"Kind of."
Lucius took another sip. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. No, he's not here. Now, what did we have a row about?"
Hermione was about to answer, but found herself asking a question unrelated to her predicament. "Are you drunk?"
"How observant. I am, as they say, drowning my sorrows."
"What's wrong, Luce?"
Brushing his fingers through his hair, Lucius puffed out a breath. "I saw Fleur this morning at Gringotts. We greeted each other cordially and then we said goodbye cordially. I barely talk to her, I can't touch her, I can't kiss her. I can't..." His voice faltered and he swallowed hard to regain his composure. "So, as you can see, I am attempting to dull the pain with this rather passable bottle of Claret. But enough about me. What did you two argue about?"
It all seemed too pathetic now given the pain that Lucius was evidently feeling as a result of being separated from Fleur. But he asked and she would tell him. "A Christmas tree."
The effect that her words had on Lucius was not―with hindsight―unexpected, but Hermione was somehow grateful for it. Once he'd stopped laughing, he wiped his eyes. "I'm sorry, darling, but that is rather funny." Then his expression became more serious and somehow he seemed to sober up a little. "And yet it is not."
Lucius put down his wine and did something that Hermione never thought that she would see the aristocratic wizard do. He sat crossed legged on the rug in front of the fire before continuing to speak. "I know you are endeavouring to drag the curmudgeon into your circle of seasonal reverie, but Christmas has never been met well by Severus. He has never accepted an invitation to Christmas dinner despite one being made every year since his mother's death. Apart from the last couple of years, he's always come over on Boxing Day though, mainly so that he could give Draco his present, but to him that's no longer Christmas."
He paused, almost seeing the question Hermione had on the tip of her tongue about to catch fire. "Lucius, did something happen to him at Christmas?" she asked delicately.
"Not specifically―at least, not that I am aware―but there were no celebrations in the Snape household. While he was a student, he stayed because he could continue his studies and was away from his father. When he became a professor, he stayed because although students chose to remain over the festive period for various personal reasons, he knew that some were there for the same reason as himself. All I am trying to say, is that whereas we have been privileged enough to enjoy the merriment and communion of family during the season, Severus has not. I know that, technically, he's had us, but this is virgin territory for him, and I suspect that in your enthusiasm you've unwittingly stirred up emotions that he is unfamiliar with and he's run."
"I didn't think," Hermione admitted forlornly.
"And why should you? You weren't doing anything to harm him, you are not responsible for his reactions. I should imagine that, by now, he is feeling incredibly remorseful, but too stubborn to return and admit that he's been an arse."
Hermione sighed deeply. "I know, but where is he going to return from? I've checked his office and all the properties, but strangely I think he's somewhere familiar, which is why I called you."
"Sev obviously still has some secrets from you," Lucius chuckled before immediately putting the young witch out of her misery. "If you sense that he's somewhere familiar then I should imagine he's still on the grounds. Now, I hope he will not be angered with me for revealing the whereabouts of his secret hideaway."

Lucius' instructions were quite clear. She was to go to the far side of the Black Lake, to a distinctive thicket of trees before the terrain became rockier. In that copse, he said she would find three huge boulders and by placing her wand against the middle one and uttering the password, she would gain admittance.
It had begun to snow heavily, but not enough for Severus' footprints to be covered. Hermione approached the rock slowly in case he'd erected additional wards on his hideout, but finding none, she paused before placing her wand against it.
She often asked Severus where he had gone the night he abandoned Hogwarts during the final battle, and how Lucius knew where to find him, but his reply had always been quite evasive. But now she knew: he'd come here. This was where he'd waited until his time came―he thought―to die. The tears that fell down her cheeks mingled with the falling snow and she wiped her eyes rapidly before placing her wand against the rock and whispering the password. "Prince."
The front of the rock seemed to melt away to reveal a narrow passage that led to what looked like a doorway through which spilt a golden light. When Hermione reached the source of the warm glow, she let out a sigh of relief when she saw Severus sitting there. He was on the floor, frock coat unbuttoned, arms resting on his drawn up knees with his back against the far wall of the sparsely decorated but strangely cosy room.
"Don't tell me, Lucius opened his big mouth," Severus grumbled, stealing a glance at his very concerned looking witch.
"Yep."
Closing his eyes, he swallowed hard before speaking again. "Come here," he implored, holding out a hand.
Hermione rushed towards him and found herself kneeling on the floor in the arms of an apologetic Severus. But he wasn't the only one apologising. In between kisses and affirmations of their love, Hermione, too, was muttering apologies against his lips.
"You have nothing to apologise for, sweetheart," Severus told her, brushing a few escaped curls out of Hermione's face. "My reaction was disproportionate."
Hermione nodded. "Yeah, it was, but I'm sorry that we haven't really talked about Christmas," she muttered as she nuzzled his neck.
"That's as much my fault as yours," he said, moaning softly at the feel of her breath against his skin. "However, I confess that I, too, have made plans without consulting you."
Stilling for a moment, Hermione asked, "How so?"
"Due to Mr Ashbourne's situation, the school will need to remain open. As such, I will be spending Christmas Day here whilst you spend the day with your parents," Severus stated, tensing slightly as he waited for Hermione response.
Very slowly, Hermione pulled back, her eyes wide, lips pursed. "Pardon?"
Severus opened his mouth and paused momentarily before―a little flustered―he responded. "Well, your mother intimated that―"
"Bollocks to what she intimated!" Hermione exclaimed, slapping his arm. "If you're staying here then I'm staying with you. We can do something on Boxing Day with Mum and Dad," she informed him defiantly.
"We are," Severus told her, looking a little sheepish. "They're coming up to Cheshire to spend a few days with us. As are the Weasleys and the Malfoys and various hangers-on."
"Oh, well, thank you for telling me," came her sardonic response.
Severus shrugged. "I believe I just did," he replied with a smirk, cupping the back of her head and manoeuvring her for a kiss before she could retort.
His distraction tactic worked for a moment but didn't stop her asking, "And who will be looking after the school when we're up at the manor?"
"Filius and Pomona. It's all been arranged. They will be busy with arrangements for the Yule Ball and―"
"―And what about Emile?"
Severus' eyebrow raised at her question. "What about him?"
"Don't you think he should have at least a few hours away from the school over Christmas?" Hermione wondered her voice laced with concern.
"No one else does when they choose to remain at the school."
"Yes, but he hasn't chosen to stay. He's got no choice. Look, why don't we host Christmas dinner in our chambers instead of the Great Hall and invite Filius and Pomona to bring Emile to the manor on Boxing day for afternoon tea? I presume Mrs Hopkins will be doing a buffet?"
"I have no idea," Severus admitted. Mrs Hopkins had asked him what arrangements he wanted to make regarding catering and he told her to do what she felt was best.
"Well," Hermione started, "we usually have Christmas dinner and then Christmas tea, which is a buffet usually. Then on Boxing Day, we have a leftovers brunch and then a buffet late afternoon. Don't worry, I'll speak to Mrs H. But if we invited them to that then no one will feel left out. Are there any other members of staff staying at the castle on Christmas day?"
"Just Harry."
Hermione looked perplexed. "But Molly's invited him to The Burrow."
"Apparently, he declined. He has declined all invitations."
"Well, that settles it. We're definitely having dinner in our chambers with my best friend and a few others."
"I suppose the infernal Christmas decorations will need to stay, in that case?"
"Of course, but I am sorry for what I said."
"You said nothing that wasn't true. I'm afraid Christmas was never a time of joy and glad tidings for me. My father was a hardline atheist and would rather drink than spend money on frivolous religious festivals even if they did spread a little hope and happiness within his family. No, when it came to Christmas, neither magic nor God could save us.
"We weren't allowed decorations or a tree, but Mum tried to make it special. For a few years, she bought me sweets and put them in a pillowcase at the bottom of my bed, and she always cooked a chicken and made chestnut stuffing. It was foul, but she tried," he said with a sad chuckle before he growled, "He was drunk, as always."
"What about Mrs Knutsford?"
"She used to buy me sweets, and I...well, you know about the cards. I didn't see much of her while I was at school. I started buying her chocolates after Mother died. Actually, thank you for reminding me to purchase her chocolates. We should visit on Christmas Eve."
"I can get them tomorrow when Mum and I go Christmas shopping. I can't wait to see how the Aurors enjoy Woolies," Hermione ruminated, giving him an amused glance.
"You go to Woolworth's, too?"
"See? We were obviously destined to be," she purred, leaning in for a kiss.
"Obviously," he rumbled as their lips met. "Surely...you must know...that...the Fates pay...careful attention...to a person's shopping habits," he teased between kisses, pulling her closer and allowing her tongue entrance into his mouth.
After a gloriously sensual snogging session, Hermione snuggled into Severus' side as the couple remained seated upon the floor. They sat in silence, Hermione fiddling with one of his shirt buttons and Severus twirling an escaped curl around his finger.
Neither was sure how long they stayed like that, but it was Severus who spoke first. "You know, I must admit that although I am not an expert at such things, your decorations are at least tasteful. During my first year at Hogwarts, I was in awe of the decorations. They were unlike anything I'd ever seen. I had to wait until I was nearly twelve years old to see something so awe inspiring."
Severus' expression suddenly became desolate and when Hermione found out why, she was sure she felt her heart break.
"I actually went home for Christmas that year. After the decadence of the Great Hall and the sense of belonging, walking back into that house and feeling nothing but the walls closing in on me was..." He trailed off as he moved, drawing his knees up, his free hand swiping away any tears before they fell. "You know, even before I'd reached my bedroom, mother was pleading with him to leave me alone."
"What did he do?"
"Nothing. He did nothing, but that whole Christmas―apart from one day―I was scared of him. And I promised myself that I'd never be scared of him or anyone again, and then...I never learnt because I went from one monster to another and..."
Hermione's arms were round him before he finally let everything go. "I'm so sorry. If I'd known it would upset you this much, I never would have put up that fucking tree."
"It's not your fault," he told her, cupping her face and pressing a tear-soaked chaste kiss to her lips. "It's hard to explain. Christmas for me became impersonal. Christmas became the Great Hall filled with those who didn't want to be with their families for whatever reason and knowing some of them felt how I felt―for once, it didn't hurt."
"Is that why you've never been to the Malfoy's on Christmas Day?"
Severus sniffed. "My, we did have a lovely little chat with Lucius, didn't we? But yes. It was too personal; too much of a reminder of what a shit life I'd had. And I suppose walking unexpectedly into our rooms and being faced with everything I've ever wanted and rather than grabbing it with both hands, I tried to push it away because―"
"―You didn't want to have that first Great Hall moment for it to go wrong all over again?" Hermione offered softly, pushing her fingers through his hair as he nodded in agreement.
"You know me rather well, Miss Granger, and yet you still haven't run."
Hermione's lips met his desperately. "And I don't intend to. Now, what happened on that one day when you weren't scared?"
Severus pressed his head back against the wall and chuckled deeply. "Lily turned up a couple days after Christmas and nearly broke my bedroom window by throwing stones at it. I sneaked out and went round to her house. I may not have been scared that day, but I was definitely scarred."
Snuggling against his chest again, Hermione asked, "By what?"
"Please don't laugh, but tinsel. I have never seen so much tinsel in my life. Petunia looked as horrified as I felt."
Hermione giggled at the grimace on his face before shuddering. "Oh God, I hate tinsel too."
Severus' laugh was music to Hermione's ears.
"And there we have yet another reason why we were destined," he told her, squeezing her tight. "Fuck the Founders and the Fates and even ignore the fact that I love you. Our mutual loathing of tinsel, I feel, is the most compelling reason why I should ask you―very soon―to put up with me for the rest of your life."
"You're a tease," Hermione chuckled into his chest.
"You have no idea how far my teasing capabilities extend, madam," Severus replied as he composed himself.
"Really?"
"Really," he told her emphatically before lowering his legs, pulling Hermione onto his lap and wrapping his arms around her. He nuzzled her neck, inhaling her scent. "I love you," he breathed against her skin.
"I love you, too," came her sighed response before she gasped and sat bolt upright. "Oh God, I've been so selfish."
Utterly befuddled by her sudden outburst, Severus' mind whirled with what he thought she meant.
"You've never decorated a Christmas tree. When we get back, you can help me."
They stared at each other for a moment before Severus burst out laughing, pulling her to him and continuing to chuckle into her hair. "I honestly think I can survive another year without that pleasure. Besides, I don't want to ruin your excellent work."
Realising the ridiculousness of her statement, Hermione, too, found herself laughing, loving the feel of his laughter reverberating in his chest. It was as they both collected themselves that her curiosity got the better of her once again.
"So, when were you going to tell me about this place?"
Severus shrugged. "I don't know. I didn't come here very often and I haven't been here since...I presume Lucius told you? I suppose it would have been advantageous to keep it a secret from you in case I felt the need to escape from you at certain times," he chuckled softly.
"And what times would those be?"
"Times, which if it were one of those times, I wouldn't dare tell you."
Hermione glared at him before smirking softly. "Lucius said you that you came across this place in your second year."
"I did. I'd fallen foul to yet another prank and I lashed out. I remember just walking―I had no idea where I was going―and I found myself stood before three boulders and the middle one revealed the entrance. I suppose one could argue it was a little like a Room of Requirement, but it was just for me, except that the room never changes. I've always had to transfigure everything that I needed apart from the fire. Oh, and the books. Those are actually mine.
"A few weeks later I found myself in a similar predicament and I came here again, but this time the entrance didn't reveal itself. I tried all manner of spells to open it, but to no avail.
"In my frustration, I banged my hand upon the stone and it glowed, revealing the words: For you and your favoured only. Lay your wand against me to reveal all. And so I did."
Severus smirked as the question Hermione wanted to ask was plastered all over her face. "Did Lily know about this place?"
"No, just Lucius and he only knew because he followed me; bearing in mind I came here to escape her housemates, I felt it wise to keep this place to myself. It was here that I wrote that stupid fucking name I gave myself because I was a bit drunk and I fancied myself important."
"But you are important. Never forget that," she purred, kissing him gently before nipping his bottom lip. "But why did you come here now?"
"I honestly don't know. I hadn't actually intended to Apparate away, but the next thing I knew, I was standing outside in the snow facing the rock."
"Well, I'm just glad I found you and don't worry, I won't intrude on your man cave. You can keep it, but it is missing something."
"Oh?"
"Yes," she confirmed with a wicked glint in her eye. "A moose head. I've already decided what I'm getting you for Christmas, but now I know what to get you for your birthday."
"Don't you dare," Severus growled playfully.
"Why not?" Hermione whined, giggling as she kissed his cheek.
"Aside from the fact that it is a totally crass idea, I don't expect anything for my birthday but the exquisite gift that I have straddling me."
"Is that the polite way of saying you'd like a birthday shag?"
Severus shook his head. "I would never be that subtle. I don't require presents when I have you. The same goes for Christmas."
Hermione melted at her lover's sentiment and kissed him gently. "You know I feel the same."
"Damn! I needn't have spent all that money on your birthday and Christmas presents," Severus deadpanned, but his impassive face cracked as Hermione gasped.
"You bought my presents already?"
"Of course."
"You know, I love you," she whispered against his lips before trailing kisses along his jaw and nuzzling his neck. "I've been thinking, apart from the lack of a horned animal, this place is really quite cosy. And that pile of cushions looks particularly inviting."
"What pile of..." He turned to where Hermione was looking and saw the pile of soft, earthy toned cushions in various shapes and sizes. "Now you come to mention it, they do indeed," he drawled, completely unfazed by their sudden appearance. His gaze then returned to his cunning witch and he pressed a lingering kiss to the corner of her mouth. "Would you care to test that assumption?"
Grinning, Hermione cupped his face and pressed her lips to his. "Only if you see to the fire because I believe that this assumption is best tested naked."
"Is that so?" Severus growled, shifting so Hermione could move off his lap. He watched her crawl over to the pile of cushions as he flicked his wrist at the small fire, causing it to roar back into life. "Now, what was that you said about testing an assumption naked?" he purred, taking off his frock coat before crawling towards a shocked, now magically disrobed, witch.
Instinctively, Hermione parted her legs as her lover moved towards her, only to giggle as he grabbed her ankles and pressed a kiss to each one. His eyes burned into hers as he slowly spread her legs further apart to allow him access to the delights between her thighs, and she could feel herself getting wetter at the intensity of his gaze.
Alternating between each leg, Severus trailed nips and kisses up towards his goal before settling on his stomach to seek his reward. He licked his lips in anticipation of tasting her, and looked up mischievously, meeting Hermione's heavy gaze. He dipped his head and used his lips to gently tease apart her silken folds, before tentatively flicking out his tongue to graze her clit. With everything that happened in the last few weeks, it seemed like an eternity since he had last savoured her like this, and he fully intended to enjoy the experience for as long as possible.
Thirty minutes and two orgasms given later, Severus' tongue plundered Hermione's mouth as he vanished his own clothes and rolled them over until she was straddling him, her sex hovering over his throbbing cock.
"Ride me," he whispered against her lips, sitting up slightly to change Hermione's angle, but she didn't need to be told twice and carefully positioned herself to sink down onto his length.
The moan that escaped her lips elicited a throaty growl from Severus as his fingers gripped her hips, requesting a slow place from his witch. The nature of their recent coupling had been fast and frantic of late and just as he had taken his time to eat her, they were going to take their time enjoying each other.
And Severus certainly did enjoy it as his eyes drank in the most important person in his life moving sensuously on top of him. The warm glow of the fire licked her smooth skin, the shadows defining her soft curves. Without a second thought, his hands found their way to her breasts. It had been too long since he had merely stared at her while she was lost on him. She looked so content and his chest felt as if it would rip open, knowing that he was the one to make her feel like that.
Hermione felt so hot and slick around him, and he couldn't help but moan as her small hand covered his, encouraging him to squeeze her tits a little harder. He could have easily flipped them over and pounded into her, but not today―somehow, not today.
For some reason, every moan that fell from her lips sounded more beautiful to him than it had ever before. He pulled himself up so that he could look deep into her eyes, imploring her to look at him.
Their connection flared and he found himself in her mind. She was lying on the floor, naked save the massive smile she was wearing. Whilst the library was tidy, he could see some books that were pushed into the shelves the wrong way. He gave her a quizzical look.
Everything's a bit out of place at the moment, she whispered, looking up at Severus, who was leaning against the doorframe. I can't put my finger on it, but it is. The only thing that belongs is you.
Severus smiled nervously. It's been a very long time since anyone told me that I belong, love.
Well, you do. You belong to me, and I couldn't be happier. Now, fuck me.
I had intended to lie back down and just watch you. It's a most pleasant sight.
Hermione spread her legs in his mind. You've looked for long enough. Fuck me.
Severus felt himself being drawn towards her, and physically as well as in his mind, he was more than happy to oblige.

As much as the students found it hard to control their teenage giggling whenever they saw Headmaster and Professor Granger talking, on the rare occasions that the couple showed each other a sign of affection, the school seemed to melt into a pile of sentimental goo.
It was dark when the couple found themselves trudging back through the snow arm in arm, their white breath rising into the air, snuggled together to provide extra warmth despite their heavy winter wear.
Severus had to admit that he was extremely grateful for Hermione's foresight in shrinking his long winter coat and scarf before she left to find him. He would not have missed this walk with his woman for anything. He'd dreamt of a night like this with clear black skies and moonlight glinting off the untouched snow where all sounds were muffled and the world felt enclosed around them.
They talked and laughed, and Severus found it harder to resist the question that he so desperately wanted to ask. In order to distract himself, a certain amount of snogging against a tree was required. This resulted in a Severus-sized imprint being left in the snow after Hermione decided that she hadn't quite had enough of her wizard just yet. The creator of the Warming charm was mercifully thanked that night.
By the time they finally managed to make their way back to the castle, it was way past curfew. They were about to head towards their chambers when Severus suddenly put his arm out in front of Hermione to halt her progress and raised a finger to his lips, signalling her to be quiet. Years of patrolling these halls and spying served him well, and jerking his head, he set off almost silently towards the faint but heated conversation in one of the alcoves ahead.
"What do you mean you're ending it?" snarled the male voice.
The female voice sounded close to tears. "Look, it's not you."
"Don't say it! Don't give me the 'it's not you, it's me' speech because let's face it, it has everything to do with me being the wrong fucking person."
"If things were different―"
"―If things were different...I considered asking for your hand, you know?"
"Considered?"
"Mother would never allow it, but I would have asked you to be my mistress."
"Mistress? What the fuck am I? Just a shag?"
"Fuck no, I love you, but I just wouldn't have married you."
"So why the fuck are you so upset that we're over?"
"Because, I want you in my life, Gin, but our families are too different and―"
"―Not rich enough, you mean. Oh, and don't forget that we're all blood traitors, too."
"Don't put words in my mouth."
"No? Would you prefer it if I just shut up and let you put something in mine?"
"That would be preferable. Come on, darling, you can have lovers if you―"
"Fuck you, Blaise. I felt so guilty about ending it with you, but now...thank Merlin, I am ending it."
"Fine! There are plenty more whores to fuck."
"What did you say? Did you just―"
"―Mr Zabini, I would appreciate it if you would accompany to my office," the smooth voice of the Headmaster interrupted.
Blaise turned to look at Severus. "Sir, I―" he blurted out, eyes widened.
"And did I mention that your silence is requisite? Miss Weasley, please go with Professor Granger."
Take her to our chambers and provide whatever comforts are required. Expect a visitor.
Alright, love. How dare he infer that Ginny's―
―Fear not! He will be left in no doubt that he's royally fucked up.
As Hermione and Ginny headed off, Blaise turned to the headmaster. "Sir, I―"
"―Silence!" Severus hissed, drawing his wand which caused the younger Slytherin to flinch. The headmaster then cast his Patronus.

Harry Potter could feel sleep nudging him as he lay on his sofa, a number of empty beer bottles on the floor. He'd finished his marking and Head of House duties for the evening―not that they ever really ended―and settled down to read the Daily Prophet's report of Ron's latest match before heading to bed.
His eyes were getting heavier and had just closed when the headmaster's voice rang out.
"Just a courtesy call, Professor."
The Head of Slytherin bolted upright and fumbled with his glasses as he squinted at the glow of the fox-shaped Patronus in his living room.
I am instructing a member of our house on how to accept the breakdown of a relationship with dignity and why it is unacceptable to call the young woman a whore. For your own edification, the student in question is Mr Zabini. Feel free to visit Hermione in our chambers. I would suggest you do so post haste.
Harry Potter's eyes widened as he realised the deeper meaning of Severus' message. He'd never showered, brushed his teeth, dressed, applied aftershave, and run to the headmaster's private rooms so quickly.

Meanwhile, as Harry was on his way to see Ginny, Blaise Zabini stood before the Headmaster's desk, head lowered as he prepared for the berating that he knew he was about to receive.
The headmaster, on the other hand, was sitting imperiously behind his desk, his dark eyes boring into the young man, waves of anger and disappointment radiating from him.
Severus was about to speak, but Blaise cut him off, desperate to justify himself to the man that he had the utmost respect for.
"Sir, what you overheard―"
"―was a disgrace," Severus growled, moving quickly from his seat until his was standing behind the young wizard.
"I thought I had instilled better in you," the headmaster snarled in Blaise's ear before moving to lean up against his desk, arms folded across his chest. "Relationships end for numerous reasons, Mr Zabini, but they must always be ended―no matter who is at fault―with dignity. Do you understand?"
Still looking at the floor, the younger wizard mumbled that he did.
"That, of course, does not mean that you do not try and discuss the specifics of the breakup. But if you are the one being told that your relationship is at an end, you respect the person and their wishes at all times. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Headmaster."
"We are Slytherins and if I have taught you anything, it is that you never burn your bridges. One never knows when that person could be of an advantage to you and if there is revenge to be wrought then it is far more effective―and you are more likely to get away with it―if they are unsuspecting.
"However, in this case there is no cause for revenge and should I hear that you make moves to exact it, you will answer to me. Is any of this penetrating your thick skull?"
Blaise gulped and muttered, "Yes, sir."
"Now," Severus continued, his voice measured, "your deplorable lack of decorum in this matter is shameful. However, what I find hardest to accept is that you somehow consider yourself better than Miss Weasley and her family when you, yourself, are the son of an opportunistic bitch. Your mother's fortune has been wholly dependent on whomever she lies on her back and spreads her legs for, so how dare you call Ginevra a whore when your mother acts no better than one."
Blaise knew he should react to Snape's comments about his mother, but in his heart he knew how his mother was viewed, and he couldn't deny how she operated. "But Mother told me that I need to preserve the Zabini legacy―"
"What legacy? Your mother has such high regard for the Zabini legacy that she's spent it and has married numerous times to keep herself in the style to which she has become accustomed. In recent weeks, she's even tried to solicit the attentions of myself and Lucius Malfoy."
Severus almost laughed as Blaise's astonished eyes flicked up to meet his.
"What your mother means, is that you have no money of your own," Severus informed him, "so to preserve the Zabini legacy, you have to create it again. The only way you will do that is to marry a witch who could do far better than you, sir. And if your mother also considers herself above the Weasleys then your mother and yourself are delusional. The crux of the issue is simple―greed. The Weasleys do not come with a fortune, but what you fail to recognise is that a union with Ginevra Weasley―even though it was folly to think you had a chance of that happening―would have given you something far more valuable than financial stability.
"I used to consider you one of my brightest, Blaise. For this reason, I will leave it with you to work out what that was."
Severus pushed himself away from his desk and as he returned to his chair, he drawled, "Fifty points, Mr Zabini, and you will be serving detention with Mr Filch for the rest of this term and the first two weeks of the new one. Now, get out of my sight."
Blaise said nothing but nodded and left the Headmaster's office swiftly, leaving Severus running his hand over his face in frustration.
"Watch him and his companions, Severus, my boy," the lofty voice of Albus Dumbledore rang out.
Closing his eyes, Severus' head thumped against the back of his chair before he exhaled forcefully. "I will," he muttered wearily, a multitude of thoughts racing through his mind.

Over the next few days, news of the breakdown of Ginny and Blaise's relationship travelled throughout the school. Headmaster Snape and Professor Granger were temporarily relieved of the students' collective gaze as their speculations were diverted to Professor Potter and his ex girlfriend. At meal times, they would glance between Harry at the head table and the redheaded Head Girl to see if they could catch a furtive look between the pair.
However, away from the watchful eyes of the professors, Pansy Parkinson had taken it upon herself to torment Ginny, despite Blaise's requests for her to desist. Somehow, after one shouting match in the head students' common room, Dean Thomas found himself acting as Ginny's unofficial bodyguard, protecting her from the Senior Head Girl's vicious tongue. Harry was eternally grateful to his former classmate for looking after her, even if they weren't officially a couple yet.
Breakfast on the final teaching day of term was a little more light-hearted than usual. All the students, save one, were heading off tomorrow morning for Christmas, and as that meal was usually poorly attended, Severus was prepared to allow a little more revelry today.
"So are they back together?" Minerva asked the headmaster in a loud whisper.
Severus merely shrugged. "They are not together as such. I believe they are taking each day as it comes."
The Head of Gryffindor huffed. "But everyone knows that they belong together."
"But few know of the issue which caused the breakdown of their relationship in the first place. Suffice to say, I believe that whilst their regard for each other is not in question, whether they can move past that issue remains to be seen."
Minerva rolled her eyes. "You are such a pessimist."
"Not at all," Severus countered, sipping his coffee. "I am a realist. However, I am sure that given time―and space―normal service will be resumed."
"I hear Miss Chang is unimpressed."
"I fail to see why. She and Potter split up two nearly two months ago."
"I agree, but that's just what I've heard. She's a strange one. I don't think she's ever got over the Diggory boy."
"The Dark Lord despatched her first love; I have a degree of empathy. However, it is still not for her to be so disapproving of Potter's choice. I may not have liked his father, but I never demeaned Lily's choice."
The two professors sensed a wave of excitement sweep through the students. Following the majority of their eyes, they saw Ginny heading out of the Great Hall and Harry, whisper something to Neville before rising from his seat, hot on her heels. Pansy Parkinson sat on the Slytherin table, looking smug.
Knowing that Harry would be able to sort Ginny out, Severus contemplated Minerva's words and looked over to Cho, who sat in silence next to Luna. Her eyes were trained on the door that Ginny had just walked through. The forming tears had the headmaster lean over and mutter something to Hermione. She simply nodded and continued to eat her scrambled eggs.
However, when Miss Chang pushed her untouched breakfast plate aside and rose to leave, Professor Granger followed.

It didn't take Hermione long to find Cho, who sat overlooking a snow-covered courtyard, wiping her eyes with her sleeve.
Hearing her approach, Cho turned slowly to face the young professor.
"Is everything alright, Cho?"
The Ravenclaw snorted defiantly. "Why shouldn't it be?"
Hermione shrugged. "You've just seemed a bit quiet of late, and―"
"―I didn't realise that was a crime, Professor."
"It isn't, but―"
"―Good. In that case, I'd like to be left alone."
Hermione puffed out a breath and drew her bottom lip between her teeth, whilst informing Severus that this conversation really wasn't going very well. "Look, Cho, you know you can―"
"―Talk to you? Yes, I know, but I have nothing that I need to discuss with you."
Hermione was concerned, and as much as she wanted to walk away, felt that she could get Cho to talk about what was bothering her.
"Is it because Harry and―"
"―Respectfully, Professor, I said that I want to be on my own."
Hermione could only watch as Cho stormed off in the direction of Ravenclaw Tower. She could understand that Cho was upset at seeing Harry move on, but it had been nearly two months and they'd split up over her indifference. No, there was something not quite right about her behaviour and she couldn't put her finger on it.
Turning on her heel to head up to Severus' office, she was greeted by Pansy and Blaise as they walked past arm in arm. At least, Blaise seemed to have moved on. Perhaps Theo had been right.

The Head of Slytherin shook his head as the two first-years that he'd just dismissed from his office closed the door to return to the common room. It wasn't that long ago when he was their age, breaking all manner of rules, and he'd certainly broken far worse rules than these two had when they'd argued over Quidditch with their wands drawn. However, so much had happened in Harry's life since then that it seemed like a lifetime ago.
He had just written the detention slips out for the first week of January and was about to return to the end of term drinks in the staff room when there was a knock on the door. Assuming it was one of the two students he had just berated, Harry pulled on his 'unimpressed' face
"We need to talk."
Harry's eyes widened, and he pushed his glasses up his nose. "Do we? What about?"
"The night before we split up."
Shrugging, Harry opened the door further. "What about it?" he asked, gesturing for his visitor to step inside.
"I can't stop thinking about it."
"Look, Cho, it was nice―really nice―and I'm glad you enjoyed it, but―"
"―It was alright. I've had better, but that's not why I can't stop thinking about it."
Harry tried not to look affronted at Cho's dismissive comment, knowing that there was something not quite right here. "Well, if it wasn't that good then I fail to see why you suddenly had to come and talk to me. You've ignored me for weeks and then as soon as Ginny and I are―"
"―Getting back together?"
"We're working on it."
"Well, she might not want to know when she finds out."
"She knows we slept together."
"Does she also know that the great Harry Potter can't cast a decent Contraceptive spell?"
Harry blanched. His mouth went dry, and he felt his palms become clammy. He'd faced Voldemort; he'd fought Voldemort. Hell, he'd killed Voldemort, and yet he felt genuinely terrified at the moment. "Are you sure?"
"Well, I'm late."
"Yes, but are you sure. Ginny and I had a scare, but―"
"Doesn't look very good for you, does it? What school would want to employ a Professor, who not only slept with a student, but got her pregnant because he couldn't cast a Contraceptive spell correctly."
Cho's mocking tone worried Harry.
"Hang on. Is this about you potentially being pregnant or is this more personal?"
"What do you think?"
"I don't know, that's why I'm asking."
"You need to take responsibility.'
"And if you are pregnant; then I will. I will be there for the child, but that's as far as it goes. Now, as you don't know that you are actually pregnant, shall I perform the spell now?" As a head of house, he had been taught the pregnancy detection spell, just in case.
"That won't be necessary. I'll get it confirmed at St. Mungo's tomorrow."
"Please, Cho, let me do it now―put both our minds at rest."
"No. I am informing you of my suspicions, and I will owl you the result once I have been to St. Mungo's. Have a great Christmas, Harry," Cho sneered before walking out of the office.
Harry stared at the space his ex-girlfriend had occupied. "Shit!"

The knock on his door took the headmaster by surprise. After the staff drinks, he'd returned to his office partly so he could finish off any outstanding matters that required his attention before the Christmas break. Not that he wouldn't have work to do, but for the first time in his life, he had a busy social calendar and a witch whom he had no desire to piss off.
"Fucking hell," he muttered as he looked up at the clock that showed it was nearly midnight.
"Busy?" asked his once biggest pain in the arse.
Severus snorted. "Given that I could be tucked up in bed with my witch, what do you think?"
Harry considered this. "True, but you could have come here to escape her nagging."
"A valid conclusion," Severus mused, "but she is too immersed in her parents and Christmas to nag me at the moment."
The younger wizard chuckled lightly. "That's a blessing!"
"Indeed. Now, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Severus asked, rising from his seat and gesturing towards the armchairs.
Harry hesitated slightly. He still found a civil Severus a hard concept to grasp, at times, but he could not deny―no matter how much he still found it hard to believe―how good he was for Hermione. Given time, he felt that he and Severus might be able to become friends and not just for Hermione's sake, but they were still a long way from that point.
"I may have a problem," Harry admitted carefully as he sat down.
"Just one? How fortunate," Severus grumbled. However, he recognised Harry's expression from his mother and knew that something had rattled him. "Drink?" he asked, Summoning two glasses and a bottle of Old Ogden's Superior, which he then proceeded to pour before Harry had even accepted his offer. "Forgive my churlishness, Professor. Continue," he urged before sitting down himself.
"It's Cho."
"What about her?" Severus enquired, recalling his conversation with Minerva this morning. "Professor McGonagall has also relayed concerns for her, and she gave Hermione short shrift."
Harry felt a cold panic rise. Perhaps she was pregnant if everyone else was noticing her acting strangely.
"She came to see me tonight."
"Your social life is none of my concern as long as―"
"―I act in a manner befitting a professor of this school."
"Precisely."
"She thinks she's pregnant."
Severus raised his eyebrows in surprise. He had to admit that he had not expected to be told that snippet of information. However, he then remembered that Harry had said that he may have a problem. Putting two and two together, the headmaster decided how he would deal with this.
"Only thinks? Has she not performed a test?"
"No."
"I appreciate that Miss Chang is here under my special dispensation, but she is here as a student. You are a Head of House and at liberty to perform the necessary spell on her."
"I know, and I offered, but she refused. She said she would be going to St Mungo's."
Severus considered this. "She believes you to be the father, I presume?" Harry nodded sheepishly. "I say 'believes' because I have heard rumour that she sought solace in the arms of Roger Davies following your breakup. However, that does not negate the fact that by coming to you she would surely have wanted you to assist."
"That's what I thought," Harry agreed, "but there are a number of things worrying me about this."
"Aside from the fact that you could have fathered a child? And if you have impregnated her―even though she is of age―she is still under our care, and we will discuss this further."
Harry took a deep breath and pressed his lips into a thin line. "I understand, but like I said there are more things concerning me than her being pregnant. When she told me, it was almost as if she wanted to expose me―bring me down, as it were. She said, 'What school would want to employ a Professor, who not only slept with a student, but got her pregnant because he couldn't cast a Contraceptive spell correctly.' And when I confronted her about whether this was about her being pregnant or personal, she said that she wanted me to take responsibility, but I could just tell it's personal."
"I have only been in your position once, but the witch in question came to me when she knew she was pregnant because there was doubt about paternity. If you were still in a relationship, I could see her coming to you with her suspicions, but not when you've already parted company. I, too, feel that there is more to this than meets the eye.
"For this reason, I think it is imperative that I pay Miss Chang a visit...tonight. Otherwise, I would be very interested to see the size of the press presence when she turns up at St. Mungo's tomorrow."
"What do you mean?"
"Think, Mr Potter," Severus prompted; his tone exasperated. "Given the political climate, why do you think that Miss Chang might want to expose you? She wants you to take responsibility, but my question is: for what? If you recall, I mentioned earlier that her behaviour of late has been commented upon."
"Everyone seems to change when they become friends with Pansy Parkinson," Harry grumbled.
Severus' brow furrowed. That was another comment that he'd not expected. Pansy Parkinson was a known trouble maker, but not intelligent enough to be overly dangerous in her own right. However, the Polyjuice incident in his office a few months ago had stuck with him. On the face of it, Pansy's version of how Rookwood obtained her hair tied up. But something made him keep an eye on the Slytherin, and now her name had been coming up a lot lately in what seemed like rather innocuous situations. However, he was starting to smell smoke, which led him to wonder about the location of the fire.
"I believe you are correct in your assumption that there is some form of ulterior motive here. And I wish to stamp on it before anybody is dragged through the dirt. Even if you have impregnated her, there is no need for this behaviour."
The headmaster downed his drink. "If you will accompany me, Professor, we will go and ascertain whether you will be changing nappies in a few months. However, if my suspicions are correct, I will have that pleasure long before you. And before you ask, no she isn't."

Arriving outside the Ravenclaw witch's room, Severus moved so that Cho wouldn't be able to see him. Harry looked confused, but the headmaster jerked his head towards the door, urging the young professor to knock.
However, Severus' plan became obvious when Cho threw her door open and snapped, "What do you want? I've said all I want to say to you."
She went to slam the door, but Harry's foot prevented it. He tried not to wince, which Severus found quite impressive.
"Cho, we need to talk. I don't want to wait to find out. I want to know now."
Cho's reaction was much more aggressive than usual. "Tough!" she snarled. "Who do you think you are, demanding anything of me? You might be The Chosen One as far as the rest of the world is concerned, but you are no better than me. Cedric died because of you. I would have been happy if it wasn't for you, so don't you come in here making demands. You have no right to make me do anything I don't want to do."
"Very true, Miss Chang," a low voice announced, the owner of which now making themselves known. She seemed to quail as the headmaster swept into the room. Something was very wrong with the witch and Severus didn't need to hear any more. It was time to act.
"You have every right to refuse Professor Potter, but you will recall that when I consented to your return to Hogwarts so that you could take those NEWTs required for you to become a healer, you agreed to adhere to the rules of this school once again. I have been more than lenient given your situation, however, if I request something of you, you have no right to refuse."
Panic flashed across Cho's face before defiance filled her voice. "I...I can refuse you."
"However, as headmaster," Severus pressed on, ignoring Cho's outburst, "it is my duty to ascertain if any impropriety has occurred. Now, I understand that you believe yourself to have been impregnated by Professor Potter."
"I don't believe I have been, I know."
Severus folded his arms across his chest. "I am aware that some women can sense when they become pregnant from conception, but I would prefer more concrete evidence. What I am not aware of is a woman being able to tell who exactly impregnated her before the birth of the child."
Cho's mouth fell open. "How dare―"
"Do you deny seeking the comfort of Roger Davies?"
"Well, no, but he was responsible," Cho blustered.
"I would hope so, but nothing is foolproof. Therefore, until we establish that there is indeed a pregnancy, the matter of paternity is irrelevant. So, first things first, I request that you submit yourself for testing."
The Boy-Who-Lived-Twice found himself rather in awe as Severus demolished Cho's arguments and threw her so off balance that the witch was practically speechless. No wonder Severus managed to fool Voldemort for so long.
"I...I am. I'm going to St. Mungo's tomorrow."
"Unacceptable," Severus countered. "I require immediate evidence, so that I may put the appropriate measures in place. Now, we could do this the hard way, but I would prefer the easy way."
"Or what?" Cho growled.
A scowl appeared on the headmaster's face as he hissed, "I do not appreciate your tone, Miss Chang. Do you consent willingly?"
"No."
"Professor Potter, please call Madam Pomfrey." Severus commanded Harry as something in the room piqued his curiosity. The scents of lovage, scurvy grass, sneezewort, and mustard seeds filled the air. His Potion Master's nose had solved the mystery. Somehow, Cho had been subjected to a form of Befuddlement potion but with the addition of the mustard seeds meant that she was more susceptible to suggestion, especially when it came to harming those who had hurt her.
Severus scanned the room for empty vials when his eyes fell upon an oil burner which sat on a small sink in the corner of the room. Next to it sat an innocuous bottle of oil.
"I think it only appropriate that a female member of staff is present because we don't want any more allegations to be made," Severus continued, answering Harry's questioning expression.
Harry nodded and headed off as Severus strode towards the sink and filled the glass which sat upon it with water. Before turning round, he pocketed the bottle of oil and surreptitiously took the vial of Veritaserum which he had Summoned before leaving his office, and slipped a drop into the liquid.
Last year, to give the appearance of clamping down on wrongdoers, Severus declared that he, and he alone, could use the truth potion on fifth-year students and above if he felt it was warranted. Despite the Carrows' insistence, he had never invoked that right, but when he was reappointed as headmaster, it was one of the few things that he did not revoke from last year's regime.
"Sit down, Miss Chang, you look flustered. Here," the headmaster told her, holding out the glass of water.
Reluctantly, the witch accepted the glass and began taking small sips of the cool drink.
"Now, Miss Chang, are you pregnant?" Severus asked nonchalantly, taking back the glass and Vanishing it.
Cho shook her head. "No," she found herself saying.
Severus nodded. "I see. And who gave you that oil burner?"
"The oil burner was a gift from...actually, I don't know. There was a note, but..."
The headmaster's eyebrow arched, "But?"
The witch's expression became confused. "I know there was one, but I can't remember it."
Holding up the bottle of oil, Severus asked, "Did this come with it?"
Cho nodded. "Yes, it did."
The headmaster slipped the bottle back into his pocket. "And when did the gift arrive? Did you not think to ascertain the giver of the gift or verify the contents of the oil before you used it?"
Slowly the witch shook her head. "I can't remember, I just...I..."
"Take your time," Severus drawled, rolling his eyes at the student's look of concentration.
"The letter said something like, 'Use this every day. I will see you soon,'" Cho mumbled hesitantly.
Severus nodded. "And who comes to your rooms, Miss Chang?"
"Oh, lots of people," Cho said almost cheerily. "Pansy, Hannah, Theo...Pansy mainly."
"I was not aware that you were so friendly with Miss Parkinson," Severus commented quietly.
Cho's brow furrowed. "Neither was I. I can't really remember what we talk about, to be honest."
"Indeed," the former Head of Slytherin stated as a knock was heard on the door, followed by Poppy and Harry entering the room. "Oh Madam Pomfrey, I'm afraid your journey has been wasted. Professor Potter, you needn't have been so vociferous in your concern for Miss Chang's health."
Harry looked utterly confused by Severus' comment.
"However, perhaps it would be advisable for her to accompany you to the hospital wing in case there are some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms for prolonged exposure to a Befuddlement potion."
It was Poppy's turn to look confused. "She seems perfectly lucid to me," the matron blustered.
"Only because she has no choice," the headmaster told her, giving her a knowing look.
Poppy rolled her eyes and looked less than happy with Severus' decision to use Veritaserum, but shrugged it off and ushered Cho out of the door which was promptly slammed shut behind them.
Severus' voice was cold, harsh and urgent. "I charge you to keep an eye on our house and in particular Pansy Parkinson. Her name keeps being mentioned at most unexpected times. And while you're at it, find out what kind of owl she owns."
Harry pushed his glasses up his nose and nodded. "Can I ask what's going on?"
"I believe I know who the spy within the walls is."
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The Headmaster's Wife