The Rules of Engagement

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*** Blessings and biscuits to my Brit editor Kait (LoveThePotionBoy )
Thanks bunches, Luv.


>> Christine - Hallo Christine, Gut, von Ihnen wieder zu hören.
Ich wette Leute würden nicht sagen, dass ich regelmäßige Aktualisierungen für meine anderen Geschichten mache! Ich habe sie darin nicht aktualisiert... oh.. .. für immer. \'Regeln\' haben meine Meinung so viel besessen, ich kann mich nicht von den anderen Geschichten in diesem Augenblick konzentrieren.
Ich plane auf der Geschichte nicht, die \'bekommt, auch erhob sich und himmelblau\' aber denke ich, der eine Sache der Meinung ist. Ich werde mein Bestes tun.
Sagen Sie mir Bescheid, was Sie an diese neuen Kapitel denken. Glinda

Kathy – I hope this will hold you for a little while ;)

(cut and pasted from Lord and Lady Snape site review) Aurin – ‘I suspect Ginny\'s received a box of condoms from her dad.’ I was ROFLMAO. Just too funny. It sounds like something Arthur would do.


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Muggles in the Manor
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Pacing the length of the front parlor, Severus could feel Hermione’s disapproving glare follow him. He also noticed several of the family portraits watching him with distaste. He couldn’t help it, pacing helped him think and he had to think quickly. Hermione had kissed him again. She had grabbed him and kissed him and he liked it. So much so, that since the incident his lower portions had been rising in appreciation. Chancing a sidelong glance at Hermione, he could see she was waiting for him to say something. They had walked to the front gates of the school in silence and had not spoken as yet.

‘Damn that Lupin anyway for putting these thoughts in my head’, Severus thought. Hermione was young, she was just discovering herself as a sexual being. She did not understand the dangerous game she was playing by tempting the Death Eater in him. He had played the roll for too long and far too well to not have had part of it sink into his character. He would simply have to see that they spent little time alone together, and whatever talks they needed to have would have to be conducted in public rooms. Yes, that was the answer and besides with her parents here, he thought, that should help keep him in check.

Severus stopped abruptly and faced his intended as she sat on the sofa, worrying her lip gently. “It won’t be that bad, you know.” Hermione said. Severus felt as if he had come into the middle of a conversation.

“Pardon ?”

“Having my parents here. Why are you so worked up, anyway ? It was your ruddy idea.” She said agitatedly.

“That is not . . . . . . “ He sighed and took a few steps closer to her. “I believe we need to . . .. . . talk about what happened earlier.”

“Severus, it’s alright. I know you were just upset.” He closed his eyes a m a moment. She thought he meant when he was angry. Anger was fine, that he could control, but his lust was a very different matter.

“Hermione, I do not mean that. I was speaking of . . . . . the kiss.”

“Oh ?”

“I do not believe . . . . . “ Severus did not finish his sentence as a loud crack sounded in the entryway followed by a distinct ‘humph’.

Hermione stood and Severus followed her out of the room. There, on the floor just inside the front door, was Lainey Granger laying on top of Herbert Granger surrounded by several pieces of luggage. Hermione was assisting her mother and Severus offered his future father-in-law a hand up.

“Bloody inconvenient way to travel, if you ask me.” Herbert grumbled.

“It isn’t that bad, Dad. You get used to it.” Hermione said. “How are you, Mum ?”

“Umm . . . . . Alright, I think. When do the colors stop swimming in front of my eyes ?” Lainey asked as she leaned on her daughter.

“Close your eyes for about 10 seconds.” Severus offered. “Your vision should right itself. Next time you will want to close your eyes for travel.”

“There won’t be a ruddy next time.” Herbert grumbled, but Severus noticed he had closed his eyes as well.

“Now Dad, isn’t this better than spending hours on a train ? And besides, now you know how well the portkeys work. I’m very glad Severus thought of them.” Hermione said, then turned a small smile to her fiancé. Severus covered his pleasure at her praise, by drawing out his wand.

“May I show you to your room, Dr. Granger ?” Severus said, then cast a levitating charm on the luggage.

“Oh please, Severus, with two of us being Dr. Granger, that will get confconfusing. We’re just Lainey and Herbert. We will be family soon, after all.” Hermione’s mother said, looking at him expectantly. He turned to look at the older man for his opinion.

“Only makes sense, after all.” The balding man grumbled as he adjusted his glasses.

“Very well. Herbert, Lainey, let me show you to your room.” Severus said as he floated the bags upstairs and lead the way. He took them to the Master suite. The room was large and tastefully decorated. This room, above all, had the touch of Miranda Snape. It was both elegant and comfortable.

“This is lovely.” Lainey said looking around.

“And where are you staying ?” Herbert asked, but his true question was all too clear.

“Hermione is staying in the floral room down the hall and I will be staying in my room.”

“You’re sleeping in the blue room ?” Hermione asked with a giggle. Severus lifted an eyebrow at her levity.

“Yes.” He said as she continued to giggle.

“I’m sorry. I just have this picture of you and Sinders curled up on that little bed.” Hermione said, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.

“I shall enlarge the bed, of course, and Sinders will be staying on his shelf where he belongs.” And before Hermione could say anything to humiliate him further, Severus summoned Tinker. The very excited elf popped into the room, startling Lainey. Hermione frowned at her mother.

“Tinker, these are Hermione’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Granger. Lainey, Herbert, if you need anything, just callker’ker’s name and he will appear.”

“It’s a . . . . pleasure to meet you, Tinker.” Lainey said, taking a tentative step closer to the small creature. Tinker’s eyes grew larger than usual and he retreated behind Severus’ legs. The dark man sighed. He was afraid of this.

“Tinker, you will remember your manners.” Severus said, pulling the elf out from behind him by it’s arm.

“Yes, Master Snape, sir. T . . . Tinker will do as master says.” The little elf shivered with nerves. Hermione gave Severus a questioning look.

“They can’t hurt you Tinker, my parents are muggles.”

“Y . . .Yes, miss.” Severus watched as Hermione knelt down in front of Tinker to look into his huge green eyes.

“Tinker, you are not afraid of me, are you ?” Hermione asked. The elf shook his head violently.

“Oh no, miss. Miss Hermione is master’s intended. Tinker does not fear her at all.” He was impressed with the way Hermione was so easioothoothing the elf. Severus had found over the years that once Tinker got an idea in his head little short of an ‘obliviate’ was going to change his mind.

Lainey, taking a cue from her daughter, also knelt in front of the creature. She slowly offered her hand to him to shake. Tinker looked from the younger Granger to the older and tentatively offered his shaking hand. Lainey smiled and clasped his hand gently. Severus noticed the elf visibly relaxed and the corners of his mouth turned up. Both women turned to look at the male Granger.

“What ? You don’t expect me to grovel on the ground in front of . . . . . . that ?” Herbert Granger said waving his hand at Tinker for emphasis.

“Dad !” Hermione admonished. Severus decided to intervene before Hermione turned her full wrath on her father.

“Tinker, let Wubby know we will be ready for dinner in about an hour. I will be giving the Grangers a tour of the manor.”

“Yes, Master Snape. Right away.” Tinker said then popped out with a poof. Lainey jumped slightly, then met her daughter’s frown.

“I’m sorry, dear. I’m just not used to people appearing and disappearing suddenly.” Hermione stood up and offered her mother a hand.

“I know, mum.” Hermione said with a sigh and looked at Severus apologetically.

~*~

His future in-laws appeared to be impressed with the manor. Perhaps Lupin had been right on that account. While Severus sd Lad Lainey into the ladies parlor, Hermione was showing the library to her father.

“You have a lovely home, Severus. But I thought you lived at the school.” Lainey said.

“I come back to the family home when I can. Hermione may be living here, when she goes to University.”

“Has she spoken to you about what she would like to study ?” The muggle woman asked as she watched several people in a wizard photo wave at her.

“No. I had hoped to talk with Hermione this weekend on that subject.”

“I noticed she is not wearing an engagement ring, is that only a muggle tradition ?”

“Engagement ring ?”

“Oh, sorry I brought it up.” Lainey said apologetically. “I was just curious. It is a muggle tradition for the groom to give the bride-to-be a ring of promise. It also let’s other men know she is spoken for. Forget I brought it up.” Lainey said.

Severus could feel his brow furrowing. Did Hermione except such a symbol from him ? Was she disappointed she had not received such a gift ? He suddenly felt like an insensitive clod. Why had he not looked into muggle marriage traditions ? Did Hermione wish a muggle marriage ceremony ? Did she know the marriage would not be valid until they had a wizarding ceremony ?

“Are these your parents ?” Lainey asked, bringing his mind back to the present. Severus walked over and looked at the photo in her hand. It could not have been taken very long after his parents were married.

“Yes, that is my mother, Miranda and my father Silas.”

“And that is you.” Lainey said with a laugh as she pointed to the young woman’s stomach. Severus had never noticed that before. His mother’s hand absently stroked her slightly protruding belly as she smiled at her husband.

Severus smiled down at Lainey. “Yes, I suppose it is.”

“Your father seems quite a bit older.”

“He was. The marriage was arranged.” Lainey studied the moving picture with interest.

“She loved him, though. That’s plain to see.” The petite woman looked at Severus. “You favor them both.” Severus felt himself blushing under her scrutiny and walked towards the door.

“Tomorrow I will show you the gardens.”

“I’d like that.” She said placing the frame back on thelf.elf.

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

“How have you been, Poppet ?” Herbert asked his daughter.

“Dad.” Hermione replied.

“What ? I doesn’t matter how old you get, you will still be my little Poppet.” He smiled at her, then turned his attention back to the rows of books in front of him. “How are you getting on, with the Professor ? You used to complain about him a great deal, as I remember.”

“Dad, I was a child then. I had no idea the hardships Severus endured for the good of us all.” Hermione said.

“Quite the hero.”

“Well, yes he is, actually. The Order would never have been able to take down the Dark Lord without the information Severus collected.” It had been a long time since she had given a thought to the life Severus must have been leading. The idea pained her.

“So how are you getting on with him ?”

“Alright . . . . .I think. We have not had much time alone together.” Hermione didn’t count their date as time alone since they had run into Rose not once, but twice that night.

“So he has not told you how he feels about you ?”

Hermione eyebrows knit together. “How he feels about me ?”

“Well, perhaps what is more important is how do you feel about him ?” Her father asked. Hermione plunked down into one of the plush chairs. Was Dad trying to say Severus had feelings for her ? She had never thought about it. He always seemed to be driven by what he perceived to be right and wrong. But they did seem to get on well together, even when he made her mad. She would yell and he would get that spark in his eye and a curve to his lip, which usually infuriated her further, but now tshe she thought about it, it made her smile. And she had certainly managed his anger this afternoon. The pit of her stomach quivered at the memory of his lips.

“Poppet, come clean now. Is this a man you can spend the rest of your life with ? Is this the man you want to be the father of your children ?” Dad sat in the other chair and studied her. Hermione felt herself blushing under his gaze, but she thought about it. Then she lifted her head and met his eyes.

“I . . . . . I think so. Yes.” Hermione said, surprised to find it the truth.

“That is all I need to hear.” He said, then stood and kissed her forehead. “Time to head down to dinner, I think.”

~*~

Dinner had gone surprisingly well. Mum still jumped every time Tinker popped ith tth the next course, but the little elf was always all smiles as he performed his duties. Hermione was pleased to see Severus and her father making an effort to find some common ground for conversation. It turned into more of a question and answer session, on both sides, but it was entertaining.

After dinner they all sat together in the front parlor, chatting. Hermione met Severus’ gaze many times. It appeared he was trying to communicate something, but she was at a loss to know what it was. As everyone got up to head upstairs to bed, Severus stopped her for a moment.

“I need to speak with you.”

“Alright. Meet me in my room in about fifteen minutes. I just want to get Mum and Dad settled in.” A strange look came to his eyes. “It won’t take long.” She said trying to reassure him.

Twenty minutes later, Hermione stepped into her bedroom to find Severus pacing in front of the bed. Turning a rather deep scowl to her, Hermione almost laughed. She knew he could be impatient, but Merlin’s beard, it was only five minutes.
“Is everything alright ?” Severus snapped out.

“Yes. I was just teaching them the words to turn the lights on and off and showing them how wizarding taps work in the bath. Thank you for thinking of spelling the room so they wouldn’t need magic. I like the way you always plan ahead.”

“You do ?”

“Yes, I do. Now sit down and take off your shoes.”

“Pardon ?” Severus asked, his eyebrows nearly disappearing into his hairline.

“This is the first chance we’ve had to have a nice long talk and I plan on getting comfortable.” Hermione said, then sat on the edge of her bed to remove her shoes. Looking at her school uniform, she thought it might be a good idea to change. Severus always seemed much more receptive when she wasn’t wearing her uniform. Receptive to what ?, a voice in the back of her mind asked.

Hermione opened her suitcase and took out a sweatshirt and a pair of pajama bottoms and went into the bathroom to change. When she came out, Severus was pacing again, shoes still on. Hermione climbed up on the bed. Severus turned an oddly worried face to her, so she patted the pillows next to her in invitation.

“Come, sit down. Take off your shoes and coat.” He stared for a moment, then slowly began unbuttoning his coat. Taking it off to reveal his white, mildly rumpled shirt, he then set it in a chair and sat gingerly on the edge of the bed. With the multitude of pillows on the bed, Hermione had no problem propping herself up comfortably. She leaned on her elbow, head in her hand and watched Severus remove his shoes, then slowly bring his legs up on the bed. He turned to look at her and she felt as if she were seeing him for the first time. She had always known Severus’ skin was pale, but had never noticed how it set off the soft pink of his lips or the long dark eyelashes that fell across his cheek.

“What was it we needed to talk about ?” Hermione asked, when he seemed to be a comfortable as he was going to get.

“I needed to apologize . . . . . for kissing you . . . today.” She let out a soft laugh at his earnest look.

“Funny, I was under the impression I kissed you.”

“Hermione, that is what we need to . . . . . “ He started to say, but she took it upon herself to lean over and kiss him again. Severus lips were sweet and tasted slightly of the brandy he had drank after dinner. He stiffly received her kiss at first, then with a sigh he kissed her back, placing a hand at the back of her head and pulling her to him. When she began caressing his tongue with her own, he pulled back and looked at her.

“You must stop that.”

“Severus, we aren’t going to make love, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“What ?”

“Is it so wrong for a girl to want a snog with her fiancé ?”

“I am no longer a schoolboy, Hermione.”

“I didn’t think you were. That’s why I’m telling you exactly where this is not going to lead tonight. I trust you.”

“You should not.” He said, looking down.

Hermione laughed gently. “But I do.” Placing a hand on the side of his face, she stroked his skin with her thumb. “I always have, you know.” Severus closed his eyes.

“You cannot continue to tempt me this way. I am still a man, Hermione.” He finally opened his eyes and they danced over her face.

“I know.” Shid iid in a low breathy voice. She moved in to kiss him again, but he drew back. “If I tempt you, why do you run from me ?” Severus cupped her face in both of his hands. Warm, gentle hands.

“I do not wish to frighten you.” Looking into those dark troubled eyes, she felt a soft smile come to her lips.

“You don’t frighten me. Now shut up and kiss me.” Hermione said, then she watched her words impact on Severus\' demeanor. A light came to his eyes and his touch grew firmer. Then he moved in slowly and claimed her lips. When he let himself go the only way Hermione could describe the kiss was ‘all encompassing’. Kissing Severus was almost like an intricate and measured dance performed by two professionals who made it look effortless.

She was almost sorry for saying they weren’t going to go any farther. The moistness between her legs was making her wriggle with discomfort. They pulled apart for air and looked into each others eyes. Severus looked so sweet and vulnerable with his slightly swollen and pinkish lips from their kisses.

“Wow. You are a wonderful kisser.” Hermione said, as she scooted over into a better position in his embrace.

“Really ?” He asked with wonder. Hermione chuckled.

“Yes, really. Not that I’ve had a lot of experience, but I certainly know what I like.”

“Better than Mr. Green or your Draco ?” She could hear the need for reassurance in his question. She snuggleainsainst him, his arm around her and placed her head on his shoulder.

“Mmmm, better than Rose ? Certainly. Better than Draco ? Absolutely. You know about Draco, I assume.”

“You mean about him preferring the company of men ? Yes, I do.” He said, his hand stroking her arm.

“I allowed him and his boyfriend to use my room this weekend. They needed some private time.” Hermione said and the hand stopped.

“Are you sure that is wise ?”

“Yes, I’m sure. So many prying eyes at Hogwarts, it’s hard to be alone together.”

“Mmmm.” Hermione lifted her head and looked into those dark eyes again.

“We should spend more time together. I had fun working with you in the lab last weekend. If you would like help again, just let me know.” Severus brought a hand up and brushed some errant curls from her face.

“Usually, I do not allow anyone in my laboratory. But I think we work well together.” Severus said seriously.

“So do I.” Hermione whispered. A flame began burning in the dark man’s gaze. He laid her back amongst the pillows and began kissing her again, slow and exploratory, while his hand stroked her side and down her hip. His touch was warm and comforting, she never felt he was pressing towards more. She had considered pushing him for more, but neither of them was ready just yet. They were exploring, building a trust between them. The couple kissed and talked quietly for another hour or so before Hermione fell asleep on Severus’ shoulder.

~*~

Hermione awoke abruptly when she heard a loud knocking at her door. She was so warm and comfortable she didn’t want to get up. Hearing the door open, she opened her eyes to see she was still laying on her fiancé’s shoulder.

“Hermione.” She barely had time to register her mother’s voice before she was unceremoniously pushed off the warm body next to her as he stood quickly.

“L . . . . . Lainey, I . . . . .I. . . this is not what it seems. I . . . . . . .I can explain.” Hermione watched as her feared Potions Master stuttered and blushed at being found in a young girls bed by her mother. She sat up and saw the amusement on her mother’s face as she held up her hand to silence her soon to be son-in-law.

“Severus, you are both fully clothed.” Mum said with a grin. “I think it seems you fell asleep after talking, am I correct ?” Hermione thought she would rescue Severus’ pride.

“What’s up, Mum ?”

“I just wondered if you had seen your father. He left some time ago saying he was going to the library to read. He isn’t there and this is such a large house, and well, you know your father’s sense of direction. I am afraid he might be lost.”

“We will find out. Tinker.” Severus said. A moment later, Tinker popped in, but looked warily at Mum again.

“Yes, Master Snape ?”

“Tinker, where is Mr. Granger ?”

“Oh . . . . um . . . . . Mr. Granger, sir ?” Severus’ eyes narrowed.

“Yes, Tinker. Where is he ?” The small creature’s eyes darted nervously from person to person.

“It’s alright, Tinker, just tell us.” Hermione offered in the way of encouragement. The elf kept looking at her mum as if she might bite him.

“T . . . Tinker cannot say, miss. Mr. Granger said he would be skinned alive if Mrs. Granger found him.”

“Tinker, you will tell us at once.” Severus ordered getting clearly annoyed.

“No need. Herbert’s in the kitchen. He went in search of the chocolate cake from dinner. Dr. Brance put your father on a diet at his last visit. He knows he isn’t supposed to eat rich food like that.” Mum sighed. “It was really good though, wasn’t it.”

“I’m sure Herbert could use some company.” Severus said starting towards the door.

“Oh, Wubby is keeping him company, Master.” Tinker piped up. A look of dread came to Severus’ eyes and he literally ran from the room. Hermione looked at her mother, then the two women hurried after the master of the house. If Dad said the wrong thing to Wubby, there was no telling what she might have done to him.

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>> I was doing a little research and came across this. I liked the title ;)

The rules of engagement (rings)

http://money.msn.co.uk/life_events/gettingmarried/insight/tipsguides/engagementrings/default.asp

*** Read the following at your own risk of boredom –

Also, I have found my Remy. I have been keeping my eyes open for a British actor who I thought could play Remus Lupin. Not to slight David Thewlis in the least, he is a good actor, he just doesn’t look AT ALL the way I picture Remus.

So, who is it, you ask. Rupert Graves, http://www.rupert-graves.com/
There are a lot of photos at this sight. Some of the best are from ‘Maurice’. He also played Jolyon Forsyte, in the ‘The Forsytes Saga’ and more recently as the Duke of Buckingham in ‘Charles II – The Power and the Passion’. (Which I believe was called ‘The Last King’ here in the US)

Why is he my perfect Remus ? Something about the eyes and his physical presence alw always pictured Remy having very soft, boyish, but intense eyes. Even Rupert Graves voice is perfect. It has a slightly raspy quality that would be perfect for a werewolf. I know none of this matters except that when I write Remus, this is how I will picture him. He also seems to have a certain energy underlying his acting I can picture as a great quality for Remus. I had started looking because I have a Remus-centric story in the works. The first chapter has been written down for some time, it is just waiting for me to get back to it.

If you have read this far you are a brave soul and I commend you.

Toodles . . . . . . Glinda





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