It Started With A Kiss

Chapter 10

Hermione woke the next morning with Severus spooned up against her. She relished the feeling of his arms wrapped around her like this, it made her feel safe and protected, as if no one or nothing could harm her.

Managing to turn a bit, she looked at her husband in his slumber; he looked so peaceful she almost hated to disturb him. Cupping his cheek, she traced his cheekbone with her thumb he sighed contentedly in his sleep. She kissed the tip of his nose, and spoke softly.

“Severus, it’s time to get up.”

“A few more minutes. I’m enjoying the peace and quiet. What would you say to having breakfast in our rooms this morning?”

“I’d like that. Why don’t you get in the shower, and I’ll order breakfast and join you in a few minutes.”

“You joining me in the shower is the only reason I’m getting up.” He gathered her closely in his arms, kissed her and got out of bed.

“Anything in particular you want for breakfast?”

“YOU. Hurry up, my dear, I’ll be waiting…impatiently,” he said in his low, silky voice.

After a very invigorating shower, they sat at the table in the sitting room. Hermione was drinking her tea and reading the Daily Prophet when she came across a small article:

Muggles Reporting Strange Sightings
By: Julius Jurges
The Muggle press has reported recent unexplainable sightings. Several Muggles have reported seeing people in strange clothing appearing and disappearing before their very eyes. Others witnessed abandoned storefronts transforming into different buildings, and then turning back. The Minister of Magic states: “These are just freak occurrences, and nothing for us to worry about.”

Severus read the article, his eyebrow rising quickly towards his hairline. Of course, that idiot Minister would try to downplay this, the moron. It took the final battle for him to even admit the Dark Lord had returned.

“Has anything like this ever happened before, Severus?” Hermione asked, the unease apparent in her voice.

“Not to my knowledge, but if it has, Albus would more than likely know. I will show this to him, though he probably knows about it. I don’t have a class until 10:00, so let’s finish breakfast and I’ll go to his office and see him about this.”

“You will let me know what he says, won’t you?”

“Yes, of course, first chance I get. Now, no worries; this may be nothing at all. Eat, you have classes to attend.” The two finished their meal.

Hermione gathered her things, giving Severus a kiss at the door before they parted. She was headed for Advanced Herbology with Professor Sprout, he to the headmasters office.

Severus knocked and entered the headmasters’ office. Only someone who knew the Potions master as well as he did could see how anxious he was. Severus handed him the paper opened to the page where the article appeared.

“Hermione found this in the paper this morning, Albus. What do you know about this situation?”

Taking the paper from Severus, Albus looked over the small article. Rubbing his long beard, he looked up and spoke to his young friend.

“I have heard some talk about this, but no explanations as to why or how it’s occurring. However, recently I have felt burst of powerful energies being used. This may explain it; it would take significant power to disrupt the ancient spells that keep St. Mungo’s and such places from being seen by Muggles.

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

Hermione was in Advanced Herbology wearing her dragon hide gloves; Professor Sprout had them transplanting Snapdragons. She thought how these were not like her mothers Snapdragons. These had flowers that resembled a dragon’s head and spit real fire! Harry was next to her, trying desperately not to get his hair singed by a particularly lively plant.

“How are things going Hermione, with you and Snape?” Harry asked. He was curious if his friend was as happy and content as she appeared to be.

“Things are going well with ‘Professor’ Snape and me; very well as a matter of fact.” She said hiding a small grin from Harry. “How are you doing in Advanced Potions without me there to help you?”

Shrugging his shoulders he said, “Getting by. Snape is as snarky as ever; everyone thought once you and he got married and he was getting…well, you know…his demeanour would improve.”

“Snarky is the way he is in class Harry, nothing will change that. He’s very different when we are alone in our rooms.” They were putting fresh soil in the newly potted plants, patting it down while Harry continued speaking to Hermione.

“Speaking of potions, have you decided what your Independent Study is going to be on?”

“Yes, I want to try and improve the Shielding Potion. It would be a great help to the Aurors if it not only lasted longer but protected against the more potent hexes.”

“If anyone can do it, Hermione, it’s you.”

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

After his last class, he went in search of his wife, finding her where she could usually be found, the library, with books stacked around her as she was writing an essay for one of her classes.

She was so engrossed in what she was doing she didn’t even see him take a seat next to her at the table. Severus cleared his throat in an attempt to get her attention. She turned her head quickly to where the sound originated and saw Severus sitting there.

“How long have you been here?”

“Not long. I did say I would let you know what the headmaster said about that article. He said he heard some talk about this, but no explanations as to why or how it’s occurring.

“He also mentioned that recently he had felt burst of powerful energies being used. That may explain it; it takes significant power to disrupt the ancient spells that keep St. Mungo’s and other magical places from being seen by Muggles. It’s not much information but it’s a start.”

“Severus, do you think this may be what we have to stop?”

“It might be. It is certainly worth keeping an eye on. Perhaps when you’re finally able to discern what that dream is trying to tell you, we may have more to go on.”

“How powerful would someone have to be to disrupt those spells Severus?” He was hesitant to answer her, he didn’t want to frighten her, but he had to be truthful with Hermione. She had to be prepared for what they might be facing.

“Who or what ever is doing this, would have to be even more powerful than Dumbledore.”


Thanks to all my reviewers, you all are great!!
A big hug and a dozen roses to takemeaway...my wonderful beta!