The Tigress Lily

Severus was confused when he opened his eyes sometime later. He realized that he must have drifted off to sleep. He could feel the cold dampness across his belly and down his legs. For a terrible moment he didn’t know what had happened. Then suddenly he remembered the coffee. He could feel Hermione’s warmth against him, her arms still draped around his neck. She was shivering. He brought one hand up and stroked her cheek until she opened her eyes. “Are you cold?” His voice was hoarse and deep. Her eyes were wide and he was reminded forcibly of a deer. She nodded her head.

He gathered her into his lap and stood. She was surprised at his strength. He carried her over to his bed and laid her down. He reached into the drawers beneath the bed and pulled out two long black shirts. The coffee was still wet and cold down his belly and thighs. It felt sticky. “Um, Severus? Do you think that we should clean up? I’m still covered in coffee.” He looked at her, lying in his bed and wrapped in his blanket, and gave her a slight smile. “I was thinking the same thing Hermione.”

At that moment Albus’ head appeared in the fire. “Severus, Hermione?” Severus head and body snapped around so quickly that he pulled Hermione from the bed and onto the floor. “Ohff!” She felt all the air leave her lungs. He looked down at her there on the floor and she saw something flash through his eyes, worry, fear and then suddenly, as if shutters had been pulled down his eyes regained their normal look of indifference. With a quick movement he helped her to her feet.

“Oh, children, I didn’t mean to startle you.” Albus’ voice belied his amusement.

‘Damn that old man, is there anything he doesn’t find funny?’ Severus asked himself.

Albus continued on, “I’m glad to see that you are both awake. There have been few developments since I saw you last. As we still are very unsure as to how your individual magics will be affected from this unusual bonding I need you both to refrain from doing magic,” seeing the horrified looks on both the faces in front of him he continued quickly, “at least for the next few days. Both of you will need to be tested in safe surrounding before we can really know what the affects will be. It is only for a few days children, don’t look so worried.” With that his head disappeared from the fire with only a quick twinkle from his eye.

“Muggles”

“What?!” Severus snapped at her and then softened immediately. He couldn’t help noticing that Hermione was once again pressed up against him, his arms around her.

“For the next few days, we will be living like Muggles. I never thought that the concept would feel so foreign to me. I mean, I lived the first part of my life as a Muggle…” her voice drifted off.

Severus understood and indeed felt some of the same horror as Hermione. In an uncharacteristic act of optimism (or kindness) he spoke, “Hermione, it’s not as if we will be living completely with out magic. The castle itself is full of old magic and there are of course the house elves…” He broke off, remembering her past obsession with house elf freedom.

“Of course, you are right. This will be fine. It’s not as if I’ll have to cook. Thank Gods…and so should you.” He gave her his patented smirk for her self-deprecating humor. “But I do have a question…not a big change, huh? How are we going to get out of these robes, washed up and back in to something to wear without magic?” She almost laughed to watch the blood drain from his face. ‘That’s the first time I’ve ever gotten that reaction’ she thought, still trying to hide her mirth.



Oh, I am evil...bad place to end. But I wanted to post something as a goodwill gesture. I really intend to finish this story even though it\'s been so long. I WILL be good...I WILL be good.