The Rules of Engagement

.


Chapter 6

Date with Rose
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione threw down the robes in her hand in disgust. ‘Nothing’, she thought helplessly, ‘I have nothing to wear.’ She went over to the door leading to the Gryffindor common room and flung it open. Scanning the room, she saw the one person who might be able to help her.

“Ginny,” Hermione called to the red head studying quietly at a table. Ginny looked up, then stood and came over to her.

“What’s up, Hermione?” Ginny asked cautiously. Hermione pulled her into her private room.

“I need help. I can’t decide on what to wear tonight. Everything is either too dressy, too casual or just plain ugly,” the Head Girl said with a huff, as she sat on the bed amidst the carnage of clothing. Ginny laughed, gaining her a glare.

“Okay, sorry. You just always seem to know everything. Let me enjoy feeling superior, for once,” Ginny said. Hermione gave her a mock glare, then held out her hands.

“Well then . . . help me,” Hermione said, laughing. Ginny moved some clothes and sat down next to her.

“Alright, first things first. Where is Rose taking you?”

“He said we were going into Hogsmeade. I don’t know where exactly,” Hermione said, trying not to let the younger girl know how nervous she was about this date.

“I would call that a fairly casual date, but you still want to look nice. Let me have a look at your clothes,” Ginny said standing up. Hermione waved her wand and everything was hanging back in it’s proper place.

Ginny spent several minutes going through the clothes and occasionally looking over and studying Hermione, then going back to looking. Finally, she pulled out a long tan colored skirt, a soft fluffy brown v-neck sweater and a pair of black knee boots. Black? , Hermione thought with distaste. But then the red head pulled out her own wand and changed the color of the leather boots to a rich brown.

“One thing mum’s taught me is to make the most of what you have. Try it on and let’s have a look.”

Hermione put on the clothes picked out and was very happy with the result. She looked just the right amount dressed up without looking fussy. Ginny stood behind her and pulled her hair back in a soft ponytail at the nape of her neck with a brown ribbon. Smaller curls escaped and framed her face gently. Hermione smiled at her reflection and that of her wardrobe savior.

“You look beautiful,” Ginny said, pleased with her work.

“Thanks, Ginny. I literally could not have done it without you. How are you? Still mad at Ron?” Hermione asked carefully. The Weasley siblings were often quarrelling, but this morning seemed different. “He means well.”

“I know he does, I know it, I just wish he wouldn’t do it sometimes. . ., you know?” Ginny said, sitting back on the bed with a sigh.

“He loves you and feels responsible.”

“I can take care of myself,” Ginny assured her firmly.

“Is it about Neville?” Hermione asked, sitting on the bed next to her friend.

“Neville? What’s he got to do . . .? Oh, you mean the other night. Neville and I just ran into each other in the corridor and came through the portrait at the same time, that’s all,” Ginny said, but she didn’t look Hermione in the eye. Hermione felt sure her friend wouldn’t out and out lie to her, but she felt she was not being let in on the whole truth either. She chose not to push it. From experience, Hermione had learned that Ginny talked about her problems a lot quicker, if she wasn’t pestered about it.

A soft rapping sounded at the door, bringing the girls back to the moment at hand. Ginny squeezed Hermione’s hand quickly and got up to leave.

“You’ll knock him dead,” the younger girl said.

“I certainly hope not,” Hermione said laughing, as she went to the other door. As soon as Ginny was gone, she opened the door and found Rose standing there looking freshly showered and shaved. To Hermione’s delight and confusion, Rose was wearing muggle clothes also. He had on dark blue jeans, a black turtleneck and a blue and black tweed sweater. He looked unbelievably handsome out of his school robes. Hermione gaped at him for a moment, before realizing how rude she was being.

“Sorry. . . please come in,” Hermione said, stepping out of the way.

“I hope you didn’t expect dress robes,” Rose asked, looking a bit uncomfortable.

“No, not at all. You just look very different, that’s all,” she said, trying to cover her embarrassment.

“Different is good, I hope,” he asked, smiling. “You look lovely,” Rose said, bending over to kiss her cheek. Hermione knew she must have blushed when she thanked him.

“I’ll just get my coat,” she said. Rose helped her on with her coat, then put his on and they left her room. Walking along, the Ravenclaw tentatively clasped her hand, until she squeezed him lightly letting him know it was alright.

Approaching the front doors, Hermione saw Remus standing beside the entryway.

“Evening, Professor Lupin,” Rose called, as they approached the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. He turned a weary looking smile to them.

“Good evening, Rose. Hermione,” the Professor said, to each in turn. “Heading into the village?”

“Yes, we are,” Hermione said. “You meeting anyone, Professor?” It seemed suspicious that Remus just happened to be going into the village at the same time they were.

“I thought I might meet up with Professor Snape later, after a few errands,” Remus said, leveling his gaze at her, saying all she needed to know. Snape was enlisting help in watching over her tonight. Well in truth, not just her, but Rose also since he was as likely a target.

Hermione nodded her head at Remus, her eyes letting him know she understood. And she felt somewhat better. Maybe she could enjoy tonight in the company of a handsome man.

“Well, enjoy yourselves,” Remus called back, as he proceeded them out the doors.

They walked along in the semi darkness. The path into the village was lined with lanterns, but they only gave off so much illumination. Remus walked a good twenty paces ahead of them, but she knew he was going before them to use his night vision and superior hearing the check the path.

“What do you think is wrong with Professor Lupin? Besides the Lycanthropy, I mean. He hasn’t looked well since the school year began,” Rose said. Hermione was startled out of her deep thoughts and turned her eyes to Rose and then to the man in question.

“I don’t know. The full moon was a week ago, maybe it was a bad one,” Hermione said, trying to play it off. The truth was Remus hadn’t looked well. He seemed tired, even depressed lately. He was losing weight and he hadn’t exactly been plump to begin with. He had looked much the same following Sirius’ death, but had eventually begun taking care of himself again, with Harry’s help. Trials and crisis always bring the best out in Harry and helping Remus had helped Harry to heal.

“Lupin didn’t seem well before that. It concerns me,” Rose said, concentrating on the werewolf’s back. Hermione could see it did and his caring gave her a warm feeling.

“He can hear us, you know,” Hermione said, with a crooked smirk.

“I’m aware of that. I hope he listens and takes better care of himself. He’s the best Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor we’ve ever had,” Rose said, looking at her. Hermione looked up ahead and could have sworn she saw Remus’ shoulders shaking with laughter. Hermione thought she would take the opportunity to speak her mind, while Remus was listening.

“I hope he listens, too. I’m very worried about him,” she said and saw the werewolf turn his head to the side, as if he were going to look back at them, but changed his mind.

The rest of the way into Hogsmeade they were silent, just enjoying the night air and each other. Rose’s hand clasping her smaller one was comforting. Remus had gone ahead and disappeared into the village.

“Do you mind going into a couple of shops before dinner?” Rose asked.

“No, not at all,” Hermione answered. She looked around the village. It’s usual daylight bustle of activity had calmed, though there were plenty of people out taking advantage of the clear night. Rose lead her down the street to the bookshop.

The air inside the shop was warm, almost too warm after having been in the cool night air for so long. Rose walked straight to where newly published works were displayed. After surveying the selection, he picked up a large book and handed it to her. She read the title, ‘Ancient Potions and Their Modern Day Applications’ by Thaddeus White. This was an exciting and controversial new work she had been waiting to become available.

“I’d like to buy it for you,” Rose said shyly. Hermione looked up into his deep blue eyes questioningly. “I could buy you flowers, I suppose, but I thought you would appreciate this more.”

Hermione looked at the book again and ran her hand over the cover. It was a very thoughtful gift, not expensive, but personal. She turned her face up to him again and smiled.

“How could you know I wanted this book?” She had to ask. He smiled broadly.

“I think I’ll keep that as my own little secret,” he said with a mischievous grin. Hermione wondered who he could have talked to, then it suddenly came to her.

“You’ve been talking to Harry,” she said in an accusing manner. Rose laughed warmly.

“Guilty as charged,” he said with a shrug. “I’ve been researching you. Harry said, you talked about this book all summer.” He took the book from her hands. “You browse, while I pay for this.”

Rose went to the counter near the front of the store. Hermione scanned the other new releases, but wasn’t paying much attention to them. A smile played at the corner of her lips, as she thought about Rose going to all the trouble of interviewing her friends to find the perfect gift for her. ‘How can I not be flattered? ’, she thought. Dozens of girls would give their right arm to have Rosemond Green pay them the smallest attention and he wanted to marry her. She looked up to the front to watch him. He was so handsome, maybe a little ‘pretty’, but he could have such a roguish smile. What she found even more attractive about him was his lack of Quidditch knowledge and his concentration on his studies. His head turned and his blue eyes flashed back catching hers before handing the book to the clerk.

Hermione scanned the shop and her eyes stopped on a cloaked figure peering in the front window. The hood shadowed the face and gave her a very bad feeling, making her heart race and her hand automatically grasp her wand. She quickly made her way to the front and stood between Rose and the front entrance, but checking again she saw the dark figure had moved away.

“Ready to go?” Rose said behind her, making her jump. “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.”

Hermione tried to laugh it off, but her heart was still pounding, both from the possible threat and the realization of how much she must care about Rose. Well surely, she reasoned with herself, she would do the same for any innocent. Rose didn’t know his life could be in danger, she had to protect him.

They also visited Scrivenshaft’s for some parchment and quills for both of them and Honeyduke’s to buy some sweets for later. Hermione was still nervous though she had not seen the cloaked figure again. Rose looked at his watch.

“We should go to the restaurant, our reservation is soon,” Rose said, taking her hand again. She was warmed by the contact and ran her thumb lightly over his skin. He looked to the side and grinned down at her, then stopped walking. His free hand cupped her cheek, warming her skin, as his eyes took in every aspect of her face. Blessed Merlin, Hermione thought, he’s going to kiss me. Rose moved slowly, giving her plenty of time to back away or say no, but the truth was she wanted to kiss him. Snogging with Draco had been fun, but it was more of a game, they both knew it couldn’t lead to anything. In Rose’s case it was quite different, he was attracted to her and she to him.

As soon as their lips met, a strange tingling began in her chest. His lips moved gently over hers. She tasted his bottom lip with the tip of her tongue and he deepened the kiss, massaging her tongue tentatively with his. A small moan escaped him as she met him stroke for stroke and entwined her hand in his hair. He tasted of mint, she noticed, when his arms pulled her closer.

A loud sound came from a nearby alley and they broke apart in time to see a cat come streaking out and down the street. Hermione felt an arm go round her waist and pull her back into Rose’s chest. It was then she noticed, both of them had instinctively drawn their wands and pointed them at the alleyway. Maybe Rose can handle himself, she thought. When no threat materialized, they put their wands away and moved on.

“Which restaurant are we going to?” Hermione asked, as she leaned into him, her arm through his.

“Cortina Argenti” Rose said, with a certain amount of pride. Cortina Argenti, The Cauldron of Silver, was one of the nicest places to go in Hogsmeade. It was nowhere near the same class as the place she went to with Draco, but had a very good reputation all the same. “Is that alright with you? We could go to Madam Puddifoot’s instead.”

“Oh, good gods no,” Hermione laughed. Just the idea of going to that fluffy and frilly place making her nauseous. “I think you have excellent taste.”

Rose patted her hand and looked down at her seriously. “So do I.”

Hermione blushed at the compliment. She’d nearly forgotten what this evening was about and why they were here. She’d just felt like a girl out on a date, forgetting the bigger picture and the fact Rose was hoping to woo her into becoming his wife, and the fact that his life was in danger because of it.

Cortina Argenti was a wonderful place. Not too dimly lit, great food and a comfortable atmosphere. Hermione relaxed and enjoyed herself. Rose liked discussing many topics, but was not afraid to ask questions or admit when he didn’t know something. Most un-Ravenclawlike, she thought.

“You said, you hoped you could work from home, doing some kind of research. Had you thought about what you’d like to do?” Hermione asked, very carefully leaving herself out of the plans.

“I’ve been thinking seriously about researching the cause of the problems that brought on the ‘Confarreatonis Adnexus’ Law. I’ve been reading some of the articles on the declining birthrates and the rising incidences of squibs, still births and miscarriages to pureblood families. My mother said she had three miscarriages before having me and two before having my sister.”

“That must have been horrible for her,” Hermione said, sympathizing with the woman she had never met.

“I’m sure it was, but unfortunately, not uncommon. From what I’ve read it’s only getting worse. Many witches give up on having more than one child because of the difficulty in having that one successful pregnancy. That is one reason the birth rates have dropped.”

“I can understand somewhat. My parents had a great deal of trouble conceiving, that’s why I’m an only child. You said, you have a sister?” Hermione said, before placing her last fork full of pudding in her mouth.

“Reegan, she’s 10.”

“Bet she’s looking forward to coming to Hogwarts next year,” Hermione said.

“She will not be attending,” Rose said, looking sadly into his water glass. “She has not shown any magical abilities.”

“Oh. I see why you feel so strongly about this,” she said quietly. Then his eyes lifted to her with a new intensity.

“Reegan is smarter than most girls her age, but because she can’t use a wand she’s going to be marked for life, as inferior by our society,” Rose spat out. Hermione gave him a sympathetic grin.

“Like a Mudblood,” she said quietly. Rose clasped her hand on the table, squeezing it firmly.

“That is not the way I think of you, Hermione, I hope you realize that. I know I’m taking advantage of the law, but . . . Even if I were your only petitioner, I wouldn’t have forced you into marriage. I respect you too much for that.” Her eyes dropped to their hands on the table top.

“Thank you, Rose. I think I understand why you’re seeking a muggle born. I hope you do go on to find a cure.”

Rose tilted her chin up to meet his softly searching eyes. “We could find a cure together, I know we could,” Rose said with conviction. Hermione wondered fleetingly if he weren’t looking for more of a research partner than a wife, but then to a Ravenclaw heart and mind would be the same. She could only feel flattered by his confidence.

Upon leaving Cortina Argenti, the late hour was obvious by the distinct lack of people in the street. Hermione clung to Rose’s arm for both warmth and security. Now that they were back out in the night the image of the cloaked figure haunted her again and the fact that she had not seen Snape all evening didn’t make her feel any better. As they walked out of the village, she looked around hoping to see Remus waiting to walk them back.

“Are you alright?” Rose asked with some concern.

“Yes . . . I just . . . “ What was she going to say? The Dark Lord had been defeated. She felt like a child afraid of the dark. “The walk back . . . in the dark makes me nervous.”

“We could walk with our wands out, if you like,” Rose offered. Hermione agreed pulling out her wand as she watched him draw his.

“Sorry to be such a nervous Nelly.”

“I won’t let anything happen to you, I promise,” Rose said, slipping his arm around her and she did feel better.

Luckily, they reached Hogwarts without incident. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief to be back on school grounds. They had put away their wands, but Rose kept him arm around her, pulling her close to his side. She had to admit, it felt good. She was hoping to convince him to come into her room for a while, the memory of their interrupted kiss still fresh in her mind. Rose stopped on the landing before opening the doors and turned to her, pulling her close.

“Before we go in and become students again, I’d like to kiss you good night,” he said, looking deeply into her eyes. Hermione’s lips curled into a soft smile letting him know it was alright. He lowered his head, pressing his lips to hers firmly this time, quickly seeking to open her lips to him. Hermione’s tongue teased his, tasting him and allowing him access to her mouth. Her heart skipped a beat, when he took her lower lip in between his teeth and bit down gently. Her hand grasped at his hair, then released it to caress his neck, bringing on a groan from him. Rose gave her several small kisses before pulling back and looking down at her. Hermione let out a unsteady breath.

“Come up to my room,” Hermione said before she knew what she was saying. Her face began to burn with embarrassment. “I mean . . . um . . .“

“I would love to,” his voice sounding husky with excitement. He opened the door and held it, smiling at her. She passed by him quickly and hoped to calm the blush in her cheeks before he saw her in the light. Rose put his arm around her again, as they walked towards the stairs leading to Gryffindor tower.

Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione saw movement in the hall leading to the dungeons. As she turned her head, her eyes met a set of dark ones zeroed in on them. The tall figure of Professor Snape walked purposefully towards them. Rose stopped and pulled Hermione closer to him.

“Miss Granger, Mr. Green. Out late are we?” Snape asked in his usual cool manner.

“No, Professor,” Rose said confidently. Hermione looked at him knowing it must be late.

“Careful, if you do not want a detention to go along with your lose of house points. It is a half hour past curfew, Mr. Green,” Snape said, giving the Ravenclaw a challenging look. Rose didn’t flinch, but merely pulled a piece of parchment out of his coat pocket and handed it to Snape. The dark man read the parchment and Hermione noted that his scowl deepened, before handing the parchment back to Rose.

“Very well, Mr. Green. Since the Headmaster has seen fit to excuse your flagrant disregard for the rules, I will overlook it this time. You may return to your dorm.”

“I’m walking my date to her quarters first . . . sir,” Rose said, putting emphasis on the fact that HE was Hermione’s date this evening.

“I will walk Miss Granger to her quarters.” Hermione looked at Snape, her brow furrowed. What was this all about? Not a sign of him all night and now that they were safely back in the castle, he’s worried about her?

“Professor Snape, I. . .,” Rose started.

“I suggest you follow my instructions, Mr. Green,” Snape said, in a lower, more dangerous tone.

“Rose, it’s alright. We’ll talk again,” she said, trying to keep him out of trouble, though why Snape was acting like this escaped her. Rose turned to her and placed a kiss full of promises on her lips before turning to go.

Before Rose was even out of sight, Hermione was stalking towards the stairs. She heard Snape behind her, but she didn’t want to slow down. On the large landing, he caught up to her and grabbed her arm, turning her to face him. She glared at him, panting slightly from her anger more than the stairs.

“Why did you do that?” Hermione demanded. Snape looked truly taken aback by her anger.

“Hermione, you will not speak that way to me. I am still your Professor,” he said, though it didn’t have his customary edge to it.

“Oh really? Were you lurking there in the dark as my Professor or as a jealous suitor?” she spat out, then turned and continued up the stairs, not waiting for his answer. He was only a couple of paces behind her the whole way to her door. She quickly unwarded her door and tried to get in before he could stop her, but he grabbed her shoulder again, lighter this time and he didn’t turn her.

“Hermione, I need to speak with you.”

Hermione shivered at the use of her first name, being too angry to notice before. His hand fell away. She opened the door and allowed him entrance. She began to remove her coat, then felt him take it off her shoulders. As he hung it up, she reached back and undid the ribbon in her hair letting it fall free again. Turning back, she found his scowl firmly in place again.

“I don’t catch a glimpse of you all night and you show up as soon as we’re back,” Hermione snapped, still somewhat angry.

“I would have been a pretty poor spy if you could spot me, do you not think?” Snape said, with what could have been considered an air of humor. So he had been there. “Interesting book he bought you.”

“So you were there.” Then she suddenly realized. “You were the figure in the window. You had me scared out of my wits the entire night. I thought any minute, Malfoy was going to pop out and try to kill Rose.”

“That is still a distinct possibility,” Snape reminded her, in a more serious tone. Hermione turned away from him and sat down on the couch, suddenly very tired. Snape sat down stiffly on the other end. Silence echoed in the room. Finally, he cleared his throat gently.

“I wanted to let you know when to be ready tomorrow,” Snape said, staring at his hands. “I will come by here to collect you at 1:00.”

“What should I wear?”

“Wear? Whatever you usually wear, I suppose,” Snape said, looking confused.

“Well, where are we going?” Hermione asked.

“I will keep that as a surprise for tomorrow,” he said, then stood to leave. Hermione stood also to see him out. They stopped by the door. Snape turned, his dark eyes searching her face.

“I did not mean to ruin your evening” Then he leaned over and placed a lingering kiss on her cheek. Hermione was so stunned she couldn’t collect herself enough to say anything before he left. She leaned back against the closed door, her heart racing.

“What was that?” she asked out loud.

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

Severus took a healthy gulp of whiskey from his glass. He closed his eyes, letting the burn of the liquid calm him. However, his hands still trembled with the thought of what he’d almost done. Even now he could smell her, remember the softness of her skin beneath his lips. He had meant to kiss her properly, to capture those pouting lips, but had settled for her cheek. He took a deep breath and sat down in his favorite chair, gazing off into the fire. After seeing that boy kiss her in the village, Severus had wanted to show Hermione what it was to be kissed by a man. He’d purposely thrown a hex at that cat in the alley to break up the young couple’s kiss. His hand tightened on his glass just remembering the two in an intimate embrace.

Then when he had seen them again on the front steps of the school, Severus had felt jealousy burn in his gut. He had wisely gone inside to meet them in the entryway. He could not stop the boy from kissing her, but he could make sure it went no farther. Rubbing his forehead roughly, he tried again to sort out his feelings, try to find a logical explanation. He was a man, a strong wizard, a bloody war hero for Merlin’s sake, why should he feel threatened by a boy. By a rather handsome boy. By an untainted boy.

Severus sighed deeply, resting back in the chair. That was the crux of it, was it not? Untainted. Innocent. Deserving, even. Rosemond Green had not chosen the dark path, as Severus had. Severus was tainted, undeserving, guilty. What could a woman like Hermione see in him? He would marry her to protect her, as he had said he would, but he found himself wanting more. If he had to bed her, he desperately needed her to want him. To crave his touch and no other. The dream was foolish, he knew, but it was there.

Tomorrow, he would try to give her a look behind the mask he had been forced to wear for so long that it had become a habit; or was it, as he feared, his true self now. No, there had to be more to him, or these longings wouldn’t plague him. Tomorrow. Tomorrow would give him a better idea of her feelings and his own. Hermione had always shown him respect, but could there be more?

A small smile came to his lips, when he thought of Hermione spitting fire at him tonight. She was beautiful in her anger, though her comment about a ‘jealous suitor’ hit far too close to home. And he had been disappointed, when she trembled at his touch outside her door. It made him wonder if she did fear him and was trying to overcome it, or if his touch repulsed her. If the latter were true, he would never touch her again and the marriage would end up being dissolved. If she chose to marry him. Severus had to lay hands on far too many unwilling woman in his years as a Death Eater. With the fall of the Dark Lord, he had sworn to himself, never again.

Tomorrow. They would have to come to some sort of understanding tomorrow.


###################

.