The Sound of Noise

Ginny grinned at Harry. He shook his head. "Gin, no. I will not."

She frowned. ""But Harry think about it. If they were both in the wedding maybe they would realize they need to be together."

He sighed. "No love. Ron is my best man. Hermione is standing for you. Snape will be there, but I will not have him in the wedding."

Ginny pouted. "Well fine, but if they don't get back together, I'll never forgive you."

Harry kissed her nose. "You'll love me anyway." She grinned as she kissed him.

Ron walked in. "Come on you two. My virgin eyes."

Harry threw a sofa cushion at him. "That's about the only thing that's virgin."

Ron laughed as he sat down. "What are you two talking about?"

Ginny pouted again. "Harry won't put Professor Snape in the wedding."

Ron looked shocked. "Why would he? The greasy git."

Harry sighed. "Ginny thinks it will help him and Hermione get together."

He shook his head. "I'm not sure what she sees in him. I always said she was mental."

Ginny gave him a look. "Come on Ron, you've been around them. He's wonderful with Steph. How could she not love him?"

Ron started to argue but Harry stopped him. "No, we're not doing this. Hermione has made her choice. It may not be popular and we may not understand it, but it's what she wants. I say we help her be happy."

Ron nodded. "I agree mate. I'd rather have Hermione here with Snape than to not have her at all."

Ginny grinned. "Good. I've got another plan."

***
Steph kissed her mother before she went into her lesson with Minerva.

Hermione started towards the dungeons, but Albus stopped her at the stairs. "I wonder if I might have a word."

She nodded. "Of course Albus. I'm meeting Severus but I have a few moments."

Albus led her into an empty classroom and then sat across from her. "I wanted to speak to you about Severus. He is a very fragile man. Outside he is dark and strong but inside he is very vulnerable. Please, keep that in mind." He stood and gave her a look. "Stephanie is good for him." And with that, he was gone.

Hermione frowned. What was that about? Did he think she was leaving? She shook her head and s, th, then made her way to the Dungeons.

***

Severus sighed as he piled the books on the table. Hermione would be here at any moment and he was worried about his and his home's appearance. He shook his head. It was stupid and he shouldn't care. She had been here before. She had seen him at his worst. She wouldn't care. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock. He looked at the door and called out, "Enter."

Hermione stepped into the room and smiled. "Hello Severus."

He nodded. "Welcome."

She walked over to him and started to lean up for a kiss, but stopped and looked at him. "What?"

He frowned. "What what?"

She frowned and crossed her arms. "You're upset. What's wrong?"

He shook his head. "Nothing. Shall we get to work?"

Hermione's frown deepened. "We shall not. I want to know what's gotten you into such a mood."

Severus snapped at her. "Are you my bloody wife? Do you have to control everyone and everything?"

Her jaw went slack, then anger washed over her like a wave. "Fine. I'll leave you to snark. I'll be in the library when you regain your senses."

As the door slammed, Severus sat, hard, into the nearest chair. He pinched the bridge of his nose. Damn, just damn.

***
Hermione sat and put her head into her hands. What had Severus in such a state? She shook herself from her thoughts and pulled her date book from her pocket.

After restoring it to it's correct size, she checked her appointments. Albus had already given her the okay on the building, so all she needed now were workers and production equipment. From what she read, that was few and consisted mostly of witches and wizards that were good with duplication charms.

She checked off the next item on her list. Advertising. She had placed several ads and made several calls about the business. All she had to do now was wait. Things were coming together nicely.

***
Severus watched her from the shadows. She was beautiful. He didn't deserve, he, he knew that. If he didn't, there were hundreds of Wizards that would remind him of that. He stepped up to the table. "Hermione."

She didn't even look at him. "Have you gotten over your mood?"

He raised an eyebrow. "May I sit?" She nodded and he took his seat. "I was not angry with you, I was angry with myself."

She frowned and looked at him. "That is no reason to be short with me."

He nodded. "I agree."

She sighed. "Okay, I won't pry but the next time..."

He stopped her. "I understand completely" He stood. "All the books for our research are in my chambers. Shall we?" She took his offered hand and together they walked to the dungeons.

***
Steph wrote as fast as she could. There was so much to learn! She only hoped that she could get her wand to respond before school began. Minerva paused. "Did you copy all of that?"

Steph nodded. Minerva smiled slightly. "Now, let's practice wand movement."

Steph took her wand from her cloak and held it tightly. She wished and hoped that today would be the day that something happened. She watched Minerva, copied her, then focused on the words. She said them several times in her mind, then added them to the wand movements.

Nothing.

She took a breath and tried again.

Still nothing.

Minerva frowned. "All right Stephanie. That's fine for now. We will work on that later." Steph sighed and put her wand on the desk. She looked at it as she picked up her quill to take more notes.

***
Ginny smiled. "I think it's perfect."

Harry shook his head. "I thinu aru are insane."

She grinned at him. "You love me anyway."
Ron shook his head. "So, Steph is with us tonight?"

Ginny looked at him. "Nope. Mum wanted her to stay at the Burrow. Bill and his family are going to be there."

Harry nodded. "We'll pick her up at Hogwarts after her lessons. Maybe we'll be home in time for some flying."

Ron looked at his watch. "I best go pick up Stacey. Mum invited her to dinner tonight as well."

Harry grinned. "Stacey. Stacey. I best remember that. I would hate to get names mixed up."

Ron grinned. "It's okay mate. Sometimes, I have to write them all down."

Ginny frowned. "That's horrible Ron. You should be ashamed." He only grinned as he apperated away
H
Harry laughed. "That's Ron for you. A different flavor every week. Come on. Let's go to Hogwarts for a while."

***
Severus ran his hand over his eyes. Nothing. Three tomes later and still nothing. He glanced at Hermione. She was engrossed in what she was reading. He picked up another book and started reading again.

Suddenly, Hermione looked at him. "I've found something." She tapped her wand to the book and an image of the human brain appeared in midair. She looked at the book then pointed. "This part of the brain controls magic, in Witches and Wizards anyway." She looked back at the book. "This part, well, whole side of the brain controls language and motor skills." She looked at Severus. "Maybe Steph has some problem there."

He studied the image. "Perhaps. We would have to examine her as well."

Hermione sighed. "St. Mungo's then?"

Severus looked at the image again. "I'll speak with Poppy and get her opinion. If she can perform the exam, I would much rather her."

She nodded. "I agree." She dispelled the image and put the book back onto the table. She looked at him. "Well, now what?"

He glanced at the clock. "Stephanie should be finishing up her lessons soon. Shall we collect her and take a stroll?"

***
The Headmaster greeted Harry Gin Ginny warmly. "What brings you two to Hogwarts?"

Ginny returned his hug. "We came to collect Steph. We have a plan forightight."

She grinned as he chuckled. "I see. I only hope Severus and Hermione are ready for your scheme."

Harry shook his head. "No one is ready for anything she cooks up."

They heard a door close and looked up to see Minerva and a very unhappy Stephanie walking towards them. Albus spoke. "Minerva, Stephanie. I take it classes are finished?"

Minerva nodded. "Yes Albus. Young Miss Snape is progressing nicely."

Steph frowned and signed quickly. She pur har hands in her pockets and looked at the floor.

Minerva shook her head. "I'm not exactly sure what she said but she hasn't succeeded in performing the spells with her wand."

Albus patted Steph's head lightly. "That will come with time." He looked up as Severus and Hermione walked from the Dungeons.

***
Hermione smiled at the sight of Stephanie. Then she noticed her stance and the look on her face and sighed. Severus patted her hand where it rested on his arm. She looked at him and managed a weak smile. He spoke softly. "It will come. Her parents are very powerful."

*** Steph saw her mother and father and quickly went to them. She hugged Hermione tightly and hid her face against her stomach. She foughck tck tears as she held onto her. Hermione looked at Severus. He put his hand against Steph's head.

Albus offered Minerva his arm. "Let's give them a moment, shall we?"

Harry and Ginny followed them out to the staff room.

***
Steph pulled back and wiped her tears away. Hermione kissed her head. "Don't dwell on it love. It will come."

Severus nodded. "Yes, Little One. I believe that once you become accustom to your wand and it to you, the spells will become easier."

Steph signed quickly. Hermione shook her head. "Don't say that. Like your father said, your parents are pretty powerful in their own right." Steph grinned a little as Hermione continued. "You've shown that you can do magic, You did that at a very young age. It will juste pre practice."

She nodded then signed again. Severus raised and eyebrow. "I realize that you wish to speak and I am confident that you will in the future. For now, we deal with what we have."

He looked down the hallway. "I noticed that Mr. Potter and Ms. Weasley were visiting. Shall we see what they are up to?"

***
In the staff room, the small family was being discussed over tea. "It's unusual to see him like that," Harry said as after he sipped hia. a.

Ginny sat her cup down. "It is, but Harry, its sweet. He must truly love them both."

Albus nodded. "I agree. Hermione and Stephanie have done wonders for him."

Minerva laughed lightly. "He has become more social."

***
The door opened and Severus led the ladies inside. After everyone was seated, Hermione looked at Harry. "What brings you here?"

Harry grinned. "Well, we're kidnapping your daughter."

Steph looked up from her wand and frowned.

Ginny shook her head. "He makes it sound seedy. Hermione, Professor Snape, with your permission, we'd like Steph to come to the Burrow with us. Mum and Dad are fixing a huge dinner and Bill and his family are going to be there."

Hermione frowned. "Won't it be awfully crowded?"

Harry laughed. "Of course it will but you know how Mrs. Weasley is. The more the merrier."

Hermione nodded. "That's true." She looked at Steph. "Do you want to go?"

Steph looked at Harry. She made the sign for flying. He nodded. "If we leave soon enough we can get in a quick ga She She grinned, then nodded at Hermione.

She laughed. "I guess it's settled then. Looks like we're going to the Burrow for dinner."

Albus chuckled. "Hermione, I don't believe the invitation extended to you."

Hermione looked at Ginny, who nodded. "He's right Hermione. Mum only invited Steph.

Severus frowned slightly. "What is Hermione to do then?"

Minerva smiled. "Why Severus, surely you can find some way to keep her amused." His eyebrow arched at the teasing laughter.

***
At the main fireplace in the Entrance Hall, Steph kissed her mother and father. Hermione smoothed her hair. "If you need anything...."

Steph frowned and shook her head.

Harry laughed. "I promise Hermione. If anything happens you and Professor Snape will be the first people I call." He kissed her cheek. "Have fun tonight." He offered Severus his hand. "Take care of her sir."

Severus shook his hand and gave him a nod. They bid the rest of the group good-bye and disappeared into the flames.

***
Albus smiled at Minerva. "Shall we leave these tlonelone?" She nodded and they bid their farewells.

Hermione looked at Severus. "I owe you a dinner."

He frowned. "I did not take you out to dinner so you would owe me"

She smiled. "I know, but you did help me move. Come on. Let's see what Covington and Lana have prepared."

***
At the Burrow, Steph was listening to what Ginny had planned. She grinwidewidely and hugged the older witch. She started signing quickly, then frowned.

Ginny grinned. "I understand. You're excited."

Steph nodded as Harry walked into the room. "Come on Steph, Ginny. We've already chosen sides."

***
Lana appeared as soon as Hermione and Severus closed the door. "This way please. Leave your cloaks." They were frowning as they followed the elf into the dining nook.

Hermione gasped at the sight. Candles sat on every available surface. Dinner was already on the table along with two candles and a single red rose. There was even soft music playing in the background.

She looked at Severus, but he shook his head. "I take it by your reaction you had no knowledge of this?"

She shook her head. "I've been with you all day." A look of realization came over her face. "Harry and Ginny. That's why they took Steph tonight."

He helped her take hr seat. "Well, I would hate to waste this dinner." She smiled as they began their meal."

***
Harry laughed he lhe look on Ron's face. "I'm sorry mate, but it's funny."

Ron looked up at him as he held the ice against his nose. "Not it's not. It bloody hurts!"

Steph bit her lip and looked at his nose. Ron smiled as best he could. "Don't feel bad Steph. I should have been paying attention."

Mrs. Weasley came up and took the ice from him. "You are the keeper Ron. You really should have been minding the goals."

He winced as she checked out his nose. "I know Mum, I know. I didn't think the Snitch would come close enough for Steph and I to crash."

Steph bit her lip and looked at Ron. She signed, "Sorry."

After Molly had cast the correct charms to his nose, Ron reached out and pulled Steph into a hug. "Don't fret, love. You'rell mll my favorite Quidditch player." She grinned and kissed his cheek.

Ginny smiled. "That's better. Now, Steph, do you want to see what plans I have for the wedding?" Steph grinned and nodded.

Harry kissed Ginny. "You two do that. The men have important things to talk about." Ginny laughed as she and Steph walked into another room.

***
Severus lay his fork on his plate and wiped his mouth. He looked at Hermione and extended his hand. "Would you care to dance?"

He pulled her to her feet and smiled slightly as the music became more pronounced. "Someone is talented in charms."

Hermione nodded. "Ginny. The boys are rather hopeless."

He smirked at her. "I knew you would admit it someday."

She rolled her eyes and chuckled. "I suppose." She looked at him. "I guess you've already received your invitation to the "Wedding of The Century?"

He nodded. "I have. Stephanie also informed me that you were both participating."

Hermione nodded as they danced closer. "Yes. Ginny wants me to stand with her."

Severus turned in the dance and dipped her back. She grinned as she looked at him. He chuckled at her expression. "I look forward to it."

***
Steph frowned and wrote something on a paper. Harry read it and nodded. "That's it. You've got it. See, it's not that hard. Now, do you want to try Exploding Snap?" She nodded as he started to deal the cards.

Molly smiled at the scene. Ginny walked in from the kitchen and stopped beside her Mum. "Cute isn't it?"

Molly nodded. "She reminds me of Severus when he was younger."

Ginny frowned. "Professor Snape couldn't have been that nice."

Her Mum smiled wistfully, not bothering to answer her remark. "Severus was an extraordinary young man. He was an only child so his parents spoiled him terribly." Her smiled faded a little. "During his time at school, the children teased him horribly. It was so bad, he started to withdraw from everyone. Even his parents." She shook her head. "I do not want that to happen to her."

Ginny shook her head. "It won't. Hermione and Professor Snape will find a way for her to speak."

***
Hermione couldn't believe it. She was sitting in her living room, kissing Severus. She grinned slightly as her hand toyed with the hair at the back of his head. It was a wonderful feeling.

Snape was feeling pretty wonderful as well. His hand rested on her hip as she sat almost on his lap. His brain processed that. A lap full of Hermione. A lap full of naked Hermione. That he liked much better.

His hands began to move. She moaned and he took that as a good sign. He moved gently and pulled her onto his lap. Much better.

She pulled back and smiled back at him. "Much better." He nodded and kissed her again.

***
Steph yawned as she watched Bill and his wife settle their children for the night. Molly touched her arm. "Bed time for you as well."

Steph started to protest, but yawned widely. She rubbed her eyes and then nodded.

***
Severus leaned up and looked at the beautiful woman beneath him on the couch. Her face was flushed, her hair tousled, and her eyes, by the gods, her eyes sparkled so. She smiled and tried to pull him back to her. He shook his head. "Hermione, I should leave."

She frowned. "No, you shouldn't."

He scowled at her. "I should. I wouldn't want to rush you."

She sighed. "I wouldn't be rushed." She pulled him back down for another kiss.

He gave in for a moment; his hand making it's way up her thigh, pushing her dress higher. Her hands were busy opening the buttons on his jacket.

His hand met the silk of her underwear and he stopped and pulled away. "No. I have to stop."

Hermione frowned. "Severus, I'm not going to stop you." She ran her fingers over his exposed chest. "I'd probably even encourage you."

Severus shook his head and grabbed her hand. "Hermione, no." He sat up, pulling her with him.

She sighed and looked at him. "What's wrong?"

He shook his head. "I just think we should take things a bit slower."

Hermione frowned at him. "Aren't I the one that should be saying that?"

He looked at her, then kissed her gently. "Hermione, I do not want to ruin this. There are more people involved this time. Stephanie would be crushed if we rushed and then combusted later."

She shook her head and moved closer to him. "Severus Snape. We are not going to combust. We werant ant to be together. We love each other." She caressed his chest again. "Besides, I really liked what you were doing before."

Severus smiled down at her. "I enjoyed it as well, but I must return to Hogwarts." He kissed her gently and then stood.

After straightening himself up, he leaned down and kissed her again. "I will see you tomorrow." He apperated away before Hermione could protest.

She frowned as she looked at the spot where he a just been standing. She was confused. What was wrong with Severus Snape?