All the way

The next morning, Hermione awoke early, to check on their \'guests\'. She slid from the bed and Severus arms, pulling her old clothes off and her silk robe on.

Making her way to the living room, Hermione smiled; not one other person was awake yet. She had some coffee and a slice of toast. Although witches were not meant to have any illness in the six months of their pregnancy, Hermione did feel queasy, but she suspected it was because she had muggle blood.

As she was about to go to the bathroom to get dressed, some one stirred in the living room. The sound of rustling wrapping paper made Hermione decide to check it out. She exited the kitchen and watched as Lily shifted in her sleep.

Remembering Annie and Lucius in her bedroom, Hermione headed that way. She opened the door silently and stepped in. The sight before her made her sigh.

Annie was curled into Lucius, who had his arms around her gently. Her head was tucked under his chin and his chin was resting on her red head. She knew it had been cold last night; they had probably been drawn to each others heat.

But that didn\'t make it any the less cute.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Minerva had just finished telling Poppy about the food fight yesterday and she knew that Poppy was desperate to say something; she had been on the verge of doing so for the past week. The gossip was fit to burst.

\"Spill.\" Minerva demanded, using her best stern-teacher voice. It seemed to work.

\"Ok, But you have to promise not to tell any one!\" Poppy squealed. Minerva nodded and drew a cross over her heart with her finger, \"You\'ll never have guessed it. I hate to say I told you so but... I TOLD YOU SO MINI!!!\"

Minerva shook her head, \"What are you on about, you loon?\"

\"Hermione, she\'s pregnant!\"

\"Noooo...\" Minerva gasped, \"With Severus?\"

\"Of course!\" Poppy looked scandalized, \"Who else has she been with? No one, that’s who, I can see it, they are in love, Mini, love! You should have seen his face when he brought her in; he was... well you saw it the day she was stabbed.\"

\"Oh my God!\" Minerva chipped in, \"You just reminded me; I think he proposed! She had this ring on that finger and it was perfect! Silver with a diamond and... Oooh it was just gorgeous!\"

\"Minerva!\" Poppy smirked, \"You sound like a teenager!\"

\"So do you!\" Minerva pouted.
____________________________________________________

\"Bye!\" Hermione waved the gang of people off down the hall. Their \'guests\' had finally woken up and, after some lunch, decided to go. Well, nearly every one had awoken; Annie and Lucius were still in her bed. Yesterday must have really knocked them out.

Arms slipped around Hermiones waist and she leaned in Severus.

\"All gone?\" He asked.

\"Almost.\" She sighed as he ran his tongue up her neck, but she pushed him back, \"You\'ll have to stop doing that. If I get to excited I may get the urge to pounce on you.\"

Severus smirked, \"In that case, in normal circumstances, I would have the urge to carry on.\"

Hermione smiled and rolled her eyes, \"So selfish!\"

Severus let out a bark of laughter and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her tight to him.

\"Get out of my way -!\"

\"No! You get out of my way Weasley! Stop pushing - WOA!!!\"

Severus and Hermione jumped apart and watched amused, as Lucius and Annie fell through the bedroom door and landed in a heap on the floor.

Lucius jumped up and started to straighten his robes, but fell back over when Annie grabbed his arm, trying to pull herself up. Hermione had to stifle a laugh; they looked hilarious.

\"What are you doing!?\" Lucius Hissed, righting himself again.

\"You were the one who shoved me!\" Annie elbowed him in the ribs.

\"Ow! Get off of me!\" Lucius elbowed her back.

Severus cleared his throat and the children stopped talking, although they carried on nudging each other.

\"You\'re awake then.\" Hermione grinned, \"I think its time that you went back to your friends, eh?\"

\"Yeah.\"

\"Sure.\"

They said, preoccupied with hitting each other. Hermione laughed, shook her head and held the door open for them.

\"See you later!\" She called after the students, but they didn\'t hear, they were still hissing at each other.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Lucius dodged the Weasleys elbow again, as they headed down the hall.

\"We got caught \'cause of you!\" She hissed.

\"Oh yeah,\" He said sarcastically, \"Me, Lucius Malfoy, Slytherin supreme, God of the sneakies is the one to get us caught. Not you, Andromeda Weasley, Girly Gryffindor, Lioness of joking.\"

Annie swatted his arm, \"Shut up Malfoy.\" She grinned, \"Mini ferret.\"

\"Well, at leased my father never had a beard like Dumbledores.\" Lucius remembered what his father had told him about the Goblet of Fire.

\"At leased my father didn\'t get hit by a girl!\" Annie teased.

\"A girl?\" Lucius frowned, \"My father would never, ever let himself be hit by a girl.\"

\"Well he did!\" the girl said, seeming proud that she knew something he didn\'t, \"\'Mione punched him in their third year; right on the nose.\"

\"No,\" Lucius couldn\'t believe it, \"She wouldn\'t hit any one; she wouldn\'t hurt a fly.\"

\"Fine,\" Annie huffed, as they turned the corner that lead to the entrance to his common room, \"Don\'t believe me then.\"

They stopped at the entrance.

\"Well,\" Annie turned to him, \"Merry Christmas. See ya.\"

\"Yeah, bye.\" Lucius watched as the red head disappeared around a corner. He sighed and spoke the password.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Annie entered the common room.

\"Hey!\" Pat waved her over, \"Where have you been? I though you left with us.\"

\"No, I was still asleep with -\" Annie stopped as Pat finished.

\"Lucius, I know.\" She smirked, \"Annie! Oh my God, you spent the night with him! In the same bed!\"

\"Oh shut up!\" Annie laughed.

\"Ok, ok! I\'ll leave it!\" Pat was obviously trying not to laugh, \"But you know he -\"

She was cut off by a cushion in her face.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Lucius plopped down in the common room. The only person that was their was Tony, as he had just come through the entrance.

\"Where were you last night?\" The boy asked.

\"Is that any of your business?\" Lucius sneered.

\"No, but I was wondering... it’s just, I saw you... with that Weasley...\" Tony hinted and Lucius sighed.

\"Yes, I was with An- Weasley. Happy now.\"

\"No; tell me why you would be walking with a Blood traitor like her?\" Tony pushed.

\"Oh, why don\'t you shut your big bloody mouth!\" Lucius yelled, angry for some unexplainable reason, as he stomped up to him dormitory.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

\"Severus?\"

\"Hmm?\"

\"You are... happy... aren\'t you?\" She asked uncertainly.

Severus stopped stroking her hair and turned her to face him. They were sitting on the sofa in his rooms, Hermione curled against his chest.

\"Why would you ask such a question?\" He frowned.

\"I was just thinking...\" She gestured vaguely.

\"You think too hard.\" He stated, kissing her forehead.

\"Severus,\" She pleaded, \"I\'m being serious.\"

\"Oh Hermione,\" He shook his head, \"Do you honestly think that I would rather be in Azkaban than here with you?\"

\"I don\'t know.\" She sighed.

\"Silly, silly girl.\" he chided gently.

\"Are you really, truly happy?\" She pressed, \"Just give me a yes or no answer.\"

\"Yes,\" He smiled, \"You would never, in a million years, believe how happy I am. I love you so much; why do you doubt it?\"

Hermione shrugged, \"I just never really expected this when I first went to Azkaban and I’ve never really had some one who is so... protective. Some times, I just wonder if it’s real.\"

\"So do I, love,\" Hermione nestled back into his chest and he resumed stroking her hair, \"So do I...\"

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Hermione and Severus spent the next week and New Years Eve with the Weasleys and Harry. Ron’s was still ignoring Hermione and barely speaking to Harry or his family.

It was Monday and this time next week, Hermione would be retiring from a hard days teaching. As it was, at the moment, Severus was escorting her to a staff meeting.

Hermione took a seat next to Remus and Severus took the seat on her other side. The chattering died down and Minerva stood up.

\"There is only one thing on the agenda for this meeting.\" She informed the group. Most of them groaned about being pulled out of their warm chambers for one measly message, \"At the end of January,\" The Head Mistress continued, \"There will be an evening for the parents of the first years to meet the teachers of the student’s choice.\" People turned to the person next to them and started to mutter. Hermione turned to Severus; he was wearing an expression blacker than night and had been all day, for some unknown reason. Minerva went on, \"I have decided to do this because there are more and more new parents that we don\'t know properly. I want them feel that they are able to address concerns confidently, and that we will listen.\" She paused, \"Any questions?\"

\"Why do the students get to pick what Professors their parents see?\" Flitwick squeaked.

\"I also feel that the younger students should be able to talk and trust their Professors; to be able to do that they need to know more about them. Especially the Professors that they may have heard rumors about.\" Minerva looked pointedly at Hermione, Severus and Remus.

Hermione knew that there had been all sorts of things spread after the war, about everybody involved. She glanced at Severus again; he looked really, really angry.

\"That concludes the nights meeting; you are free to go if you wish.\" Minerva said, opening a bottle of wine as every one conjured glasses and held them out.

Hermione was about to ask Severus if he wanted to stay, but as she turned to him, He stood up and stormed from the room. She was about to go after him, when a hand landed on her shoulder.

\"Be careful,\" Remus warned, \"He looked almost violent.\"

\"I\'ll be fine,\" Hermione laughed, \"I should go and see what’s wrong.\"

\"Alright,\" He took his hand away slowly, \"but if he so much as raises his voice to you, you are to come straight to my rooms. Understand?\"

\"Remus, I can handle him -\"

\"Listen Hermione, you have provided me with a life, I don\'t want to see you hurt.\" Remus implored, \"Promise me that you\'ll come to me if he even looks at you the wrong way.\"

Hermione smiled, \"I promise.\"

Slowly, she got up and hurried out of the staff room. Hermione made her way down to the dungeons in record time and slipped into her rooms.

Severus was not in her rooms, so she knocked on the door that connected her living room to his. She poked her head around the door.

\"Severus?\" Hermione called softly. He was sitting on a chair with his back to her, facing the fire.

\"Since when do you knock?\" Hermione could hear the sneer even if she couldn\'t see it.

\"You just looked like you might have wanted some time alone when you left the meeting.\" Hermione said carefully as she approached him.

\"And yet you still come after me.\" He said indifferently.

Hermione froze, \"Well, if you want to be alone just say and I’ll leave. I don\'t mind; I\'ll go if you want?\"

She barely heard the \"No.\" that he whispered, over the crackle of the fire.

Hermione carried on walking slowly, \"You\'ve been off with me all day. What’s wrong?\" She asked as she knelt down by his feet.

\"You want to know?\" He asked, looking down at her.

\"Oh God, don\'t start this again.\" She mumbled, \"Of course I want to know.\"

\"This,\" He pulled a piece of parchment from the table by him handed it to her, \"is what’s wrong.\"

Hermione looked down at the parchment. She recognized it; it was a letter from Ginny. She and Harry had gone on holiday and she had sent Hermione a letter.

Hermione had only read the first bit, as she had been in a hurry to have a shower. She unfolded the parchment and read.

Hey Hermione,

It\'s gorgeous here! (Where ever here is?!) The beach is just WOW!! And the best bit is...

Harry PROPOSED!!! It was sooooo cool! We were sitting on the beach... in the evening... then we started wrestling... and the he just came out with it!

I am sooooo happy! And I know I’m doing the right thing. Harry won\'t pressure me into anything, he\'ll look after me, Lily is just gorgeous, he said that he wants kids with ME as well and he won\'t try to own me.

Even though we\'ll be married, he\'ll let me do what I want. He told me that’s he\'s not about all that \'mine\' stuff. (I can\'t see you liking that either!) And if I wanted a divorce, I know he would make it easy and not fight. He wouldn\'t try to keep me with him.

I suppose I’m lucky. Some men are like that, you know. It\'s hard to imagine, eh?

Oh well, we\'re having a great time. Hope you are too. Say hi to Snape for Harry! (Not really!!!)

Love,

Love struck Ginny.
Xxx

Hermione frowned; what was Severus getting at. Was it because she didn\'t tell him that she had a letter? No, he wasn\'t that petty.

\"I... I don\'t understand...\" She looked up at him, \"What\'s wrong?\"

He pointed to a line on the parchment: \'He told me that’s he\'s not about all that \'mine\' stuff. (I can\'t see you liking that either!)\'. Hermione looked up at him, still perplexed.

\"Severus, stop with the flitting and just tell me.\" She sighed.

As if he hadn\'t heard her, Severus reached down and took her hand, gazing at the ring. He rubbed the diamond with the pad of his thumb.

\"I\'m giving you a chance...\" He said slowly, still looking at her hand, \"to get out of this now.\"

Hermione\'s eyes widened, \"W-what are you on about? Get out of it? Get out of what?\" She knew what he meant, but she wouldn\'t believe it.

\"You know what I’m talking about, Hermione,\" He whispered, \"But maybe you don\'t know?\" His eyes locked to hers suddenly.

Severus tugged gently on her hand and pulled her up onto his lap. His arms rested around her waist lightly, as he looked over her face and down her body.

Getting restless, Hermione took his face in her hands and forced him to look her in the eye.

\"What are you going on about?\" She asked.

\"If you marry me,\" He said slowly, softly, \"I will not be like Potter. If you marry me, you will belong... to me.\"

Hermione frowned, \"Is that what’s had you in a mood all day? You think that I didn\'t already know that?\"

\"I want it to be clear that, once you marry me, there will be no option for divorce.\" He breathed against her ear, wrapping his arms around her, tightly.

\"Why would I want to divorce you?\" She whispered.

\"There are 1000 reasons why you may want rid of me. I\'m just warning you that once it’s done there’s no getting out. You will be mine.\" Severus pressed his lips to the skin under her neck, making her shudder.

\"Severus, I never have and never will be any one else’s.\" She curled into him, \"I\'m already yours.\"

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Severus sighed and bent his head over Hermiones. When he had found and read the letter, he had thought about what he would be like as a husband, and he knew that he would not be as lenient as Potter.

If they were married, that would be it. That’s why he had been upset; that and now Hermione would have to meet Draco Malfoy. It was certain that Hermione was Lucius\' favorite teacher and he would want his father to see her.

Well, he would just have to insist on being there. He didn\'t trust Draco, not around Hermione.

Actually, he trusted no one around Hermione. He knew she could hold her own, but that did not stop the worried voices in his head when she was away from him.

Severus placed a kiss on the top of her head. She was so special to him that it hurt. He was sure that she understood now, about his intentions of married life, and he was happy that she seemed to have picked him over a \'free\' life.

But still, she was so young, only five years out of school, and already she was pregnant and engaged. She acted nearly twice her age though.

That was the way it had always been, however. He had noticed that even as his student she acted older than her years.

He felt Hermione sigh and looked down. She was every thing he could ever want; brains, beauty, compassion.

Severus was sure that he would do anything for her.

Except maybe one thing...

...He would never let her go.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Lucius exited the Great Hall. Tomorrow classes would start again and he was not looking forward to it. They had been told at dinner that they could start getting appointments for their parents tomorrow.

He knew that he would never have had a choice of who his father met. He also knew that Professor Snape would not like it one little bit.

To be honest, Lucius had to admit that he was a little scared of Snape. Well, not scared of him, more scared of what he could do. That man had a power over Hermione that no ones else had and it was obvious that she would do anything for him. If Snape told her in no uncertain terms to distance herself from Lucius, she would, without a doubt.

Lucius didn\'t understand what she saw in Snape. He was arrogant, rude, not that well off and not exactly handsome. Yes, his father was rude and arrogant as well, but he wouldn\'t be towards Hermione. Their family was famous for being rich and good looking... among other not-so-nice things.

Lucius\' father would give Hermione anything she asked for, the moon, the stars, and the universe if he could obtain it. She wouldn\'t have to work ever again. They were young and Lucius wouldn\'t object to a sibling.

Perhaps that’s what his father was going to do when they met. Maybe he would smother her with compliments and show her what her life could be like...

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

\"Ouff!\" Annie bumped into something as she exited the great hall. She fell to the floor in a tangle of limbs, wondering why a person was standing still directly outside the doors.

Lifting her head from the floor, she glanced to her right. Lucius glared at her as he sat up and flattened his hair.

\"Watch where you\'re going Weasley!\" He snapped.

\"You\'re the one that likes standing outside doors!\" she countered.

\"Shut up.\" Lucius stood up and straightened his clothes, not even trying to help her up. As he did so, the door to the Great hall opened and John Payne walked out into the hall.

He was a fourth year Gryffindor and the it boy of their house. He was tall, with brown, wavy hair, broad shoulders and a handsome face.

John looked down at her and frowned.

\"What are you doing down there?\" He said lightly, holding out his hand to her.

\"Oh, the stone looked comfortable, so I thought I would try it out.\" Annie joked as she took his hand.

John chuckled as he pulled her to her feet, \"So was it as good it looked?\"

\"No,\" Annie sighed theatrically, \"I shall have to try the gravel path down to Hogsmeade; it looks quite soft, don\'t you think?\"

\"Oh yes,\" He laughed, \"I have noticed that. Can I come with you when you try it out?\"

Annie looked up into his handsome face and smiled, \"Course you can. I\'ll come and find you when my diary\'s free.\"

With that, Annie nodded once in a thank you and turned on her heel, red hair flowing out behind her. She strode down the corridor, smiling, but stopped just in time.

Lucius stood scowling in front of her.

\"Excuse me,\" Annie moved tried to move around him, but he grabbed her arm.

\"What did he say to you?\" He sneered maliciously.

\"He told me that you were a mini ferret with no manners.\" She said matter-of-factly.

Lucius pulled his wand from his pocket and Annie pulled hers, as she yanked her arm out of his grip.

\"Come on the Weasley! Ladies first!\" He sneered, \"Make my day!\"

\"Ah,\" Annie smirked, \"So we do have some manners, interesting...\"

\"Why you little -!\"

\"What is going on here!?\" They both jumped and turned to face Professor McGonagall, \"Put your wands away immediately! Dueling in corridors indeed!\" She huffed, \"You are lucky that I don\'t have time to deal with both of you. Miss Weasley you come with me. Mr. Malfoy, you go down and report to Professor Snape.\"

Annie watched as Lucius snarled, but walked towards the dungeons. As he did, McGonagall screeched at him again.

\"And I will be checking with him, so don\'t try to get out of it! Go straight there!\"

Annie sighed and followed the old witch up to her office.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Severus found himself once again, holding Hermione tightly. They had not gone to the Great Hall for dinner, but stayed in their rooms. Being a muggleborn, Hermione didn\'t suffer from morning sickness -thank God- but she did get tired. In the evenings Severus hated to leave her alone, in case she got other symptoms of muggle pregnancy and became really ill.

So he would just sit with her in his lap, stoking her hair and making sure she was still breathing and ok. Most nights, she fell asleep like that and he would carry her to bed, not wanting enough to wake her when she was so tired.

Severus felt Hermione start as there was a knock on the door that came from his office. She looked up at him and then started to get up, but he held her tight and shook his head. The knocking persisted and finally, Hermione managed to pry his hands from her and stand.

\"I\'ll get it.\" She sighed. He watched her every movement, making sure she was alright. Finally, she got to the door and pulled it open, \"Oh...\"

\"Professor Granger,\" It was Malfoy. Immediately Severus was at Hermione side.

\"Yes, Mr. Malfoy?\" He sneered.

\"Professor McGonagall sent me here.\"

\"Why?\" Hermione asked.

\"Dueling in the corridor.\" The boy said simply.

\"So who was your unfortunate victim?\" Hermione smiled. Severus was sure that the boy was here for punishment, not convocation.

\"Weasley.\" He sneered.

\"Ah well,\" Hermione sighed, \"I\'m sure she would have given as good as she got... which ever girl it was.\"

\"I doubt it.\" Malfoy smirked.

\"As nice as the chat is,\" Severus stepped in, \"You have broken the rules. I suppose I should give you a detention. Take this,\" He conjured a slip of paper with his name and crime on it, \"And go and find Filch.\"

\"But McGonagall said -\" The boy started.

\"I don\'t care. She sent you here so that I could punish you as I see fit.\" He thrust the note in the boys’ hand. There was no way he was over seeing a detention with Malfoy and Leaving Hermione on her own.

\"See you later.\" Hermione smiled as Malfoy turned and headed up the corridor.

Severus shut the door. Hermione stood on her tip toes and pressed her hand to his forehead.

\"Are you feeling ok?\" She asked, \"I know you\'ve been looking for a reason to give that boy a really bad detention for weeks. Why give up the chance now?\"

Severus smirked; she knew him too well.

\"I just couldn\'t be bothered tonight.\" He told her.

Hermione smiled.

\"I suppose my companies just so addictive that you couldn\'t pull yourself away.\" She said sarcastically as she turned and headed to the bedroom, laughing.

Obviously she didn\'t know that she had spoken the truth.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Hermione looked over the students from her seat at in the Great Hall. They were all groaning over their breakfasts about going back to lessons.

She hadn\'t talked to Severus about setting a date for the wedding, but she had feeling that he wanted it to be before the baby came.

They had talked about the baby, sort of. Severus did not want her to start teaching again, but she had persuaded him to let her, saying that she would go mad with nothing to do. Finally, he had given in, but made her promise to take maternity leave in February.

They had decided to tell Minerva soon, but Hermione was sure that Poppy would have already told her. Hermione had made Ginny promise to keep their engagement a secret until they were ready to tell. Although, she was sure that people had already noticed the ring and were making their own assumptions.

She glances at Severus, next to her. It seemed like so long ago that he was in Azkaban and she was single and stuck in a terrible job. She smiled.

\"Finding something amusing?\" Severus asked, sipping his coffee.

\"No.\" She shook her head, still smiling.

\"Lovely ring you got there.\" Hermione looked to her other side. Remus took her hand and inspected the diamond, while Minerva looked over his shoulder, \"Doesn\'t look cheap.\"

\"Special occasion?\" Minerva asked, although her expression said that she already knew.

Hermione sighed, \"I know you know, so don\'t play dumb.\"

Minerva gasped, showing her teenage side, \"Oh, it\'s beautiful! I\'m so happy for you both.\"

\"So am I,\" Remus smiled, \"but, as an... older friend, I have to ask...\" He leaned around the back of Hermione and tapped Severus on the shoulder, \"What are your intentions towards her?\"

Hermione burst out laughing, \"Christ Remus! That sounds like something my father would have said!\"

\"Well, your father is -unfortunately- not here, and some one has to look after you.\" Remus smiled. Hermione knew he was joking.

\"So... do you have a date?\" Minerva asked.

\"No, not yet. But we\'re thinking on it.\" Severus put one arm around Hermiones waist.

\"How did we do it?\" Remus asked Severus, shaking his head.

\"I have no idea.\" Severus replied.

\"What? How did you do what?\" Hermione asked, perplexed.

\"How did we both get such young gorgeous women to marry us?\" Remus clarified.

\"Ah,\" Hermione nodded slowly, \"It must just be your masculine charm.\"

\"He has about as much masculinity in him as Minerva.\" Severus smirked.

\"That’s quite a lot then.\" Remus chuckled as Minerva swatted his arm.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Severus finished his last class for the day and went to his rooms. Hermione was sitting on the sofa with her head in her hands. He went and sat next to her, frowning.

\"Are you ok?\" He asked.

\"No.\" She moaned.

\"Why?\" He asked quickly.

\"Why did Minerva have to do this stupid evening? Now I have to see Draco and I really don\'t want to, because I won\'t have a clue what to say to him and I’ll be really uncomfortable. I wish Lucius hadn\'t told me that Draco -\" She stopped suddenly and looked up wide eyed.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

\"Draco what?\" Severus asked suspiciously. Hermione had been so caught up in her own misery that she hadn\'t been thinking about what she was saying.

\"Nothing!\" She said quickly, \"Nothing at all.\"

\"Hermione...\" He said warningly.

\"Ok,\" She took a deep breath and spoke quickly, \"Lucius told me that Draco is in love with me, but like you said he\'s a Malfoy. He\'s probably lying. I mean, it stupid! Draco hates me!\"

Severus was still for a moment, then he stood up quickly and went over to a table. Hermione screamed as a glass that had been on the table shattered against the stone wall.

Knowing that she had to stop this before it went too far, Hermione quickly got up and went to him. She was about to speak when the empty bottle of Fire Whiskey that had sat next to the glass joined it in shards on the floor. She yelped again as a slither caught the palm of her hand and planted itself there.

As she wiped the trickle of blood on her robes, the door opened and three people entered slowly, wands drawn.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Pat opened the door. She and Annie had been sneaking around looking for Peeves, when they had met Malfoy and heard a scream. Immediately, they had followed the noise of breaking glass. They had got to Professor Snapes rooms and now they went, cautiously, in.

Hermione was wiping her hand on her robes, leaving a trail of red on the light blue and Snape was standing near by, looking livid. As soon as he saw them, he drew his wand from his sleeve.

\"That\'s enough.\" Hermione whispered, putting a hand gently on his shoulder.

Every one in the room knew that if he decided that he wanted to hex some one, that hand -or any part of Hermione- would not hold him back or stop him. Glaring at them, Snape put his wand slowly away.

Hermione crossed the room quickly and ushered them out of the door, closing it quietly behind her.

\"You did not just see that, ok.\" She whispered.

Pat and Annie nodded, but Malfoy snarled.

\"We did just see that and you are hurt!\" He growled, grabbing her hand and holding it palm up, showing a small piece of glass wedged in the skin.

Hermione jerked her hand away and said angrily, low, \"Go back to your common room and forget it. If I hear you have said anything to any one you will be in deep, deep trouble. Do you understand me?\"

Obviously against his better judgment, Malfoy nodded and Hermione ushered them away.

Pat was worried for her aunt, but she knew that Hermione could look after herself... most of the time.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Hermione took a deep breath and pushed the door open again, leaving a trace of blood on the door. She waved her wand and cleaned up the glass on the floor and the amber liquid running down the wall.

Severus wasn\'t in the room, so Hermione made her way slowly to the bedroom, not noticing the red that dripped from her hand. She slipped into the bedroom. Severus was sitting on the edge of the bed with his back to her.

Carefully, Hermione moved to his side and sat next to him. The only acknowledgement that he gave her was a quick glance, before he was staring straight ahead again. She laid her hand gently on his arm, wincing slightly as the glass caught on his sleeve.

This time he looked at her properly, concerned. Delicately, he took her hand from his arm and turned it over. Deftly, he grasped the tiny piece of glass and gently pulled it out, making Hermione wince again. She took her hand back and wiped the blood on her robe again.

\"Thanks,\" She said quietly. He only shook his head and looked away, \"What happened out there? Talk to me.\" she pleaded.

\"There is no way that you are being left alone in the same room as him.\" Severus said softly.

\"Severus, I would never -\"

\"It\'s not you that I don\'t trust. It\'s him.\" He took a breath and turned to her. Hermione let his arms enfold her, \"I am so sorry. I didn\'t mean to hurt you. It just made me so angry.\"

\"I know,\" She reassured him, \"I know. And you didn\'t hurt me.\"

Severus opened his hand to show the little piece of red stained glass. Hermione picked it up and threw it across the room.

\"It was a scratch, Severus,\" She leaned up and kissed him gently, then wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tight, \"Just a scratch.\"

\"I love you more than anything else in the world.\" He whispered, placing fleeting kisses to her temple, \"You\'re so special to me.\"

\"And you are to me.\" Hermione told him.

\"Why didn\'t you tell me what Lucius told you?\"

\"I didn\'t really think it mattered.\" Hermione said.

\"Of course it matters. He\'s a Malfoy, and used to getting what he wants... what ever the cost.\" Severus said softly.

\"Do you honestly think that I would let him come any where near me in that way?\" Hermione frowned sitting back and looking into black eyes.

\"No,\" He said slowly, \"But do you honestly think he would give you a choice?\"

\"Severus, when have I ever let any one have any sort of power over me? You excluded of course.\" Hermione smiled.

\"Never, I don\'t even think I have that much power over you.\" He smiled sadly, \"Not like the amount you have over me.\"

Hermione shook her head, \"You alright now?\"

\"I suppose,\" He sighed, \"I think I would have probably have hexed those three if you hadn\'t stopped me.\"

\"No doubt they would have deserved it.\" Hermione joked, as she got up to get ready for bed.

It had been a long day.
____________________________________________________

The week went quickly and the weather got colder and colder. By Friday night, the January winds were blowing snow over the castle and grounds. The lake was frozen over and many of the first years could be seen at dormitory windows, looking out into the dark night in wonder.

Hermione, being the excitable creature that she was, started to get bored as she walked back to the dungeons after doing her rounds.

Instead of seeking Severus out, as she always did, Hermione went straight to her bedroom and pulled out her tweed coat. She coiled her Gryffindor scarf around her neck, shrugged her coat on and hurried back out of the dungeons.

As she stepped out into the snow fogged air, Hermione took a deep breath and headed down to the lake. The only source of light was the pin prick yellow from Hagrids window and the full moon up above. Looking up at the silver orb made Hermione think of Remus.

She could imagine him and Tonks now; the couple were probably snuggled up tightly in bed or holding each other tightly on the sofa, by the fire.

The snap of a twig made Hermione jump. Looking down, she sighed when she saw it was her own doing. She picked up the longer half of the stick and carried on walking.

She loved that little bit of tension that you had from taking a walk in the dark. It brought back fantasies she had made up as a little girl. She used to believe that she could do anything, fight off any demon or monster that would cross her path. She used to believe that she had the strength of ten men in her small frame. She still liked to believe it.

Hermione stopped and closed her eyes; the stick dropped to the ground.

In her mind, Hermione could see herself walking out on the dark, snowy, Hogwarts grounds, alone. A twig snapped behind her and she spun around. There was a dark figure with no distinguishing features and no wand. The fantasy opponent advanced on Hermione and then suddenly dived. They fell to the ground in a tangle of arm and legs, wrestling fiercely. The make-believe Hermione knew that she was the under dog, but she also knew that she was younger than her attacker and that if she could keep fighting she would win. Finally, Hermione over powered the man and pinned him to the ground.

The real Hermione opened her eyes, breaking her day dream. The fantasy always stopped there because Hermione never knew what would happen next. Would she injure or kill the man? Or would she call for help? Or would she get up and run? She never knew.

Sighing and shaking her head, Hermione carried on walking down to the lake. She knelt down by the edge of the ice and brushed away the gathering snow. Big eyes peered up at her through the ice.

Hermione smiled. She knew the giant squid could breathe under water for an infinite amount of time; he didn\'t need oxygen like humans. She pressed the tip of her finger to the ice and the Squid mirrored it with a tentacle, on the other side of the barrier.

She smiled again and pressed her lips to the cold, frozen water. The lake dweller flicked out its slimy tongue, trying to kiss her back. Leaning back slightly, Hermione giggled and kissed the ice again, bracing herself with her hands. Again the squid licked the other side of the ice.

\"Do I have competition?\" Growled a voice from behind her. Hermione sat back on her heels and turned to gaze at Severus.

\"Oh, I think you\'re safe for now.\" She smiled as she stood up, not bothering to wipe the snow from her coat.

\"What on earth are you out here?\" Severus asked as she walked towards him and pulling her to him as soon as she was near enough.

Smirking, Hermione reached up and held his warm face in her almost blue hands. He flinched from the cold and pulled back, scowling.

\"Nothing special.\" She answered cheekily.

His eyes glittered with amusement as he lowered his head. Her cold lips burned for a second as the warmth from his transferred.

\"Ow!\" Hissed a voice, \"That was my foot Weasley!\"

Hermione grinned at Severus. Severus scowled.

\"Shut up Malfoy - Great! Now they\'ve heard us Mini ferret!\" Snapped some one else.

Hermione stepped back from Severus and looked around, \"Come on, we\'ve heard you, out you come.\"

There was some rustling and the Lucius and Annie came into view. Annie was holding a piece of parchment. Hermione shook her head and walked the few paces to the pair. She took the parchment from the red head that was scowling at the blonde.

The parchment showed four little figures labeled \'Andromeda Weasley\', \'Lucius Malfoy\', \'Hermione Granger\', and \'Severus Snape\'.

\"Wow,\" She breathed, \"I never thought I’d see this again,\" She pulled the cloak from the boys hand, \"or this.\"

\"How did you know about it?\" Annie frowned.

\"Me, Harry and Ron used these when we were at school, to sneak arou-\" she stopped as Severus raised an eye brow at her, \"Yeah... well... you get the point.\"

\"On a more serious note,\" Severus stepped in, \"What were you two doing out at this time of night?\"

\"We were... um... you see...\" Annie looked to Lucius for help. The blonde didn\'t even try to lie; he just shrugged.

\"20 points from each house,\" Severus snapped, \"Get inside now before I go with my better judgment and give you both detentions.\"

Annie grabbed the cloak, Lucius grabbed the map and they bolted back to the castle. Hermione laughed; they were quite the duo.

\"You followed me, that’s how you knew I’d be down here, wasn\'t it?\" Hermione turned to Severus. He sighed and nodded. \"Why?\"

Severus shrugged and put his arms around her, \"I don\'t know.\"

Hermione snaked her arms around his waist, under his bat robes, and rubbed her hands up and down his shirt covered back slowly.

\"You\'re a stupid sod some times.\" She whispered into his chest.

\"I know,\" He murmured into her hair, \"but I’m your sod.\"

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Out of breath from laughing and running, Lucius pushed Annie through the nearest door and into...

... A broom cupboard. Great.

They would just wait until Filch disappeared. Unfortunately, he seemed to have a fascination with this corridor and Lucius could hear his footsteps going back and forth.

Annie had planted herself on a box and Lucius lowered himself gingerly onto an upturned bucket.

He didn\'t know how he had got here. One minute he had been leaving the owlery and the next Annie was showing him a cloak and map that Harry Potter had given her and her cousin.

They were interesting artifacts. According to the red head, Harry Potter’s father, James, his God father, Sirius, Professor Lupin and a Death Eater had made the map while they were at school and the cloak belonged to James, who then left it to Harry.

Annie had been trying it out alone, as Pat was in detention, and had asked him along. They had seen Professor Snape leaving the school building and followed him down to the lake and Hermione. Unfortunately, they had been discovered because Annie didn\'t know how to keep her small feet still.

Lucius looked over to the girl opposite. She had rested her elbow on her knee and was drumming her fingers silently on her temple, as she stared at the magical map, waiting for Filch to go.

Although he hated to admit it, she was pretty. Her piercing green eyes glanced at him and she smiled slightly, before looking back at the parchment. Her flaming hair fell into her eyes and she flicked it back with her small hand.

Yes... very pretty.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Annie could feel his slate grey eyes on her, but looked determinedly at the map. Her hair fell into her eyes and she flicked it back.

No one could deny that the boy opposite was handsome, male or female. Every thing about his looks was flawless and he carried an air of grace where ever he went.

His personality and reputation, however, left a lot to be desired. Although he was over his \'blood traitor\' thing, he was still rude and rather pushy, and he looked down his nose at her. Even though she knew he thought he was better than her, and used every chance to tell her, Annie ignored it.

As a child, she had spent a lot of time with every person in her family, but her favorite by far (apart from her parents and Pat) was Hermione. She seemed to be able to deal with any thing and any one. She had taught Annie to be tolerant of people that got up her nose, insisting that she would be the bigger person if she could ignore them.

So Annie did just that and ignored Malfoy’s taunting. Her Grandfather had told her that he probably didn\'t have the happy upbringing that she did and that it was rumored that he was adopted out to horrible man, so she had to be nice to him, or at least civil.

He was good looking though.
____________________________________________________

Severus only realized that they were still out in the snow when Hermione shivered in his arms. He had been thinking all day about the meeting between Hermione and Draco, and this knew development in Draco’s love life.

He didn\'t like it. He knew that Hermione would never fall for the likes of Malfoy; she was not one to go for looks and money, obviously. But there was still some thing in Severus\' mind that nagged him. Draco would be persistent and he was a Slytherin, meaning he would not play by the rules.

As Hermione left to do her rounds, Severus had made up his mind and followed carefully. Just when he thought she was going to find him in his rooms, she got her coat and went outside. He had pursued her down to the lake and watched lovingly as she played with the Squid.

And now, he decided to tell her what he had been thinking about all day.

\"Hermione?\"

\"Yes?\" She looked up.

\"I know this is just me being an idiot again,\" He started, \"but you know how I feel about this meeting with Malfoy and the thing is... I want the wedding before you meet him.\"

Hermione looked shocked, \"But, that’s in less than three weeks.\"

\"I know, but I just want him to know that you\'re mine.\" Severus tried to explain.

\"Ok,\" She sighed, \"I\'ll need at leased a week to organize every thing.\"

\"Make it two weeks. We could get married a minute before you see him for all I care.\" Severus told her.

Hermione nodded, \"Right, two weeks...\" It seemed to sink in and she threw her arms around his neck, squealing. She drew back quickly and grabbed his hand, \"I\'m freezing, let’s go in.\"

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Lucius watched over Annie’s shoulder as, finally, Filch went away. The red head stood up and threw the cloak over them.

\"Ready?\" She asked in a low voice.

\"Ready.\" Lucius whispered into her ear. She turned and gave him a funny look, before pushing the door open and leading him out.

They hurried through the school and down to the dungeons, dodging ghosts along the way. They got to the entrance to the Slytherin common room and looked at each other.

\"That was...\" Annie said, playing with a strand of red hair.

\"Fun?\" Lucius suggested.

\"Yeah... fun...\" She laughed nervously, \"So... um... see you at breakfast then... bye...\"

He spoke the password and looked over his shoulder as he stepped in; all he saw was an empty corridor.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Severus loved Saturday mornings. It was an unwritten law that he and Hermione would stay in bed until at leased midday. Some times they would talk; some times they would just hold each other silently.

This morning, after last night’s revelation, Severus was awake at 9 a.m. He was leaning up on his elbow watching as Hermione stirred. Her eyes fluttered open and she blinked up at him.


He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead, grinning slightly as she smiled. Catching sight of the clock, she sat up and swung her legs out of bed. Frowning, Severus crawled forward and put his arms around her waist.

\"Where are you going?\" He asked.

\"To see Ginny.\" She rubbed her eyes, \"If you want to be married in a fortnight, then I have places to go and people to see.\"

\"Why?\" He pulled her into him tighter as she tried to get up.

\"Honestly Severus, I have to get my dress, Ginny’s dress, flowers... the list goes on.\" She sighed, \"So, if you don\'t let me go, we aren\'t getting married.\"

Reluctantly, Severus let her go. He flopped back down on the bed as she disappeared into the bathroom.

Bloody weddings!

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

After leaving a few messages to some people, Hermione flooed to the Burrow quickly. Ginny and Molly were in the kitchen.

\"Hey Hermione.\" Ginny smiled, \"What you doing here?\"

\"Ginny, Molly, I need help,\" Hermione said, sitting down opposite Ginny, \"I\'m getting married in two weeks and I need help.\"

\"Two weeks!\" Ginny gasped.

\"Oh, darling, we\'re all happy for you. Minerva told us about the ring.\" Molly gushed.

At that moment, Tonks stepped out of the fire, followed by Minerva.

\"We got your message \'Mione.\" Tonks smiled.

\"How can we help?\" Minerva asked.

Some time later, after several cups of tea and lots of question answering, Hermione and Molly were sketching dress ideas, Minerva and Ginny were deciding on colors and decorations for the Great Hall and the grounds of the school and Tonks had gone off to talk to Neville Longbottom about flowers. He had started his own florists in Diagon Alley.

\"Well, \'Mione, you don\'t have to worry about money.\" Ginny smiled, \"Mum can make the dresses for free and I can do the food. Minerva’s letting you have the ceremony and after party at Hogwarts and Neville’s bound to give you a discount on the flowers. It\'s gonna be so perfect!\"

\"Oh yeah, I nearly forgot,\" Hermione looked over to Ginny at the other end of the table, \"Will you be my Maid of Honor?\"

\"Of Course!\" Ginny squeaked as she ran around the table and hugged Hermione.

\"Who\'s going to be Best Man?\" Minerva asked, looking up from Ginny sketches.

\"I have no idea,\" Hermione shrugged.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

There was an urgent knock on the door.

\"Enter.\" Severus said. Harry Potter hurried into the office looking slightly disheveled, \"Ah yes, Potter -\"

\"You said there was an emergency in your letter.\" The younger man frowned.

\"There is,\" Severus took a deep breath and stood up, \"In two weeks,\" He started, \"We are getting married -\"

\"Whoa whoa whoa Professor!\" He put his hands up and backed away, \"This is all a bit sudden, I didn\'t know you felt that way about me!\"

Severus would have thought that Potter was joking if it wasn\'t for the serious expression on his face. The boy was an idiot.

\"No!\" He snapped, \"Not you and me!\" Severus sighed, \"In two weeks, I am getting married -\"

\"Oh Gods! Does Hermione know!?\" Potter looked outraged and shocked.

\"Of course she knows you prat! She’s the bride!\" Severus\' patients were wearing thin. Potter looked sheepish, \"As I was saying, we -me and Hermione- are getting married in two weeks and for her sake, and her sake only, I am willing to... put our differences aside.\"

Potter looked stunned and then nodded, \"ok.\"

Severus held out his hands and Potter grasped it quickly. Although Severus had the urge to wipe his hand on his robes, he refrained from being that childish in front of the younger man.

\"And I have one more favor to ask of you -again, for Hermiones sake.\" Severus was going to hate this bit, \"Will you be my Best Man?

Potter looked shocked again, but quickly nodded, \"Yeah of course.\" Then he quickly added, \"Only for Hermione, you realize.\"

Severus nodded, \"Well, good day Potter.\"

\"Yeah,\" The out of sorts’ young man left the office feeling dazed.

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"

Hermione guessed that a student had heard Poppy and Minerva gossiping about her wedding, because during the next week, rumors spread through out the castle.

Every child or teenager in Hogwarts seemed to have congratulated Hermione because they were too scared to talk to Severus. Finally, on Thursday night at dinner, Minerva had announced it. The hall had broken out into applause and Hermione had blushed, while Severus scowled.

On Saturday morning, Hermione went to the Burrow so that Molly could fit her dress. Ginny’s was already done and, as Hermione stood on a stool while molly waved her wand to adjust the white material over her head, the young red head glided into the room.

Her dress was wonderful. It was lilac with silver straps and small silver flowers around the bottom, which fell to just above her ankles.

\"Oh Ginny!\" Hermione gasped, \"You look lovely.\"

\"Not as lovely as you do.\" Ginny said. Hermione hadn\'t noticed that Molly was finished and levitating a mirror in font of her.

Hermione had to admit that the dress was gorgeous. It had a strapless top that laced up at the back, with tiny silver flowers along the bust and waist. The Skirt flared out a bit at the hips and went down to cover her feet. It was perfect.

Severus had assured her that he had everything else under control and Hermione was so excited.

It was Wednesday evening and 3 days until the wedding. Hermione was in her class room marking papers, when there was a knock on the door.

\"Come in.\" Hermione called, looking up. Lucius strode in and perched himself on the edge of her desk. \"What can I do for you?\"

\"I just came to congratulate you.\" He said.

\"Aww, thank you.\" she smiled, \"I think you should ask Annie to come with you.\"

\"Come with me where?\" He frowned.

\"To my wedding of course.\"

\"You mean... you\'re inviting me?\" He stuttered.

\"Yeah, why wouldn\'t I?\" Hermione asked.

\"Well... I just thought Professor Snape -\"

\"Don\'t worry about him,\" Hermione smiled, \"He won\'t mind if you come and if he does, I’ll just persuade him to -\"

\"Persuade who to do what?\" Asked a voice from behind her.

Hermione got up and went to Severus, putting her arms around his neck and kissing his cheek.

\"Nothing for you to worry about, love.\" She smiled. Hermione looked over to Lucius to see him sticking two fingers in his mouth and making retching sounds.

\"Eewww.\" he complained, before running from the room.

That night at dinner, Hermione and Severus watched Lucius and Annie. They kept looking at each other and smiling, or looking away nervously.

\"Aww, it’s so sweet.\" Hermione sighed, \"I think they\'re in love.\"

\"They\'re only eleven for Merlins sake! How do they know what love is?\" Severus huffed.

\"They\'re growing up fast, these days.\" Hermione laughed, she sounded like Molly. Severus only grunted.

On Friday evening, Hermione shrugged on her coat and hurried from her bedroom to her living room. Severus got up from the sofa and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her deeply before leaning back to gaze into her eyes.

\"I\'m off now,\" Hermione was staying with Ginny for the night, \"See you tomorrow.\"

Severus kissed her again, \"I love you.\"

\"I love you too.\" Hermione smiled before she grabbed the floo powder.