The Rules of Engagement

.




Talks and Truths

*••.•´¯`•.••*••.•´¯`•.••*

Severus sat at his desk trying for the fifth time to write a letter of invitation to Hermione. The way the gossip mongers had been buzzing all day, he thought it best not to approach her person, but to send a letter instead. Only finding the right words was proving to be more allusive than he would have thought. It was ridiculous. He had never had a problem talking with Hermione, why was a letter so difficult ?

The first draft had sounded far too formal and cold. The second draft was not much better. The third draft sounded like it was written by a lovesick schoolboy. The forth draft sounded as if he had completely taken leave of his senses. Now he stared at the parchment in front of him containing a single word. Hermione. Not Miss Granger, darling or dearest. Just Hermione. Severus sighed and set down his quill bringing his hand to his eyes. This was too bloody difficult. He had no idea how to woo a woman and Hermione Granger was no ordinary woman.

Severus brought down his hand, when he heard a soft knocking at his door. Glancing at the clock, he saw it was well past curfew. Must be one of his younger Slytherins, he thought to himself with a sigh. Upon opening the door, however, he was faced with an empty hall way. Shrugging to himself he went to close the door, when he heard a whisper.

“Severus, it’s me.” The soft voice said.

“Herm . . . “ Severus didn’t finish the name, simply stepped aside until he felt a whoosh of air pass by him, then he closed the door. As she lifted the invisibility cloak, he set a disapproving scowl on his face, mostly to hide the fact he was so pleased to see her.

“I know, I know, I’m out past curfew.” Hermione said holding her hand up as if to ward him off. She laid the cloak over the couch and looked around briefly. He could not help but wonder what she thought of his private rooms. They would be her rooms as well soon.

“To what do I owe the honor, Miss Granger ?” He asked, only allowing some of his amusement out. Waving her to a chair, Severus took the one opposite and took a moment to look over his fiancé. Her soft curls were in more disarray than usual, her eyes were bright and urgent, and she nibbled softly on her bottom lip. A sight that transfixed him until he heard her speak again.

“I . . . . There is something I believe I should tell you. I know this marriage isn’t exactly . . . . . well, anyway, I don’t want it to start out with lies or misunderstandings.” She looked at him evenly, waiting for a reply it would seem.

“Indeed ?” Was all he offered. She was the one who appeared to have something on her mind. He would not interfere with a bunch of questions.

Hermione sighed and seemed to be gathering her courage. “I needed to tell you . . . . . . . I am not a virgin.”

Severus felt his eyebrows go up before he could stop them. Chasteness was not something he had considered, though, in truth he had assumed the girl was untouched.

“Neither am I, Miss Granger.” She chuckled lightly and he found himself smiling again.

“I hadn’t really thought you were. I . . . . was just unsure how you might feel about it, in my case.”

“Are you . . . . is this an ongoing relationship ?” Severus asked carefully. He could have kicked himself for never asking if she was involved presently.

“Oh no, no.” She said. Since they were discussing it, he thought he might as well ask.

“So which was it ? Weasley or Potter ?” He asked, trying to keep the disgust from his voice. Hermione’s face screwed up in an expression of revulsion.

“Severus really ! Those two are like my brothers.” This gave him pause. Who then had it been ? She must have seen the question cross his face as she began speaking again. “It was someone I knew from home. We were friends growing up in the same neighborhood, but had not seen much of each other in the last few years. We spent a lot of time together this past summer and well . . . . . it just happened.”

“A muggle boy then. Are you still in contact with him ?” Severus said as he felt the jealously rising in him.

“No. The ‘relationship’ didn’t last long, but we’re still friends.” She said smiling uncomfortably. “Do you . . . . are you seeing anyone ? I don’t want some jealous witch accosting me and telling me I’m taking her man.” Severus nearly laughed out loud.

“No, Hermione, there is no one. My life has not been conducive to romantic liaisons. “

“Oh. I guess not.” Hermione said with a sad look in her eye. For a moment, he bristled, thinking it was pity, but no, it was deeper than that and the idea that she cared warmed him. The thought suddenly struck him that he was alone in his private quarters with a woman for the first time. He had never even been here alone with a female member of the staff before. The realization started a fire in his chest that steadily burned downward.

“Severus ? May I stay . . . . for a while ?” Yes please, stay, naked in my bed all night, he thought.

“No.” Severus found himself saying with much reluctance. Hermione appeared hurt by his abrupt answer.

“I thought we had agreed to get to know one another.” The snap was coming back into her voice. He liked it.

“We did and to that end I was just sitting here composing a note to you, to invite you to a lecture on Friday evening.” He said standing up.

“A lecture ?” She asked as if the idea made no sense.

“The lecture is called ‘Muggle Medicine and how it applies to Modern Potion Making’. I thought it might be something we would both have an interest in.”

“Well, yes. It sounds intriguing. Do you think Thaddeus White might attend ?” Hermione asked as her eyes glassed over with academic curiosity.

“I am sure someone of his . . . . . caliber, will attend.” Severus said with a smirk.
“Well then, it sounds like fun. What time is the lecture ?”

“If you can be ready by 4:30, that would give us plenty of time to get to the Ministry. We can have a late supper afterwards.” He found himself saying. Funny, he had never intended to take her out to dinner, but the thought of having her all to himself was too tempting. Thinking of which, he had her alone here, now and he just noticed she was moving closer.

“I’ll look forward to it.” Hermione said before raising up on her toes to kiss his cheek. Severus froze. As she pulled back, he blinked a few times, but dared not move when she was that close. Hermione gave him an odd look, took up the invisibility cloak and disappeared beneath it. Only when the door had closed behind her could he let out the breath he had been holding. Walking over to pour himself a firewhiskey, Severus congratulated himself on his self control. Only the throbbing bulge in his trousers contradicted him.

*••.•´¯`•.••*••.•´¯`•.••*

Hermione’s head was nearly pounding by the time they came back to Hogwarts Friday night. Not because of anything Severus had done, indeed he had been a perfect gentleman all night, almost too perfect for her taste. No, her head was pounding because of the other men they had run into this evening.

As luck would have it, they happened upon Lucius Malfoy at the Ministry. Severus had seemed to think it best to meet the beast head on and the two of them went over to talk with Malfoy. Lucius was overtly polite, but Hermione could tell inside he was seething. Severus had stood with his arm around her waist as they talked to the blonde wizard. He had also kissed her forehead, nuzzled her hair and nearly openly cupped her breast while Malfoy watched. She supposed this kind of posturing might have been commonplaith ith the Death Eaters, so she didn’t make any objections, but when the hand went for her breast she stepped back from her fiancé and reminded him the lecture would soon start.

Hermione thought once they were at the lecture everything would be alright. Surely even Malfoy would not try anything in a room full of people. Again the gods found their sadistic pleasure at her expense as the other man neither of them needed to see tonight stood in the doorway, so they had to talk with him.

“Good evening Hermione, Professor e.” e.” The tall raven haired youth said with distain.

“Mr. Green.” Severus said coldly. Fat lot of help he was going to be, it would seem.

“Hello, Rose. You’re here for the lecture also ?” She asked casually, while inside she was shaking her mental fist at the heavens.

“Yes.” Rose said, the glare he had been giving Severus softened as he turned to her. “I thought muggle medical practices might be of some use to me in my research. Is that why you’re here ?”

Hermione opened her mouth to answer, but a baritone voice came from beside her in answer. “My fiancé and I are on a date. So if you will excuse us, Mr. Green. Good evening.”

Severus lead her away quickly by her elbow. “Ow! Severus, you’re hurting me.” She whispered harshly.

Stopping immediately, he dropped his hold on her, a worried look appearing in his eyes. She could see he was breathing a little hard and his eyes seemed a bit too bright. He hadn’t looked nearly this angry talking with Malfoy.

“Forgive me.” Severus said quickly as he showed her to a seat. “I did not realize I was hurting you.” He sat down beside her and looked anywhere, but at her. After a few minutes, Hermione took up his hand and held on to it the remainder of the lecture. Slowly he calmed and even smiled at her finally.

By mutual unspoken agreement at dinner in a rather nice restaurant on Diagon Alley, they did not discuss anything but what was presented at the lecture. They had been in the restaurant about 45 minutes and Severus was relaxed and talking about the wonders of the muggle drug penicillin when a large party of people were taken past their table. Hermione looked up in time to catch the eye of Rosemond Green as he sat down at a table with what must have been his family. The small black haired girl saw Rose staring and followed his gaze. Hermione sighed as she looked into the bright blue eyes of Reegan Green. Such a shame she would never be able to attend Hogwarts.

Severus cleared his throat and Hermione realized he had been watching her the whole time. His body language had grown tight and controlled again and any hopes of enjoying the rest of their evening had flown out the window.

So it was with a pounding headache her fiancé was walking her into the entryway of the school. Severus had barely said a word the rest of the evening. Hermione was at a loss as to what to say. She knew nearly anything she said he would find patronizing. Sighing again Hermione turned her head to adjust her cloak and noticed someone standing behind a pillar. Draco ?! Hermione’s brow furrowed. It was a sopping wet Draco trying desperately not to be seen. Thinking quickly, she knew she needed to distract Severus so he wouldn’t notice the wet Slytherin.

“Will you come in for a while ? The evening is still quite early and I was enjoying our discussion.” Hermione said as she put her arm through Severus’ and began leading him up the stairs.

“I have some work to do in the morning, I’m afraid I must decline.” The dark man said as he hid his face from her view with his hair. This . . . . . ‘attitude’ . . . of his was really beginning to bug her.

“Severus, please don’t let Rose ruin our evening. I want to spend some time with you, as you promised we would.” Hermione turned to him as they stopped outside her door. He looked so unsure that she almost felt for him, then the mask slipped back into place.

“I am afraid I must say goodnight, however, I could use some assistance in the lab tomorrow if you are available.”

Hermione smiled, trying not to feel too disappointed. “I would love to help out. I will come by the classroom after breakfast, if that’s alright.”

“I will look forward to it.” Severus said, taking her hand and bending to it, but Hermione pulled her hand back from his. He looked up sharply.

“This was a real date, Severus Snape and I wish to receive a real goodnight kiss.” Hermione said stepping into him. With the dark man already partly bent, she had no problem capturing his lips. He let out a brief muffled protest, then she felt his arms encircle her and draw her into his body. She whimpered softly when his tongue licked at her lips. Instead of opening to him, her tongue came out and licked at his lips. He drew in a startled breathen len let out a groan and deepened the kiss, sending a jolt to her nether regions. When they finally did separate, those dark eyes danced over her face, as if he were looking for something. Hermione was panting slightly, trying to think of a way to make him stay.

“Goodnight, Hermione.” Severus said softly brushing the hair from her face, then he turned and walked away.

Walking into her room, Hermione hung up her cloak and kicked off her shoes. It was too early to go to bed and she was too tense from that kiss, so she thought she might see who was in the common room. Walking out her door, she was surprised to see the room rather full for a Friday night. Harry and Ginny were playing a game of chess as Ron nagged his sister about her moves. Dean and Colin were playing exploding snaps and Seamus and Lavender were snogging in the corner as usual.

Hermione was just going to say something to the amorous couple when she heard someone coming in through the portrait hole.

“Oy, Nev. What happened to you, mate ?” Dean yelled across the room. Neville was grinning ear to ear soaking wet. Oh blessed Merlin ! Hermione’s eyes went wide as she realized the truth.

“Forgot about the sprinklers in the greenhouse. Silly, really.” Neville said, then looked at Hermione for the first time. He must have read the recognition on her face.

“M .. Mione, can I speak with you ?” He said as he was moving quickly across the room and grabbing her arm he lead her to the door to her room.

“You ?” She breathed out disbelieving.

“Please Mione, not here.” She glanced at the rest of the room and saw that little attention was being paid to them at the moment, but if she laid into him as she knew she was going to, that would change.

Hermione opened the door to her room and closed it after the two of them were in. She then drew her wand and put a silencing charm on the room. She put her wand away and turned back to glare at Neville, who was dripping water on the rug in her sitting area. She walked up to her fellow Gryffindor, who had grown tall and muscular over the years, and slapped him hard across the face.

“OW ! Hermione, what the hell was that for ?” Neville said, rubbing his cheek with his hand.

“You bastard !” She said in a low venomous voice. “You bloody bastard.”

“Can’t say I expected this reaction from you.” Neville said looking hurt.

“And why not ? Do you have any idea how much you’re hurting him ?”

“I … no … Hermione, I love Draco.”

“Well, you don’t act like it, making him swear a wizard’s oath. Honestly !” Neville turned away from her, drawing a hand through his hair. Hermione felt some of her original anger waning.

“He couldn’t even talk to me.” A silence fell between them as neither appeared to know what to say. “Draco thinks you’re ashamed of him, you know.” The tall youth turned a pained expression to her.

“No ……no.” He said shaking his head. “I just don’t want it getting out ….. what I ….”

“That you’re gay ? For Merlin’s sake, Neville you have a boyfriend. You’re doing it, you should at least be able to say it.”

“Well, for you’re information we aren’t ‘doing it’. We just talk and kiss and ….” Neville looked up and saw the confused look on Hermione’s face. “What ? You thought we were boffing like bunnies since we can’t get pregnant ? Sorry to disappoint you.” He said sitting down heavily on the couch.

“Sorry…. I didn’t mean to ….. Sorry.” She said walking over and casting a drying charm on him, then sat down beside him. They sat in silence again for some time.

“He loves you.”

“I know.”

“You have to lift the oath.” Neville turned to her, a frightened expression on his face that turned into a look of guilt.

“I . . . . know.” He sighed, sitting back on the couch.

“If you love him, as you say you do, you have to trust him.” Hermione said softly, getting comfortable on the couch beside him.

“It ….. it isn’t that I don’t trust Draco. I love him, Hermione, I really do, I’m just frightened of the consequences if this gets out. And not just for me.” He flashed his concerned brown eyes at her. Hermione thought about this for a moment. Maybe he was right, in a way. If Draco’s housemates found out he was gay AND in love with a Gryffindor, he could be in real trouble.

“I see.” She said quietly.

“Do you ? You don’t know what it’s like for a bloke. If Harry and Ron found out, or Merlin forbid, Seamus, do you think they would be very accepting ? I’ll answer that for you with a resounding NO. Every innocent look, comment or touch would mean something completely different to them.”

“Do you ….. think of them … like that ?” Hermione asked. Neville shook his head.

“No, of course not, their like brothers to me. We’ve grown up together. But they would always wonder, wouldn’t they ?” Neville’s comment hung in the air. It was the simple truth and she knew it.

“How did you and Draco get together ?” She asked, changing the subject. He turned towards her with a grin.

“We worked together some during the war and stayed friendly after. It wasn’t until this past summer we admitted to having any feelings for each other. Draco took me to a muggle park one day. We were sitting on a bench talking and didn’t notice it had gotten dark. I made some stupid comment about time passing while you’re having fun and Draco leaned over and kissed me. I was shocked, to say the least, we had never talked about our preferences.” Neville smiled softly as he remembered. “My Draco, so brave. He said he didn’t care if I was gay or not he just had to kiss me. I don’t think I had thought about it much before that. I knew I liked being with him and I had really liked kissing him.”

Hermione smiled. “That’s lovely. I always hoped love would come to me like that, you know. Out of the blue, bang, there are these feelings. Well, too late for that, I suppose.” She said with a sigh.

“Are you sure ? Are you and Snape so bad a match ? Draco seems convinced this marriage is going to work out.” Neville said smiling at her.

“I don’t know, Neville.”

“Give it some time.” Neville said, then he looked at her more seriously. “You aren’t going to tell . . . . about me . . . . are you, Mione ?” She sighed deeply as she looked him over, considering.

“No, I won’t tell anyone. You may be right. But you need to lift the oath so Draco can at least talk to me. Alright ?”

“Yeah, you’re right. I’m supposed to meet him tomorrow afternoon. I’ll do it then.” He said standing up to go. Neville paused at the door before opening it.

“I really do love him, Mione.” He said. Hermione just smiled at him and watched him leave.

*••.•´¯`•.••*••.•´¯`•.••*

Soooo, the question of who is Draco’s beau is answered. Anybody taken by surprise, all the clues were there. The biggest clue being when Ron told us ‘He (Neville) was moping around the common room last night.’, the night of Draco and Hermione’s date and the fact that Neville seemed to not want Hermione to pick Rose.

One mystery down !

‘til next time,

Glinda


*** If you like this story, I would like to encourage you to give my story ‘Snape’s Obsession’ a try. It is also a student/teacher love story. However, it takes place about 5 years before Harry comes to Hogwarts. Severus is about 28 and Charlie is in his 6th year with my OC Valora. If you have liked my OC’s so far, you will love Valora. She is a mudblood Slytherin who is, for the most part, ostracized by her house. But Severus has been watching her for years. After the first chapter you’ll be hooked ! This is the Severus I am absolutely in love with.


*^* It was brought to my attention that I have the spacing of ages of the Weasley children incorrect. Sorry, but \'Snape\'s Obsession\' was started about a year ago and I took my best guess. The chat where JK discussed their ages was a few weeks ago. I may go back and alter Percy\'s age and that should make it more palitable to the hardcore fan. So that would mean it takes place about three years before Harry starts school. And, by the way, I think JK was incorrect , when Harry starts school Percy is a fifth year and Charlie has graduated, which should place them about three years apart unless Percy was held back a year.

Anyway, this is all for fun. So enjoy.

Glinda




.