She Said What?

well, folks, i'm back again. yes, that's right. i've gotten off my bum and gotten some work done. before you, you'll find another lovely chapter filled with....erm, not much smut. in fact, there's none at all. but i'm sure it'll be coming back soon. there should be some humor in this one, though. so you might enjoy that. as always, i would just have you know that, while the idea is mine, none of the characters are. they all belong to j.k. rowling. as such, i make no money. this is merely for fun and entertainment. though i don't know who's more entertained. me or you. at any rate, it isn't mine and i'm not making any money off it. so don't hurt me, please.

no warnings. just some actual story. i think. as such, if you find you've enjoyed this, please feel free to let me know with a review. while reviews are nice and lovely and all, they aren't strictly necessary.

Chapter Twenty One: A Comedy Of Eros
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The restaurant was cheery and warm, filled with a large, chattering lunch crowd. Most of the tables were filled, only a few still empty for incoming patrons. Harry stood at the front, Hermione and Ron standing behind him, and looked to the host. The young man, graced with a convincing snooty look that Harry was sure had been affected for his job, glanced at them down the length of his nose. They watched as he flipped open the book before him and made a show of looking it over. Then he gave them his complete attention. 'Can I help you?' he asked, his tone as snobbish as his look.

'I have a reservation,' Harry informed him easily, not an ounce of intimidation in his voice. 'Its under Potter.'

The man looked down and couldn't stop the frown that crossed his face. 'Ah, yes. Here it is. H. Potter. Party of four,' the host drawled slowly, then picked up four menus and swung his free hand toward one of the empty tables. 'If you'll follow me, please.'

The three of them, dressed comfortably in jeans and shirts, fell into line behind the snooty host and trailed after him as he lead them to the furthest corner from the front. It was obvious by the tense, ramrod straight line of the man's back that he thought he was beneath dealing with a trio of teenagers. It was a Muggle restaurant and no one here knew who Harry Potter was, but it was the perfect place for what was to come. Harry smirked at the man's back, knowing he'd never stand a chance if he adopted that tone with Draco.

'Four? There's only the three of us, mate. Who's joining us?' Ron asked in confusion. When Harry merely smiled at him, Ron turned his gaze upon Hermione. She shrugged her shoulders and remained silent.

It took only a moment for the three of them to settle in around the table. Hermione was positioned between Harry and Ron, which left the spot immediately across from her open. The host handed them each a menu, leaving the fourth one before the empty chair, then hurried off to greet another group of older, well dressed, well to do gentlemen. Harry watched as Hermione silently flipped her menu open and stared at it intently. Ron was regarding him with confusion, obviously puzzled by their sudden lunch date and the mysterious fourth party.

They'd been gone from Hogwarts for just over a fortnight and this was the first opportunity they'd all had to get together. One obligation or another had kept them busy and distant. Harry had gone on to be an Auror and had been sent on his first real job only days after taking up his position. Ron, after giving his options much thought, had decided to accept an apprenticeship under his brother Charlie and had been in Romania, getting himself settled in. Hermione had been vague on what she'd done since graduation. The only solid information she'd given had been to mention that she was, for the moment, staying with her parents while she sorted out her options.

'I don't mean to sound rotten or anything, Harry, but why did you ask us to lunch? What's going on? We've never stood on such ceremony,' Ron asked, glancing up from his menu to look at the dark headed young man. Harry shrugged, noting the front door opening out of the corner of his eyes.

'We needed somewhere neutral,' he replied. His head turned and he watched as Draco stepped up to the host's podium. He was aware of Ron and Hermione following his line of vision and there was a snort from across the table.

'What's the ferret doing here?' Ron wondered aloud. Harry paid him no mind, though, his gaze trained on where Draco stood. The host, who'd been busy fawning over the gentlemen who'd come in after the Golden Trio, returned to the podium to give a disdainful sniff at Draco. It was obvious the man thought that Draco's hair was too long to be proper and that he wasn't at all impressed by the indolent grace that radiated off Draco as he lounged negligently against the top edge of the podium.

The man said something, his face pinched in an expression of loftiness that saw Draco's gray eyes narrowing dangerously. Harry held back the smile, knowing that the host would be lucky if he didn't end up hexed. When Draco made a motion in their general direction, the man turned to glance at Harry in mild shock. Draco's well manicured hand, drumming pointedly against the wood, brought the host's attention back to him. The blonde's lips moved very slowly, in a precise manner that left the host's face paling in fear. He gave a jerky nod, then immediately went into motion.

He nearly raced toward the table he'd given to the other three, Draco strolling lazily along behind him.

Harry's eyes feasted on the sight of his lover. For this meeting, Draco had chosen to dress in a pair of expensive slacks that had obviously been crisply pressed, if the crease down the front of the legs was anything to go by. He was wearing a silk shirt in dove gray that clung to his torso lovingly. A pair of dark, leather loafers had been slipped onto his feet. The entire outfit gave him a spoilt, rich boy look. It wasn't that far off the truth.

'Your remaining guest, Mr. Potter,' the host stammered out, then fled from the table as quickly as he could.

'What on earth did you say to him?' Hermione asked, her tone filled with blatant curiosity. Draco flashed a smile and dragged the empty chair out from under the table so that he could settle languidly into it.

'Apparently, my father's name is as well known here as it is everywhere else. I might have given him the impression that his job was at stake,' he told them, then shrugged a shoulder. 'It doesn't matter. The man is a peasant and beneath me.'

'Ever the same Draco,' Hermione laughed softly. He inclined his head toward her.

'Granger. How is?...' he began, but quickly amended his words when her eyes showed faint panic. 'Life after schooling? Still giving everyone a taste of that sharp mind of yours?'

'Actually, now that its all over, things are quite boring,' she replied. 'I never thought I'd say this, but I miss the danger of our school days.'

'Yes, it was quite the time,' he agreed, then looked over to Ron, who'd been sitting there the entire time with his mouth slightly agape. 'Weasel,' he intoned with a dark smile.

'Draco, love,' Harry chided gently. 'Play nice.'

'What fun is there in that? Merlin's hairy toes, I haven't seen you in an age. I swear you've changed since graduation,' Draco smiled, his eyes taking in all of Harry. He noted the mussed appearance of his hair and frowned. 'Can't you do anything with that mop of yours? I swear, its as messy as a horse's stall.'

'Harry?' Ron's voice squeaked, reminding his friend of the time they'd been in the Forbidden Forest with Aragog. Harry gave his attention over to his red-headed friend. 'What's the ferret doing at our table?'

'You haven't told him yet?' Draco asked with a faint air of amusement. Harry gave him a look and then turned back to Ron. His face was pale, but color was flooding his cheeks as he tried to sift through the thoughts Harry could see racing across his face. After several long moments and no acceptable answer to Draco's presence, Ron pinned Harry with a stare.

'Ron, you're my best mate and I've hated keeping this from you but...'

'If you hated keeping it from me, why did you?' Ron broke in to ask, even though he had no idea what it was his best mate had been keeping from him. Harry sighed and glanced at Draco a moment before giving his attention back to Ron.

'Because I knew how you'd react and, frankly, I've been dreading it,' Harry explained, then reached for Draco's hand across the table. Draco willingly curled his fingers around Harry's and they both stared as Ron blinked at their twined fingers. 'Ron, Draco and I...'

'No bloody way!' Ron nearly shouted, only just managing to control the urge before the words came out. Harry looked chagrinned. 'You and Hermione...' he trailed off, looking to her. Her face was a mask of apology. He stared a moment, then shot her an accusatory look. 'You knew?'

'Don't be upset, Ron. I found out quite by accident,' she informed him softly.

'How long, Harry?' Ron's voice was tight with anger and.... Hurt? Harry couldn't be sure. He wondered, for a moment, if Ron was thinking now about their school years, about whether or not Harry had looked at him and lusted after him.

'A couple years,' Harry said softly, his gaze shifting to Draco. The blonde smiled at him, giving him courage to go on. 'We've kept it secret because we knew that people would have the wrong reaction. Now that we're out of school and have reached our majority, we don't care who knows.'

'How long have you known you were.... ' Ron trailed off, his face contorted in agony. Harry thought it meant he was trying to come up with the right word. He smiled.

'Gay? I've known since..... um, forever,' he offered, a sheepish expression on his face. Ron glared at him, the accusation plain to read in his eyes. Harry rushed to assure him. 'You're my best mate. I don't see you that way. I see you as a friend and a brother. Draco... I see him as a lover.'

Ron glanced from the imploring look on his best friend's face to the look that rested on the blonde man's face. Instead of finding arrogance or a smirk, he saw the openness that Harry found so endearing. Draco, silent and calm, was waiting for either acceptance or rejection. Harry suspected he'd be his usual, slimy self if Ron said anything bad. The silence stretched between them for a long while. The tension that had sprouted between them was tangible enough that it sent their waiter scurrying away before he even had time to stop and ask what they were drinking.

Finally, after what seemed an age, Ron sighed and shook his head. 'I don't understand it at all, Harry. But you've been my best friend for a long time. We've been through thick and thin together and so much worse. I can handle that you're gay. Thinking back on it, you never did get on well with the girls. The whole thing with Cho was a disaster.'

'Actually, it proved to me once and for all that I was gay. I mean, I did admire her looks and I think it was because I was trying to convince myself that I was as straight as a board. But the kiss we shared was bad because I was kissing the wrong person,' Harry told him.

'So I think I can accept you being gay with little trouble. But, Harry?' Ron's eyes turned to Draco and he shook his head. 'The ferret? That might take more than a little getting used to.'

'Thanks, Ron,' Harry smiled at him, then turned to look at Draco. 'See? I told you he could be reasonable.'

'Wonders never cease,' Draco chuckled. He took note of the dark look crossing Ron's face and shook his head. His hands went up in a gesture of surrender. 'Why don't we try to get along? Its what Harry would like and anything that makes him happy makes me happy. I'm not saying we'll be the best of friends, but we can at least try to tolerate one another.'

Ron regarded Draco for several long moments, then finally nodded his head and looked to Hermione. 'So, if you and Harry aren't dating, just who the hell are you shagging?'

Hermione stammered a moment, a blush staining her cheeks. Draco, thoroughly amused at the mental image her news would bring, tossed his blonde head back and laughed. The entire restaurant looked over at him as he chortled his way to silence. Hermione, Harry noted, gave Draco a very pointed look. When the Slytherin had finally stopped chuckling, he gave Ron a smile and shook his head. 'This should be rich,' he settled back in his chair, waiting for her to confess.

'Another time, Ron. This is Harry and Draco's moment,' she said tactfully.

Draco grinned and motioned for their hovering waiter to come take their order. His gray eyes locked onto her still blushing face. 'Granger, you have got to let me be there when you tell him. Please.'

Harry chuckled as she gave Draco a frown, then promptly hid behind her menu.

~*~*~*~*~

The door swung open and Severus frowned. The last thing he'd wanted during his summer holiday was a visitor. And he'd certainly hadn't wanted a visit from anyone he worked with. He spent more than enough time with the Hogwarts staff during the school year. Having one of them showing up at his home was not his idea of a good time. And he certainly hadn't thought he'd want to see prune faced McGonagall standing at his door. Crossing his arms over his chest, he gave her a good glare. Just to be certain she understood that he wasn't pleased. 'Minerva. What a detestable surprise.'

'Invite me in, Severus. Prove to me that you have some manners. We have a few things to discuss," she smiled at him, not at all unsettled by his abrupt manner. When he didn't move right away, she quirked a brow at him in silent challenge. After a moment or two, he frowned and stepped aside. Her smile becoming a smirk, Minerva sailed past him and into the darkness of the interior. A few words, muttered under Severus' breath, followed Minerva up the hallway.

The drawing room was tidy and well kept, even if the furniture was old and musty. In fact, it looked to be two decades out of date. Minerva settled herself on the edge of a chair that had seen much use, the upholstery dull and worn pale in places, and waited for Severus to join her. She watched as he practically threw himself into a chair as far from her as he could get, then crossed his arms over his chest. 'What do you want, Minerva? Can you not see I am a very busy man?'

'Oh yes. Terribly busy. Sulking behind closed doors now, are we?' she asked him, her smirk growing wider with her statement. He couldn't stop the scowl that spread across his face. Minerva chuckled at the sight of it. 'Of course you are. Care to enlighten me as to the reasons behind that deep scowl? You're free of the sniveling youth you teach for a few more weeks. One would think you'd be positively giddy with the relief of it all.'

'I always scowl, Minerva. Any other expression upon my face would be both painful and an outright lie. Kindly get to the point so that I may go back to the peace and quiet that comes with living alone,' he barely stopped himself from spitting the words out at her. In the end, they sounded almost like the whining of a petulant child. She chuckled at his expression a moment, then sobered and shook her head.

'And there's the heart of the matter,' she replied softly. 'Being alone. Living alone when you know there's no need to do so. It must trouble you.'

If anything, the scowl on Severus' face got darker. His jaw clenched, his eyes growing sharper. Minerva could sense the coming explosion and hurried on to cut him off. 'You have a wife, Severus. Why is she not here with you?'

'Miss Granger is as unlikely to want to be here as I am to want her here,' he said, his tone suggesting that was the end of the conversation.

'Is that so?' Minerva cocked a brow at him. 'Did you even bother to ask her what it is she wanted, Severus? Or did you assume that she would never even consider wanting to make a life with you? She is your wife, after all. Married couples are supposed to do things together. Its the nature of marriage.'

'Miss Granger has made it known to me that she wishes nothing further to do with me,' he retorted, his eyes blazing with anger. Minerva shook her head again, earning her another glare.

'Do you honestly believe that, Severus?' she asked him softly. The amusement in her voice had died, replaced with deep concern. He said nothing, merely clenched his jaw to prove to her that he believed it. 'And you've based this decision on what? Have you spoken to Hermione about this? Or did you simply assume that she would want nothing to do with you?'

Again, he remained silent.

'I see. You know what they say about assuming, Severus,' she sighed.

'Get to the point of your visit, Minerva. Either that, or leave. I want nothing to do with your childish behavior,' he snarled sullenly.

Minerva studied him for a while, noting that there seemed to be fine lines of tension around his eyes and mouth. Not that he hadn't always had lines in those places. But these were new. It seemed that he'd been troubled of late. She felt for certain he'd gained those lines giving deep thought to the situation he was presently in. 'Did you never stop to wonder why it was that Hermione refused to.... see to certain needs of yours?' she finally asked him, a faint tinge of pink coloring her cheeks. It was one thing to speak about such thing with another woman. It was an entirely different matter to speak of them with one of her male co-workers.

'She detests me. Why else would she deny me access to her body?' he snapped. She could hear in his words, though, that he didn't entirely believe what he was saying. She said a prayer in thanks that he wasn't being as hard-headed about this as he could be, which told her that he had indeed given thought to why his wife had done what she did.

'She doesn't detest you, Severus. Were that the case, she would never have given in and bedded you in the first place,' Minerva began. Severus interrupted with a snort.

'You have been reading far too many of those disgusting romance novels, Minerva. That is such an archaic term for such a modern woman to use.'

'Shut up, Severus. The quieter you are, the less you have to suffer my presence here. I'm attempting to teach you something. Pretend you're greatful and remain silent,' she snapped, her voice taking on the quality that announced she was teaching her own dunderheads. She watched as his jaw tensed again.

'Very well then, Professor McGonagall,' he sneered, stressing her title. 'Do get on with it. I have an intense scowling session this afternoon that cannot be delayed.'

'Git,' she muttered, then sighed. Hopefully, he'd listen to what she was about to tell him. If not, he was on his own after this. She knew she shouldn't have come here, but a few discreet inquiries had let her know that her former star pupil wasn't faring much better herself. The two of them were positively miserable. Might as well make it possible for them to be miserable together. 'Now, as I asked before. Don't you want to know why Hermione refused to allow you into her knickers again?'

She watched his face, hoping for some sign of... well, anything. But his gaze was as blank as a fresh sheet of parchment. Irritating bastard! She wanted to throttle him for his latent ability to keep emotions locked away. Silence loomed between them, stretching as she waited for an answer until she was tense, the air thin and brittle. A whisper would shatter it and Minerva's control. She was at the end of her rope when he finally smirked a bit, then drawled out his answer. 'Why do you not enlighten me, Professor? You do, after all, have a lesson to teach.'

Minerva gave him a quizzical look, then shook her head and motioned to the plain, functional room around them. 'Do you like this way of life, Severus? Do you like being always alone?'

'It is what I am used to,' he replied.

'I asked if you liked it! It isn't the same to be used to something!' she snapped at him in exasperation. 'Damn it, man! Don't you ever think about something more than your miserable self? Hermione cut you off at the knees because she didn't want you to think you could use her merely for sex. She wanted you to see that she....'

'Has a gifted, talented, useful mind,' he cut into her tirade and finished the sentence quietly. Minerva's mouth gaped a moment, then she shut it and merely blinked at him. Perhaps his brain hadn't taken up residence in his trousers, as she'd originally thought. 'Miss Granger.... Hermione... is perhaps one of the most intellectual persons I know. She is gifted with a thirst for knowledge that rivals my own. She is, despite her youth, both wise and capable. And, much as I will deny ever stating such a thing should it come up at a later date, she is not without her own appeal.'

Minerva sat immobile in her chair, silent and stunned. She'd never expected to hear such... praise about anyone other than a Slytherin come from the man's mouth. Judging by the smirk presently curling his lips up at a devilish angle, he knew she hadn't thought he was capable of saying anything nice. She gave him a glare. 'And?' Minerva prodded.

'And nothing,' he finished lightly, flicking a piece of lint off the black material pulled taut over his knee. Minerva frowned, ready to chew his hide for being so arrogant. Surely he had to see that there was more to this than a simple acknowledgement of Hermione's charms. 'Regardless of what I might say about my wife, the fact remains that she does not wish to continue our association. I have heard nothing from her to indicate that she wishes to be a wife to me in every sense of the word.'

'Stubborn, arrogant, rotten bastard! Did you even bother to ask?' Minerva asked him point blank, her fingers itching to curl about her wand and just hex him on principle. 'How can you know what Hermione does and doesn't want if you don't talk to her? Do you honestly think that sex is going to hold any relationship together? Regardless of just how amazing you are in bed,' she stopped here to peer at him pointedly over the tops of her glasses. One raven colored eyebrow rose in silent challenge. 'There has to be something more to the marriage, partnership.... whatever! There has to be mutual likes and respect. The willingness to make an effort. Honesty and a host of other things that would take until the coming of the new age to list. Have you tried any of these things yet?'

When Severus remained stubbornly silent, she lifted her hands up in a gesture meant as surrender, a loud sigh lifting her shoulders. 'Well, its obvious to me just which one of you has the brains. Pity you weren't able to recognize the fact.'

She stood and stalked away from him.

'If you are referring to Hermione's disruptive spells,' his voice stopped her half way to the door. Minerva turned around and pinned him with a hopeful look. Severus gained his feet and swept past her, intent on seeing her out. 'Honestly, Minerva. Do you think that I would never see what it was she had done? I have already admitted the girl is brilliant. What more do you want?'

He pulled the door open for her, giving her one last smirk as she moved through the opened portal. When she stood on the other side of the door, he gave her a look. 'It is a pity, Minerva, that you failed to realize that I, too, possess a brain and am quite capable of using it.'

'Oh?' she lifted a brow in his direction. 'And just what was it that Hermione was attempting to do with all of her disruptive spells? Hmmm?'

He gave her a look that froze the blood in her veins a moment. It was pure, unadulterated loathing and so intense and deep that she felt for a moment as if she were drowing in thick, viscous ink. Then the look was gone and the words that followed were so soft, she was still trying to decide if she'd heard correctly ten minutes after the door had closed in her face.

~*~*~*~*~

The lot was filled with cars, several metal baskets waiting in corrals to be taken back inside. A rather unenthusiastic young man shuffled across the area, chasing lazily after a single basket that had dared roll farther away from the door. People were heading in and out of the moderate sized shop regularly, some with several bags of purchases while others only carried one or two. There was laughter and conversation on the air, despite the unseasonal heat. The clouds overhead were barely existent in the pure azure of the sky. Even though it was hot and sunny out, Severus was attired in his usual black.

He'd adapted his clothing for the sake of fitting in, though something told him people found him to be an oddity, no matter what he was wearing. For this outting, he'd donned a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved, button down oxford. Leather boots with a shine adorned his feet. At the moment, he stood under the shade of a medium sized tree that stood in a patch of browned grass at the edge of the grocery's lot. He had, in fact, been standing there for some time.

Minerva's visit a week ago had opened the flood gates on thoughts he'd pushed behind a locked door in his mind. The last time he'd allowed them to fill his head had been four weeks ago, on the last day of the school term. He'd stood at a window in one of the vacated classrooms, watching as students had trickled out of the castle. They'd gathered in groups to bid their farewells before heading down to the train station. Hermione had been easy to spot, as she'd been sandwiched between her two friends. Potter had kept an arm around her back, still playing his role as loyal boyfriend to the hilt for the last time. Severus had known that Draco and the Golden Gryffindor git planned on making their relationship official shortly after their graduation.

As he'd stood in the window, watching his wife leave without so much as a word to him, Severus had finally realized what it was Hermione had been attempting to do. The passing days since her rather ingenious spell casting had been filled with thoughts and doubts. He'd wondered what it was that she'd been trying to tell him. There'd obviously been some kind of message for him in those rather devious spells, but he'd been loathe to allow himself any time to consider them. And then, as she'd been leaving, he'd been overthrown by the ideas running through his head.

How his convoluted mind had come back to it, he had no clue. But he'd been certain then, just as he was certain now, that Hermione had been trying to prove to him that she had value beyond the wild and wonderful bouts of sex they'd had. She'd proven to him, without any doubts what so ever, that she'd been gifted with a very talented mind and he'd be lucky if he ever found someone of her intellectual equal again. Well, he was certain he'd be able to find his equal, but he somehow doubted he'd ever find himself married to the person.

What she'd done had taken brains, undoubtably, but it had also required bravery in spades and a devious nature that would allow her to appear innocent until such a time as she'd wanted her role in the spell casting discovered. She'd gotten past his wards and come out none the worse for wear. She'd found ways to attact his attention that had been both simple and safe. No one had come to harm in her attempts at provoking his thoughts instead of his libido. Granted, she might have resorted to some childish tactics, but he'd been so thick headed that anything with more style and finesse would have been wasted on him. No, she'd done perfectly well in reminding him that she was more than a mere sex doll.

He'd known that Minerva had had a hand in Hermione's tasks. If he'd ever had doubts about that, she'd proved it by coming to his door step. Until then, he'd had no idea that Hermione might even care if he were in her life or not. Of course, he hadn't really given it much thought. His male ego had simply told him that his wife would come to him if she wanted something. Anything. Him. When she hadn't come to him, hadn't even done him the curtesy of informing him of her intentions, he'd figured then and there that his wife hadn't wanted a damned thing more to do with him.

So it had been after Minerva's visit that he'd seriously allowed himself to think over things once more. And he'd discovered, much to his chagrin and distaste, that he was lonely and his wife's place was very much at his side. He'd spent the last week in preparation of asking her to attempt a life with him. He'd gone to Draco, who had sent him to see Potter. The Golden Boy had been less than thrilled with giving Severus any information until he'd been assured that Severus was serious about his intentions with Hermione. Only then had Potter given him her location and he'd been rather surprised to find she'd gone home to her parents.

Severus had spent a few days getting to know her routine. He'd been discreet about it, not letting her know he was there. He'd simply wanted to see for himself if his intrusion into her life would be welcome or not. Every thing he'd seen indicated that she was as miserable as he was. Tonight was the night he would rectify the mistake he'd made in allowing her to think she had any place other than at his side.

Not that this was, in any way, an admission of feelings for her. No, it was merely that she was his wife. He'd marked her as his. That meant she should be at his side. Not living with her parents. And certainly not working in a place that was so obviously below her talents. A snort of laughter startled him from his thoughts and he turned to find half a dozen young men and women staring at him. Each of them wore baggy jeans despite the heat. They each wore a kind of tank top, the material thin and stretchy so that it hugged their frames. Worn, checked shirts hung limply off thier shoulders. A few wore hats and some had bandanas tied around their foreheads. The children had a general look of disillusionment to them that spoke of hard times spent living hand to mouth.

'Oi, Pete. I dinnit know vampires came out in the daylight!' one of the cretins glanced to the boy who'd positioned himself dead center. This youth was slightly bulkier than the others and there was a palpable air of authority around him. He was obviously the leader. The group broke into rough laughter. Severus merely watched them a moment.

'Maybe we should stake `im,' came from a girl wearing far too much make up and a shirt that was two sizes too small. It was easy to see the swell of small breasts over the top of the shirt, while her ribs stuck out under the bottom. She was thin and wiry, a look of promised ill swimming in her eyes. Her hand slid into a pocket and came out with a flashing piece of metal. He heard a faint snick, then there was a blade pointed at him. Severus regarded the lot of them very calmly before shaking his head.

'The youth of the day,' he quipped before turning to stride away. In a flash, the group had circled him, the girl with the blade standing before him menacingly. She waved the blade at him, as if that alone should be enough to send him into fits of shivering. He shook his head. 'Is that the best you can do? My dear, if you plan on frightening someone, you must do it properly.'

'Shut it, old man! Or I'll cut you!' the girl snarled at him. A single brow shot up in silent question, then his frown settled into place. A flick of his wrist produced his wand, which he pointed unwavering at the girl. Riotous laughter greeted his action, but he paid it no mind. Instead, he focused all of his attention on the girl.

'Little girl, you should never try to play with someone who is far more dangerous than you,' he whispered softly. She looked from his face, to his wand, and then back to his face. There was a small kernal of fear at the backs of her muddy eyes. The smile that lifted the corners of his lips was cold and unpleasant. Her hand shook slightly.

'You don't have to take that shite from the likes of `im, Kelley. Do it. Cut `im. Show `im that no one laughs at us,' one of the boys instructed. She never took her eyes off Severus, caught by the look of deadly intent that shone in his own obsidian gaze. Like a bird staring at a snake, she knew death when she saw it. Some of the tension in her arm gave way to near violent tremors. Slowly, as if she were afraid she'd hurt herself, she lowered the blade.

'What the bloody `ell is wrong with you, gel?' the one that seemed to be in charge growled when the frightened girl stepped back. Anger crept into the young man's face, 'Cut the bloke and be done with it. `E's carrying a stick for a weapon! Do it!'

Severus continued staring at the girl, finally allowing some of the knowledge he'd gained over the years to leak into his eyes. They darkened until he was sure all she saw were yawning wells that led into a dark soul, polluted and damned by past actions. His smile deepened, became something foul and sinister. The girl dropped her blade, then turned and ran from the lot. Her friends stared after her a moment, then turned back to Severus. Each of them had a look of determination on their faces.

Until they saw that Severus had one of their ranks held almost carelessly, one arm crooked around the boy's neck so that his head was tilted up at an odd angle. The tip of Severus' wand was jabbed painfully into the soft flesh under the boy's chin. The look on the dark man's face contained a warning and a threat. The boys, only now realizing what their vanished companion had seen, seemed to deflate before Severus' eyes. As if using one brain, they all took a step backward at the exact same moment. 'Leave here and never return. Find a place to go and hide. Should I ever see you again...' he allowed the rest of the sentence to hang between them.

As a means of demonstating what would await them should they return, a silently cast spell and a flash of bright light sent their friend slumping to the ground. Severus let him go, allowed the younger man to fall away from him bonelessly and tumble to the grass. His friends stared in confused horror. 'Bloody `ell. You've killed `im!' one of them managed to sputter out on a hoarse whisper.

'He is not dead. More's the pity. He is merely unconscious. This is but a taste of what I am capable of. You would be better served if you were to leave here. Take your friend with you. Do not return to trouble this place and the people here any longer,' Severus intoned softly, then flicked his wand at the heap near his feet. Ending the spell, he tucked his wand safely away and began the trek across the lot to the front doors. He didn't bother to look behind him. He knew the boys were hurrying away as fast as they could. A slight smile tilted the corners of his mouth up until he made the automatic doors, then stepped silently inside.

To his left was a fresh produce section. A pair of aproned men were busy filling in holes with their product, while another was hosing a section of greens with water. The fruits and vegetables looked nearly just picked, various citrus aromas fighting for dominance within the neatly laid out area. He could also just pick out the smell of fresh strawberries linging in the air. Several shoppers, mostly women of varying ages, were circling the displays of fruits and vegetables like sharks who'd gotten a noseful of blood. One woman had a brood of small children with her and it was all he could do to not hex them as they started screaming about something.

Doing his best to shove the annoying children from his mind, he turned and glanced to his right. The produce section opened up into a small floral area, where bright splashes of color fought to hold the eye. The small department was a veritable sea of color. He could see roses and lilies, carnations and mums. There were many other varieties of flora there, as well. A woman worked at filling up a small display area with prearranged flowers, talking happily with an elderly woman about a plant that was held tightly between wrinkled hands.

Other sections were lost behind rows of aisles. Each one had a sign hanging from the ceiling, announcing what products could be found there. He could hear people wheeling their carts up and down these aisles, soft speech hidden under a layer of music that played at a low level. It was enough to cut the silence but nothing that would cut off the ability to converse and hear. All in all, he felt there was a rather pleasant air to the place and, trying not to look too inconspicuous, he strolled further into the store.

At the head of the aisles were a series of registers. Some had lights on over them, some did not. Those that did have a light on also had an attendant standing before them. His gaze found the back of a well-remembered head, prompting him to cast a disillusionment charm upon himself so that he could get a better view without being seen. Once the spell had settled over him, he glided closer to the spot where his wife stood. She was in the middle of a transaction and Severus watched, fascinated against his better judgement, as she effortlessly worked the equipment required to check someone's groceries out.

That familiar bush of golden-brown hair had been pulled up in a pony tail at the back of her head. It swung from side to side in time with her motions as she moved an item from one side of her body to the other. She was engaged in an avid conversation with the woman she was helping, a smile playing about her lips. 'That should prove to be rather exciting,' she told the woman as she almost mindlessly shuffled the goods from one belt to the other. 'Are you going to make something special for the occasion?'

'I'd thought about trying my hand at something spicy. Perhaps a special curry dish? Or I've got that electric wok and I have a recipe book for stir frying,' the woman shook her head. 'I just don't know. Do you have any recommendations, Hermione?'

'I'm partial to anything from the Hunan region. However, I believe its the Szechwan region that offers up some of the spiciest dishes. Perhaps you should try one of those cooking programmes,' Hermione suggested easily, taking care with a loaf of bread. 'How long do you have before your visitors arrive?'

'They'll be arriving at the end of the week. So I have time to plan my meal and gather up the supplies I'll need to make it,' the woman replied.

'Well, if you decided on stir fry, there's an excellent shop three streets over that carries a wide variety of Asian products. Anything we don't carry here will undoubtably be found there,' Hermione told the woman, reaching up to push a button with one finger. 'Your total today, Mrs. Haverson, is fifteen thirty four.'

'Thank you, Hermione. You're always such a joy. You should make that nice Mister Wellerton give you a raise. You more than deserve it,' the woman smiled at Hermione, handing over a few paper pound notes. Severus stood now so that he could see her face, as well as the woman she was waiting on. While the customer was older and showed lines of maturity around her eyes and mouth, Hermone was young and looked fresh. With her hair pulled up the way it was, it made her look even younger than she was. But he could see faint smears of fatigue under her eyes, attesting to some kind of interruption in the normally smooth flow of her life.

'You know he won't give me a raise just because I'm a joy, Mrs. Haverson. Besides, I'm only going to be here long enough until I find something better for myself. I needed to work to save up some money.'

'A smart girl like you? You should be going off to University come the fall, child,' Mrs. Haverson admonished.

A look crept into Hermione's eyes, but she brushed it away with a bright smile that didn't quite hide the sorrow she was feeling. She handed several coins and a few slips of paper back to Mrs. Haverson. 'I'm putting off University for a while. Its really not high on my priority list.'

The lie came easily and Severus thought he saw a pang of regret on her face for having to tell one to the woman before her. Mrs. Haverson pocketed her change and shook her head. 'Its a shame, dear. You could do so much with a good education under your belt.'

'Maybe later in the future, Mrs. Haverson,' Hermione said softly, then shook the melancholy off to give her customer a genuine smile. 'For now, have a good day and do let me know if you go with the curry dinner or a stir fry.'

'I will, child. Have a wonderful evening,' the woman smiled, then made her way down to the end of the check out. A girl with a big smile helped Mrs. Haverson out the door with her purchases. Hermione watched her go, then sighed and slumped for a moment against the machine before her. A woman wearing a vest came over and turned the light off. Hermione straightened and gave her a weak smile.

'Count down, Hermione. Your shift is up,' the woman told her, then gave her an assessing glance. 'You look knackered, love. You should go home and get some sleep. I haven't been working you too hard, have I?'

'Oh. No, Trish. You haven't. I've got a project at home I've been working on. I'm afraid that I lost track of time last night and didn't get to bed until later than normal. I'll be fine. I promise,' Hermione assured the woman with a smile.

'Tomorrow's your day off,' Trish replied. 'Use it as it was intended. Don't do a damn thing. Go spend some of your money on you at the shops. Buy some new clothes or go have your nails done. Treat yourself to a day at the spa. Lay in bed and read a book. Do something fun for you.'

'Natalie asked me to switch with her, so I was going to....' Hermione began, only to be interrupted.

'I've already told Natalie no. You've worked every day since you started. You're off tomorrow. That's the end of it,' Trish told Hermione sternly. Severus found this interesting. He'd known since she was eleven that Hermione was dedicated, that she threw every last ounce of herself into every thing she did. But to demean her talents and intelligence by throwing herself into what he felt to be a menial job? Something was going on inside of her mind and he would find out what it was. This job, he thought, was so very unlike his wife.

Trish's sigh drew his attention back to the two of them. 'Hermione, if I didn't know better, I'd swear there was man trouble. The way you're acting... You're too young to have man trouble.'

'It isn't man trouble,' Hermione retorted instantly, though there was a definite lack of bite to her words. Severus lifted a brow at that. The denial didn't sound strong enough to be anything but a lie to him. He wondered why she would bother to fib about it. It wasn't as if she had any men in her life. Did she? Well, there was him. But the two of them had a lovely hate/hate relationship. Still, he couldn't fathom that Hermione, Gryffindor that she was, breaking her marriage vows by taking a lover. She didn't seem that type of person. It didn't matter that she had been coerced into becoming his bride. Hermione Granger was an honorable woman. So if she were having man troubles, that would mean he was the man creating said troubles.

The thought sent a confused mix of emotions rushing through him. There was disbelief that there was any situation Hermione couldn't think her way through. And there was a small fluttering of what he thought might be joy, somewhere near his heart, at the idea that she might be suffering because they were apart. He quickly quashed that bit down. There was no use in feeling such things when he knew that his wife was only that because of some misbegotten rumor floating about the school. Unless she'd developed feelings for him overnight, which he highly doubted, the very notion that she might be pining for him was utterly ridiculous. No, there had to be some other reason that didn't involve men.

'Of course it isn't,' the woman replied, her tone implying she didn't believe a word of what Hermione had said. 'At any rate, count it down and get out of here. Don't come back until the day after tomorrow. Do you understand me?'

'Yes, Trish,' Hermione sighed, but Severus thought he could sense a thread of relief in her voice. She did look tired. He thought that perhaps he might do something to help her gain a restful night's sleep. If she would allow it. Well, there were a few things he could do that would ensure a restful night of slumber. But he wasn't entirely certain she'd be open to them. For a moment, he was lost in the vivid memory of their last encounter. The feel of such silken skin against his calloused hands had been the most amazing thing. And the heat of her flesh as he'd sunk into her. The memory of that alone was enough to send blood rushing to his groin.

He stifled a groan and, despite the spell he'd cast upon himself, adjusted that part of him that was now wide awake and hungry for the feel of his wife's body wrapped tightly around it. The evening was going to be a long one, indeed.

The sound of metal striking metal drew his attention back to Hermione. She was slightly bent over an open drawer, rapidly counting out the coins contained within. He simply stood there and watched her, wondering again at her reasons for taking such a position. She could do so much more with herself, something much more worthy of her intelligence and much grander. With a mind like hers, she should be teaching or finding cures for curses. Something that would challenge her, use every last ounce of mental ability she possessed.

It was only a matter of moments before she was done counting the money in her drawer. When she was done, she took the entire thing over to a door and knocked. It opened and she handed the black plastic tray to the person who'd opened the door, then turned and began to make her way across the floor toward an unmarked door on the far side of the building. He decided this was a good time to leave, so he strolled for the door and stepped outside. Once there and hidden slightly from view, he ended the spell and then slipped away. He had a few things to do before he could put his plans into motion.

~*~*~*~*~

The little house was nestled securely between two others that looked remarkably like it in shape and size. But the similarities ended there. The walk that created a path from the driveway to the front door was lined with brightly colored flowers. The plants had all been placed in a neat row, the colors switching from buttery yellow to vibrant white to royal purple to pale pink in a pattern that seemed meant to guide inhabitants and visitors alike to the front door, painted a deep, brilliant blue. Shuttered that had been painted to match framed the windows, while the main walls were of a pale, creamy colored brick. The lawn was almost emerald green in color and well maintained. A pair of trees shaded the house, both planted evenly in the lawn. Each of them was surrounded by more flowers. The house had a lived in, loved feel to it. Severus felt distinctly out of place in the midst of so much domestic tranquility.

Dusk was just now settling over the winding street, blanketing the community with the gray haze of near darkness. Lights were snapping on up and down the length of the road, to ward against the coming night. Through one of the front windows, Severus could see a pair of figures moving around with obvious determination. He thought it meant that the people within were preparing for some ritual event. More than likely their evening meal. He wondered a moment at interrupting their dinner, but decided that it was highly unlikely that the Granger family would mind. In fact, something told him that they'd lose their appetite when they discovered his reason for arriving unannounced.

Taking a moment to straighten his attire, now once more the full and encompassing darkness of his normal clothing, he strode up the walk to the door. He could just imagine his robes billowing out to touch the lovingly planted flowers that escorted him up to the front step. It was a ridiculous notion and he quickly put it from his mind. Spending time in the Muggle world was making his brain soft. He stood there a moment longer, staring at the shining golden knocker affixed to the door. He felt a brief flash of fear and shoved it ruthlessly to the side. He had nothing to be afraid of. He'd faced worse than a single girl's parents.

Still, he'd never faced said girl's parents as more than a teacher. This was new territory for him. Heaing a sigh, Severus cleared his head of cobwebs and silly notions, then lifted his hand and knocked loudly against the wooden portal. After several long minutes rolled by, he heard the lock on the door turn. It swung open and he was momentarily caught in the brightness of the light pouring from within. Though it wasn't completely dark out, it took time for his eyes to adjust from the dim light behind him to the brighter light washing over him now. 'Can I help you?' a man asked a few seconds before Severus could see.

When his pupils had dialated enough to allow him vision, Severus could see that he was looking at a man who was either in his late thirties or early forties. This was obviously Hermione's father. 'Mr. Granger? I am here to see your daughter, Hermione.'

It was obvious by the look on his face that the man knew just what Severus was. There was a change in his physical presence and the man suddenly seemed much larger than he was. It told Severus a great deal about Hermione's father. That he was willing to put himself between his family and a veritable stranger who could pose a serious threat to all of them was a trait he admired. Though he also knew it was a foolish gesture, because some one of his ilk who meant harm would have blasted his way into the house. There would never have been a knock at the door or any other kind of warning. 'Why do you want to see Hermione?' the man asked.

'I have business with her,' Severus replied crisply.

'What kind of business?'

'Personal business.'

'Look, I know what you are. I know what you can do. And I know that I won't be able to do much against that. But I have an obligation to protect my daughter. You've got this look about you and I....' Whatever he'd been about to say died in his throat when another voice cut across his.

'Daddy, who's at the door? Mum said dinner is on the table and you should... ' Hermione stepped into the hallway on the last and fell silent, her eyes blinking broadly at the sight before her. 'Professor Snape?' she asked. He could hear shock in her voice and decided it was within his best interests to forgive her the use of his formal title after all their intimacy. Chances were that she didn't think the use of his given name was allowed.

'Hermione,' he intoned, shifting his attention from the bristling man at the door to his wife. She was dressed in a pair of faded jeans now, her torso lovingly caressed by a tight fitting shirt in gold. The sleeves were short and they showed off her lightly tanned skin to perfection. Her hair was still pulled up into a pony tail, though it was sloppier than it had been earlier. There was a startled expression on her face, telling him she'd obviously not expected him to show up here.

'Daddy, let him in. He's one of my teachers from Hogwarts. No doubt he's come to.... ' she trailed off and blinked at him. 'Why did you come, Professor?'

'I came to speak with you, Miss Granger,' he replied, content to slip into the use of formality for the moment. 'If that is permissable, of course.'

'Oh... Of course. Please. Come in,' Hermione nodded, her momentary shock gone. She seemed more herself when she stepped up next to her father and laid a hand on his arm. 'Daddy, its okay. He won't hurt us. Let him in.'

'If you say so, poppet,' Mr. Granger nodded, then turned and gave her a smile. He stepped back from the door, allowing Severus to enter his wife's home. The three of them stood in the hallway and stared at one another until a woman with hair the same shade of brown as Hermione's stepped into view.

'John? Who was at the door?' the woman asked, then gave her attention over to Severus. He inclined his head in acknowledgement. Her gaze went to her daughter. 'Hermione? Who is this?'

'Mum, Dad, this is Professor Snape. He was my potions teacher at Hogwarts. And he's....' she began. He could see where she was going with this, so he hastily jumped in.

'I have merely come to speak with Hermione about a few things pertaining to her last year of schooling,' he explained. She narrowed her eyes at him, obviously unhappy with his interruption. He stared at her evenly. 'Is there someplace we can speak in private?'

'Hermione, if you don't want to talk to him, you don't have to,' her father said, his eyes still locked on Severus' dark presence. Severus could feel the man's tension, as if it radiated off him like heat. For some reason, Hermione's father had taken an instant dislike to him. Something like that normally wouldn't matter, but she was his wife and he knew he'd have to see the man again. He did his best to ignore the animosity pouring off the other man and directed his attention to the man's daughter.

'No, Daddy. Its alright. I'll talk to him. Why don't you and Mum start dinner? I'll take the Professor out into the backyard to talk,' Hermione told them, offering her father a smile. Her father seemed to waiver in uncertainty for a moment. But her smile must have convinced him because he nodded, then stepped closer to her so that he could plant a kiss on her cheek.

'If you need anything...' he said lightly.

'John, stop it. Hermione's able to take care of herself. We'll be at the table if you need us,' her mother said, then came over to grab her husband's arm and pull him back up the hallway. Severus nodded to them, then waited for them to disappear around the corner. When he and Hermione were alone, he watched her silently. She seemed to be studying him, as if she'd never seen him before. Then she heaved a sigh and motioned for him to follow her.

'Come along. This way,' she pointed up the hallway. He followed her on silent feet along the length of the short corridor. They passed through a small but well kept living area. The furniture was wood and upholstery, while a plush floor rug laid over the center of the room. The entire area was decorated with taste and decorum. It looked homey and well lived in, but not worn. He could see much of Hermione in the way the room was decorated. Neat and orderly, with only a hint of clutter, and well used but well kept. Her mind was very like this room. He suspected that her bedchambers would be the same.

The thought took him far too close to others that he had no right to linger over at the moment and he hastily pushed them away before his common sense was over ridden by his desires. The two of them stepped through a pair of double doors, out onto a small patio area. The back yard seemed to be as well kept as the front, with plenty of small, green plants and mroe of the bright flowers to turn it from being a plain square of green to a lively little garden. There was an old swing hanging from the branch of a large tree near the back of the lot. He could well imagine Hermione playing out here as a child.

She showed him over to a patio suite. It was on the edge of the patio, far enough from the door to afford them privacy but close enough to share the light that shone over the doors they'd come through. Settling into one of the chairs, she waited patiently for him to do the same. When he was settled, he gave her a look and found he had no idea what to say. 'Severus?' she prodded when he didn't speak immediately. 'You wanted to see me about something?'

He could hear a slight note of worry in her voice, prompting him to wonder what she could possibly be worried about. He thought briefly that she might be worried about the state of their marriage, but brushed it aside. She hadn't wanted to marry him any more than he had her. She was probably only wondering what had brought him. He recalled then where he'd gone after visiting her place of work and reached into an inner pocket. One hand offered her a package plainly wrapped in brown paper. 'I thought you might perhaps like this,' he told her.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she opened the paper. When her hands made contact with the contents, a look of pure joy made its home on her face. Almost reverently, she opened the cover and turned several of the pages. 'Its quite old, isn't it?' she asked almost breathlessly.

'It is. I was forced to travel to an antiquities dealer to seek it out. I thought that you would perhaps enjoy it. It is a first edition on ancient runes. I know you excelled in the course while at Hogwarts,' he replied, pleased that she was happy with his gift.

'Its wonderful. Thank you, Severus. But I don't think I understand,' she looked up at him and there was a flash of uncertainty in her eyes.

'The point was brought home to me, by several people I might add, that I know almost nothing about you. In fact, I was told that I used you merely for a convenient place to deposit my sperm. It is a sad truth, but a truth none the less. I believe it was mentioned once or twice that I should perhaps attempt to get to know you,' he explained to her.

Disbelief shone on her face for a moment, then the mistrust took hold. 'This isn't simply a ploy, is it?' she asked him. 'Some ruse to get back into my good graces and back into my knickers?'

'If that were the case, I would have forgone the book and simply used magic. I came here tonight to let you know that it is my sincere wish to get to know you,' he intoned softly. 'That does not mean that our marriage will be easy. I am far from an easy man.'

At this, she laughed and set her book aside. Looking up at him, she nodded. 'I don't think I'm all that easy, either. I've been told I'm an insufferable Know-It-All. And I've been told I'm bossy. In fact, I don't believe that there's much truly pleasant about me.'

His reply was a snort. 'You happen to be quite accomplished in pursuits of a more carnal nature. And you are acceptable at kissing. Besides, I have been called many unpleasant things. Though I may not have wanted this marriage, the fact of the matter is I am married to you. I have marked you as my own and, as such, I will see it through. It is not within my nature to give up.'

She said nothing, merely reached inside of her shirt to pull out the ring he'd unceremoniously forced onto her finger. It hung from a chain that was long enough to see the piece nestled safely between her breasts. For a moment, he longed to be that ring. Then common sense took control once more and he realized that she'd likely been wearing it there since the day he'd put it on her hand. 'Nor is it in mine, Severus. But I can't be nothing more than a simple toy. I'm too proud to be a plaything for anyone. If you truly plan on being my husband, there has to be something more to our relationship than sex.'

He gave her an assessing look. There was conviction in her words, as well as a sense of pride. She meant what she said and she wasn't about to beg him for anything. But she wasn't going to give in all that easily, either. This was a road he'd have to travel carefully if he were to be successful. He wondered for a moment, staring at her as she sat across for him, if it was worth it. He knew that his answer would have been an emphatic no not all that long ago. Now, he wasn't so sure. Something had changed, though he couldn't say what it was. He only knew that she was his and he didn't plan on giving her up any time soon. Finally, with a wry twist of his lips, he nodded.

'As you say, Hermione. We cannot base our lives together on something so simple as sex. Even if it is utterly amazing sex. You are a person with thoughts and emotions and you are entitled to be treated as such,' he admitted slowly.

'Wait a minute. Together? Our lives together? Does that mean what I think it means, Severus?' she asked him cautiously.

'It does. You are my wife and, as such, your place is at my side. Not here with your parents and certainly not in that shop. You will grow old far before your time there. I will not promise roses and sunshine all the days of our lives. I am too set in my ways and too difficult a man for such romantic notions. But I will do what I can to make you feel.... welcome in the routine of my life.'

She fell into thought, her eyes on him. He could see things flying through her mind, the reflection of their passing in the brilliance of her gaze as she stared. There was much there, many thing she knew neither of them could, or would, be able to answer at present. He hadn't lied. He knew he couldn't offer her the kind of life a man of more feeling and less thought could offer. But he would do his best by her. He was bound to do so. She was his, after all. The ring he'd put on her hand, now cradled in her fist, had marked her as his own. He kept what was his, no matter what.

After what seemed a lengthy, painful silence, she stood and gave in to a burst of nervous energy. He could see she wanted to ask him so many questions, but she was biting her tongue. Either she felt he wouldn't want her to bombard him with them or she was trying to find the most pertinent one to ask first. Finally, she broke her silence and moved to settle back down into her chair. 'I know that this isn't what you wanted. I'm not the person you'd have picked for a wife. I'm rather a plain person next to some. But I feel I'll be a good wife for you, if you really want to continue our marriage. I've a keen mind and I can manage to cook a few things. I know it won't be easy for either of us, but if its what you believe you want..... If you would rather dissolve the marriage, I'll understand that, too.'

'I have given our situation some thought. I am far too old and miserable to even consider finding myself a wife, much less another one. Much as marriage has never been something I would consider doing, the fact of the matter is that we are married. I have never been one to shirk my responsibilities. Man and wife we are and man and wife we shall stay. Only so long as it is something we both want.'

She gave him a considering look. 'This isn't just about the mind-blowing sex?' she asked. He nearly retorted to her that he'd said it wasn't when he caught the glint of mischief in her eyes, then the uplifting of her lips. She was teasing him.

'We are bound together, Hermione. The sex is particularly enjoyable. But I would much rather fuck with your mind than someone else's.'

She grinned at him a moment, then her brow puckered and a frown took the grin's place. 'Oh, bugger. What the bloody hell am I to tell my parents?'

'The truth is always a good place to start,' he suggested with a faint smirk on his face.

'Oh, that one is going to go over well enough,' she muttered, so lost to thought that she didn't hear the door to the patio open. She failed to note her parents stepping out onto the patio, obviously wondering what kind of school business they had to discuss that would take them this long. Severus noted their presence, but said nothing. He figured it might be much easier this way than any other. In fact, he was almost relishing the reaction to come. 'I can see it now. It would be a nightmare. Mum, Dad. Severus and I have gotten married. In fact, we've been man and wife for two months. I know he's older and he isn't the most pleasant of men, but you wouldn't believe just how bloody amazing he is in bed. He can shag like there's no tomorrow.'

'Oh dear God!' Mary Granger gasped from the other side of the patio. Hermione swung to find both of her parents staring at her, eyes wide and mouths agape. Sighing, she buried her head in her hands. But Severus had seen the mortification on her face.

'Bloody hell!' she muttered and, for the first time in a long while, Severus actually let go with a short, rich bark of laughter.

end chapter twenty one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

the usual round of thanks to all the Wenches. they're my rock, my base and i love them all dearly. also, extra special thanks to my kitty cat and onyx, who are always there for me, no matter what. and they make great sounding boards. *huggles them all tightly* thanks for everthing, my sisters.

this is entirely self-beta'ed, so if you find any mistakes, please don't hurt me. i'm still only human. damned gods are slower than the mail. but i will one day attain my godhood. then watch out! i'll be.... erm.... mental for all eternity. again, if you enjoy this, please feel free to tell me so. i do so appreciate every comment i'm gifted with. you guys rock so hard.

finally, a last round of thanks.

to mariteri: i'm going as fast as i can. i hope this update is good for you. sorry it took so long, but that's the curse of so many bunnies and only two hands. i hope you enjoy this one, too.

to Queen Celestia: i'm sorry to make you reread it all. hopefully it was as good the second time as the first. hope this one is good for you, too.

to Jennifer: there might be a fight that leads to sex later, but not at this time. i hope you liked this chapter as much as the last.

to wicked: i'd never have Hermione give in that easily. she might want to hop back into the sack, but she has her principles and all. i hope you liked this one.

to Sampdoria: glad you enjoyed it. hope you like this one, too.

to Darque Hart: i'm sorry that you felt that way about the chapter. the purpose wasn't to make Hermoine be an ass. it was meant purely as a means to show that she had a brain and she could use it. as my son is fond of saying, that commercial is so stupid. but people have this tendency to recall stupid things before they do smart things. also, it takes a very smart person to act dumb. let's also take into account that just about everything is known to irritate Severus. secondly, as to the spell, i don't believe i mentioned any where that the spell worked continuously. it was there all day, but there's no mention in that chapter of the ghostly hands and lips working her over from the moment she dressed to the moment she undressed. granted, such a thing would end up being painful in real life, but this isn't real life and i will stand by my decision to include that in my chapter. as i've heard no other complaints on the idea, i'm going to believe that you were the only one who found it to be unrealistic. also, considering its a work of fantasy and we're all reading these fics knowing their fantasy...... it doesn't always have to be literal.

to gustav: i could send the dragon by to roast your ass anyway. i'm sure he'd like it. but i can't guarantee he'd stop. but i'm glad to know you couldn't find fault with the story. i love my disclaimers. they generally do tend to be quite silly, but that's the way i intend them to be. this chapter has, i hope, answered some of your questions. but i'm sure it'll raise others. i'm so glad you're enjoying.

to Megan: glad you're enjoying and i hope you like this one, too.

to catysmom: i'm going as fast as my fevered brain and hands will allow me to go. but i've got to admit the bunnies have been wicked this past month or so and all kinds of ideas have been attacking me. so i'm trying to get it all out of my head. that isn't easy. at any rate, here's the next chapter and i hope you enjoy.

to ProperT: well, Snape is Snape. i'm sure he'll wake up soon and realize the error of his ways. but hopefully not too soon. i think the story would get boring then. hope you like this one.

to youki_gentsu: i'm going as fast as i can. i hope you like this one.

to paranoid: yes, yes i am cruel. thanks, hon.

to Moyra: i hope you'll like this one, too. hopefully, this one answers your questions.

to Anon: *giggles* i'm so glad you love it. i hope this chapter works for you.

to gwenivere73: i'm glad you're enjoying it. i hope you like this one as well.

to Christina: i have no intentions of dropping this story. i'm working at updating as fast as i can. i hope you like this chapter as much as you liked the others.

to Foryoureyesonly: i'm going as fast as i can.

to ktrekkie: here's an update for you. i'm sorry it wasn't sooner, but i hope you enjoy this.

to Hey: here's more more more. gods, that sounds like an old 70's song by a former porn queen.

to Jules: you've been reading since the beginning? i'm so glad you've been enjoying my offering and hope you continue to do so.