The Rules of Engagement

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Hi all,

I had hoped to post this sooner, but I am sick. (and looking for all the sympathy reviews I can get ;) To make matters worse my ‘friend’ came into town today. UGH !!

Hope you like. Obviously more to come.

Glinda


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“Bloody hell !!” Severus said with irritation. He threw the book back on the low table and leaned back on the couch, his hand over his eyes. This was the same bloody information he had been staring at for days and it was revealing no new information. What illness could drain the life from a werewolf ? A creature known for it’s strength. Severus may not have always liked Remus, but for a very long time, he had feared him. Watching him transform had brought back many of the old fears, even though he knew Lupin had taken the Wolfsbane potion, there was still that touch of uncertainty. But the wolf had paid him little mind and did not look up to a fight. Somehow this bothered Severus even more. He wiped a hand over his face feeling completely drained. Then his head snapped up at the sound of a knock on his door. He went to the door grumbling to himself, but was surprised by who he found there.

“Hermione !” The young woman did not wait for an invitation, but brushed past him into his private quarters. “Should you not be in class ?”

“No. I spoke with the Headmaster and turned in all class work for the next two days. I asked permission to help ynd Pnd Professor Dumbledore granted it. You cannot do this on your own, Severus. I’m here to help.” Her rich brown eyes looked up to him with such caring, he felt an unbidden smile turn at his lips.

“I do not know how much help you can be, my dear, but I am grateful of the company.” Severus said. She smiled and walked into his embrace. This was becoming so familiar, holding her, finding comfort in her arms.

Hermione pulled back and looked at the books on the table. “We can start with these.” Severus said gesturing at the low table. “I have been through them several times, but perhaps you will see something I have missed.” Severus watched as his fiancé, and now research partner, sat on his couch and pulled three large tomes onto her lap. With a slight chuckle to himself, he went to make them some tea.

~*~

Several hours, a quickly eaten lunch, three rather colorful outbursts and two heated arguments later, they were no closer to an answer than they were before. Severus was seriously beginning to wonder if Lupin had been correct. Perhaps they should be preparing Hermione and Potter for the werewolf’s death. Severus paced in front of the fireplace, luckily it did not appeared to distract Hermione, which was a good thing because pacing helped him think . . . . well usually.

“Severus . . . . what is this ?” Hermione tucked her hair behind her ear, then turned a book towards him. She was pointing to a name in the reference section of the book.

“Tabularium Lupinus ? It appears to be a source of information for the text.” She turned him an aggravated expression.

“Yes, thank you, I knew that. But this is given as a source of information for nearly every text I’ve looked at. What is it ?” Severus sighed and looked at the aga again. Tabularium Lupinus. Translated that would be . . . . . . . The Lycanthrope Archives.

“It means Lycanthrope Archives.” He said. She gave him an expression of even greater annoyance.

“Yes, I can read Latin,” She snapped. “but where is it.” Suddenly the proverbial Lumos flashed above his head. All the information he had been reading was second hand gathered from the source, ‘this’ source.

“I do not know.” Severus admitted. They stared at each other for a moment, then, almost as one, they were on their way to the door and headed for the Library.

Since it was nearing the dinner hour, the Library was empty. The Potions Master and Head Girl were alone with the musty tomes, which was just as well. Severus was in no mood for dunderheads in his way. For the first time, he felt as if he were coming close to finding an answer. Even though the werewolf’s life lay in the balance, the dark man’s mind could not help but revel in the challenge.

Only, a challenge it was still proving to be. They had been searching for roughly two hours and at the moment it did not look promising. Severus raised his head to look at the young woman seated across from him. Even with her brow furrowed in thought and chewing absent mindedly on her finger, he loved her. He loved her mind, so like his own. He loved that not only was she willing to help, but competent as well. He looked back down at the book on the tablefronfront of him with a slight grin.

THWACK !!

Severus looked up startled by the large heavy book slapping closed across the table. The fire was back in the young woman’s eyes. “I think we’re going about this all wrong.” She said in a huff.

“Oh ?”

“Well obviously, since we’re not getting anywhere.” Hermione snapped, then stood up and paced the length of the table as the dark man watched.

“What do you suggest ?”

“Let’s look at this logically.” She stopped mid stride and bit her lip, staring off in thought. “Let’s say I’m Thaddeus White,” Severus snorted, gaining him a glare. “and I want to write a book on Werewolves. Where would I begin my research ?”

“With the Ministry.”

“Only we’ve gone over every department in the Ministry, idingding the Bordello regulatory division and I didn’t even know they had one.”

“I did.” Severus said with a grin. Hermione raised her eyebrow, but went on.

“Be that as it may, we have found nothing of use in the Ministry.”

“There rarely is.”

“So where else would White look for information ?”

“The next greatest stockpile of knowledge would be Hogwart’s Library, but we have come up with nothing here.” Severus stretched in his chair, enjoying her game. It was, at the very least, a new way to attack the problem. Hermione nibbled her lip, hands on her hips, for a few moments, then her head shot up and he could see a light in her eyes.

“Hogwarts is not the only school with a library. What about Beauxbatons and Durmstrang ? Who knows what resources they might have.” She said moving to the reference section again. Severus’ brow lifted and he nodded his head.

“It is a possibility.”

“You research Beauxbatons and I’ll take Durmstrang. I had looked up Durmstrang before when I was writing to Victor.” Severus got up and cast her a odd look.

Hermione pulled out a book, then pointed her finger at the dark man. “And you can take that look off your face. I haven’t heard a thing from him in over a year.” To which Severus’ only response was a ‘hmm’.

Finding the book he was looking for, Severus took it over to the table again and sat across from a furiously reading Hermione. He liked this. The thought came unbidden into his brain. He found he liked having a companion to help him with research and someone to bounce ideas off of. Marriage was suddenly something to look forward to and not just for the bedroom activities. His eyes dropped back down to the page he was supposed to be reading.

“That’s it !!” Hermione shouted excitedly sometime later. Severus looked up.

“What is it ?”

“Here.” She said, pointing at the page she had been reading. “’Durmstrang also boasts the largest accumulated knowledge on the care of magical creatures including Tabularium Draconis, Tabularium Lamiae and Tabularium Lupinus’. That’s it, the Lycanthrope Archi”
”

“Very good. I will leave immediately.” Severus said, returning his book to it’s proper location.

“I’m going with you.” She said gathering books from the table hurriedly.

“No, you are not. You are not to leave this castle.”

“You said not to leave it without you. Well, I’m going with you.”

“No, Hermione. I do not know how long I will be gone. Someone competent needs to be here in case Poppy needs help with a potion for Remus.” He held her shoulders looking into her eyes. She didn’t like it, but he could see she understood.

“Alright then.” She said as she placed the last book back on the shelf. “Come back to my room.”

Severus raised an eyebrow.

“So you can floo the Headmaster and I can order us some dinner.” She passed by him on her way out of the library. Severus wasn’t certain how he felt about this new development in her personality. It annoyed him at times, to be told what to do, but it also felt good to know someone cared whether he was eating properly and getting enough rest. Shaking his head, he followed her out the door like the love sick pup he was.


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Hermione paused once she walked out of the Library, then turned towards the hospital wing, she knew Severus would understand.

When they reached the Infirmary, all was quiet. Severus spoke to Madam Pomfrey, while Hermione went in to see Remus. He looked so peaceful lying there. Like death. The thought came as unbidden to her mind, as the tears did to her eyes. She wiped at her eyes as the man on the bed stirred.

“Mione.” Remus whispered sleepily. She gave him the best smile she could and sat on the bed.

“Hi Remy. How are you feeling ?”

“No point in saying I’m fine, is there ?” He grinned softly, then looked into her eyes more seriously. “I’m sorry.”

“For what ?” Hermione asked.

“For having to leave you and Ron and Harry.” His chilled hand covered hers and the tears resting in her eyes threatened to spill over.

“Cease being so maudlin, Remus.” Severus’ smooth baritone snapped. “Yre nre not going anywhere. And I will thank you to remove your hands from my fiancé.”

The werewolf laughed, looking more like himself. The dark man sat in the chair beside the bed.

“What happened this morning exactly ?” Hermione asked both men.

“As usual,” Severus snarled. “a bloody Gryffindor did not listen to instructions.”

“Ist wht what happened ?” Remus asked, looking chagrinned.

“With no food in your system, the potion was absorbed far too quickly and overwhelmed your organs. You will be very lucky, if you have not done permanent damage to your liver.”

“So . . . . Remus took his potion and passed out.” Hermione asked, trying to understand.

“He did not simply pass out, my dear, he died. No pulmonary function, no respiratory function.” The dark man said seriously. Hermione’s mouth dropped open and Remus appeared shocked.

“How did you . . . .? What spells did you use ?” The fair haired man asked with a note of awe.

“I did not know any spells for this particular problem. Bill Weasley saved your life with some kind of muggle technique.”

“C. P. R.” Hermione said. Both wizardsned ned to her. “Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. Bill had to know it as a curse breaker. If your partner triggers a curse in the field, the last thing you would want to do is use more magic. The Ministry taught them this muggle technique. Bill showed it to us a couple of summers ago, since we spent so much time in the pond.”

Both wizards appeared impressed.

“Muggles are very resourceful, aren’t they ?” Remus said with wonder.

“Did Bill do it by himself ?” Hermione asked and saw Severus shift his eyes away. Remus didn’t really seem to understand.

“We should be going. I told Poppy we would not stay long.” Severus stood up and Hermione noticed he appeared uncomfortable. Hermione kissed Remus’ cheek and said good night.

“Hermione will be looking in on you, so do try to behave yourself in my absence.” The dark man said.

“Where are you going ? Have you found something ?” The sick man looked momentarily more alert.

“Not as such, but I have a promising lead.” Severus said crisply, then his tone softened. “I shall return as quickly as possible.”

The werewsmilsmiled. “Thank you, Severus, for everything.” The Potions Master waved off the thanks.

“Just do not let me find out you have been making passes at my bride again.” To which Remus laughed and waved at them as they left.

On the way to her quarters, Hermione looked up at the pensive face of her intended. “Why couldn’t you tell him ? Remy ld kld know you helped save his life.” Dark eyes darted to her, then he made a small movement of his shoulder that might have been a shrug.

“Mr. Weasley is the one who saved Lupin. I merely did as instructed.”

Hermione frowned to herself and put her arm through her fiancés as they walked. Why couldn’t Severus accept thanks from anyone ? Maybe he was not used to being thanked for what he did. Helly lly was a good man. Suddenly, the thought of becoming a Snape made her veryud. ud.

~*~

Hermione ordered dinner from the kitchen for both of them. She was still irked at not being able to go with Severus to Durmstrang, but his reasons made sense. Madam Pomfrey, while a wonderful school nurse, was not the most gifted person with potions. Really, if she told the truth, Hermione was flattered by Severus’ praise of her abilities.

“Severus ? Is there news ?” Professor Dumbledore’s head appeared anxious as it floated in the green flames.

“Not as yet, Albus. I have some information I need to follow up on. I will be leaving for Durmstrang at once. I am not certain when I will return.”

“Not to worry. I will see to your classes myself.” The Headmaster said, then chuckled as Severus let out a humph. “I shall do my best to be strict with them.” Hermione sniggered and Severus shot her an annoyed glare.

“Take dinner with your fiancé and leave in the morning.”

“But sir . . .” Dumbledore held up his hand to halt the dark man’s protest.

“Severus, I commend your enthusiasm, but I am afraid a must curb it somewhat. You are of no use to anyone if you make yourself ill. ” The old wizard peered over his spectacles, which lost no effect even in the flames.

“Very well.” Severus let out with a grumble. After saying good night, Dumbledore’s head disappeared leaving the normal fire in the grate.

As soon as the elves brought dinner, Hermione tucked right in and with a nod of her head encouraged Severus to do the same. Conversation was brief and sporadic, mostly about what treasures might be found in the Lycanthrope Archives and the possibility of someday visiting the Vampire and Dragon Archives.

After dinner, Severus had gotten comfortable and removed his robes and coat. He was leaning back on the couch with his hands behind his head and his eyes closed. At that moment, he looked no older than Harry or Ron, she mused. Hermione got her sleep shirt and went into the bathroom to change. Somehow she didn’t think Severus would like her undressing in front of him. Or he might like it very much, she thought with a grin. She undressed and threw on the long tee shirt, then sat on the toilet to relieve herself. She casually glanced at her knickers. Blood. Her breath stopped and her heart sank in her chest. She stared for a few moments. So, she wasn’t pregnant then, she thought, cleaning herself up and putting on the proper protection.

“You’re being ridiculousHermHermione told herself in the mirror as she washed her hands. Severus would have been upset if they had conceived, she knew that. But as illogical as it sounded, a small part of her had hoped there was a new life growing within her. ‘Well, Severus will be relieved.’, she thought with a sigh.

Coming out of the bathroom, she saw her fiancé was right where she had left him. Hermione went over and sat beside him on the couch. The dark man opened his eyes, when he felt her settle next to him. His expression growing concerned as he took in her countenance.

“Hermione ? What is wrong ?” She tried to deceive him with a grin and a shake of her head.

“Nothing.” Hermione hoped he would let the subject drop, but her answer only made him search her face more closely.

“Are you angry with me ?” Severus asked.

“No.” She said shaking her head. A soft warm hand touched her face as dark eyes studied her. “I have good news . . . . I guess.” His brow knit even tighter together and she dropped her eyes, staring at the buttons on his shirt.

“I’m not pregnant.” Silence. So long a silence that she finally looked up to see if he had heard her.

“This upsets you ?” He asked slowly. Hermione let out a tension filled sigh and looked back down in time to see three tears fall onto her knee.

“I’m fine.”

“You are not fine. Come here.” Severus pulled her into a hug and to her shame she began to cry on his shoulder. Something about this usually stern man comforting her, broke down all her defenses. She wasn’t a crier by nature and hated women who cried all the time.

It was several minutes, before she noticed Severus had lifted her into his lap. Her arms were tightly wound around his neck and his hands caressed her back patiently. Hermione hiccupped and tried to calm her breathing, still mortified she had cried in the first place. Severus finally eased her off his lap, stood and took her to the bed. Once she was lying down with the covers pulled over her, she braved a look into his eyes. He sat on the edge of the bed, brought out a handkerchief and proceeded to dry her face. His eyes showed only concern, which made her squeeze her eyes shut forcing out the last few tears.

“Do you mind if I stay here tonight ?” Severus asked softly, searching her eyes.

“I think I’d prefer it.” Hermione said gratefully, giving him a small grin. He bent down and placed a kiss on her forehead, then stood and went in to the bathroom.

Hermione listened to the crackle of the fire and the wind whistling past her tower window. She felt as if a heavy weight were pressing on her chest. She had not really been thinking about whether they might have conceived, but apparently part of her brain, the part that wanted to be a mother, had been. That was what was causing the ache in her heart. What must women who have miscarriages go through ? That must be a hundred times worse, she thought. She fervently hoped she would never know first hand.

Severus came out of the bathroom in his black cotton boxers and went to the wardrobe to hang his clothes. Hermione’s eyes roamed over the dark man, watching how his muscles moved and the grace of his hands. He was elegant, resplendent and proud. What might a child of his be like ?

“Will it be alright for you to stay here ? I mean as a head of Slytherin House. What if you’re needed ? I don’t want to get you in any trouble.”
Severus chuckled as he got into bed and put out the candles with his wand. “The house elves will be able to reach me, if I am needed. But I keep a tighter rein on my charges than my colleagues. I do not foresee any problems.”
Hermione turned on her side to face him and Severus did the same. A brief thought passed through her mind that this ought to feel awkward, yet it didn’t. Thisuatiuation seemed familiar, warm and comfortable. This was not the feared Potions Master. This was Severus.

A warm hand brushed her hair back from her face. “Are you alright ?” he bhe breathed in the scent of his skin, then sighed. “I know it’s illogical to be disappointed, but I can’t help it. At least you don’t have to worry anymore.” He rd ond onto his back and stared up at the canopy of the bed.

“As strange as it sounds, I find als also a little disappointed.” He quickly added. “That does not mean I have changed my mind . . . . . . only that I understand.”

“You’re disappointed ?” She asked unbelieving. He turned his head to look at her seriously.

“How could I feel anything but honored to have a child with you ?”

Hermione grinned and scooted over. Severus lifted his arm and placed it around her as she snuggled next to him, putting her head on his shoulder. She still felt the dull ache, but having him here helped. It helped a great deal, she thought as she drifted off to sleep.


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*** Please review !! The author is whiney and has the sniffles. Comments are appreciated.

*s~n~i~f~f* OY!!


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Glinda


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