Christmas Magic (Snamione) **COMPLETED**

Chapter 9 - Yep! Still christmas Eve Eve.

Severus marched down towards the infirmary intent on finding Minerva.  They met halfway between the hospital wing and the Headmistress' office.

"Severus!" She exclaimed when she saw him.  "Has the Quidditch finished already? Whatever's the matter?" His face being as black as thunder warned  her to the fact he wasn't happy. 

"I think we need to talk." He said in clipped tones.

"Then let's go to my office without delay."

Once in the office, with a swish of his wand the door slammed shut causing Minerva to jump. Severus was straight to the point.

"You should never have made Hermione see Hughie Rattigan's father alone.  It wasn't her place and it was damned irresponsible!" He shouted, raising his voice which was unusual - quiet threats were normally far more effective."

"Why? Whatever happened?"

"Whatever happened? How about we start with him calling her all the names under the sun and practically accusing her of raping his fucking son?"

Minerva sat down in her chair with a hefty plop, her face distinctly paling.  "But that's a ridiculous claim! What made him think that?"

"Er.... maybe his hormonal and deluded son told him so!"

"Heavens! Has the truth come out now?"

"Yes! The threat of Veritaserum had him singing like the proverbial canary but his slur left Hermione very upset.  For fucks sake Minerva we came here to do you a favour. It doesn't give you the right to take advantage!"

Minerva looked downcast.  She took a huge deep intake of breath. "No" she said "No, you're right.  I've been a selfish old fool and I am sorry. I'd almost forgotten that you and Hermione were just visitors and not paid staff. Just wishful thinking I suppose."

"Well it's Hermione you need to apologise to.  And you need to consider what action to take against The Rattigan's. She's asked them to leave until the new term in January, which they've done, and that will give you plenty of time to watch Hermione's memories in the Pensieve and decide on a punishment.  If it was up to me the boy would be expelled."

"I assure you I shall take this matter most seriously.  Now, I'd better go and see Hermione."

"Leave her for now Minerva. She is having tea and then if she is willing I shall take her out for dinner and away from here for the night."

Minerva nodded, standing "Very well" she said embracing Severus in a quick hug, "please pass on my apologies and tell her I'll see her tomorrow."  Severus offered a curt nod in reply and left.

Back in their rooms, Hermione, having partaken in a restorative cup of tea, was feeling much better.  She washed her face and freshened up her make up, deciding she looked respectable once more.  Severus entered the lounge with his face grim.

"I've spoken to Minerva" he said walking towards her "and she's fairly contrite over the whole sorry situation.  She wanted to come up straight away and apologise but I told her to leave you alone for now.  I also told her I was taking you away from here for the night and she'd see us tomorrow." 

"Crikey!" Said Hermione with a small smile "you did say a lot.  Go away? Go away where?"

"Anywhere.  Just away from here". He put his arms around her waist and lowered his mouth to kiss her. He was beginning to enjoy the invitation of her soft mouth and probed tenderly to seek the inner warmth. 

"Ok" she whispered when he finally let her go "let me pack a bag...."

They apparated to Muggle London; to a quiet, back street cul-de-sac off Oxford Street. Severus took her hand and they made their way into the bustling thoroughfare. The Christmas lights were twinkling in the darkness which had now descended, and the shop fronts were gaudy and bright. Crowds of people thronged along the street all intent with heading to the tube stations, busses or finishing off their last minute shopping. "This way" said Severus moving through the crowd, tugging her behind him. "Not far."

Eventually he turned them down some small basement stairs where the sound of a saxophone could be heard in the distance. They entered a small, warm cellar room dotted with tables, each set with a cheery checkered table cloth and white over slip and adorned by a small vase of Japanese lillies. One or two other couples sat about either eating or just relaxing listening to the lone saxophonist. A stout man came out from behind a bar to greet them.

"A table for two?" He asked smiling and picking up a couple of menus. Severus nodded his thanks and they were led to a small table away far enough from the other diners to be classed as intimate. The waiter pulled out Hermione's chair, handed them the menus and took their coats. "The Soup de Jeur is Cream of Asparagus and the 'special' is Monkfish with Spinach and Feta". He handed Severus the wine list and smiling at them walked away, leaving them to make their choices.

Both enjoyed the dinner immensely. The food, wine and the atmosphere were what they needed to forget the the stuffiness of Hogwarts.  Sitting back afterwards drinking coffee and liqueurs, Severus reached over and took her petite hand in his.  His thumb traced small circles on her palm causing her pulse to quicken. She looked at him and the intensity of his gaze nearly knocked her off her seat.

He leaned towards her "Come home with me tonight?"  Hermione wasn't sure if it was a request or a direct command. 

"Yes." She replied trying to hold his gaze. "Yes.  I think I'd like that very much."

Severus insisted on paying the bill, despite her protestations, and then helped her on with her coat.  They made their way through the throng of evening revellers to an aparation point, hidden down a disused alley.  Before they were whisked away into the darkness of the night Severus pulled the young witch to him and kissed her soundly.  She shut her eyes and tried to steady her breathing over the drumming pulse that was beating a tattoo in her head.  The blood now coursing through Severus' veins began to reach parts that'd long been forgotten. He knew that Hermione must've felt his arousal and he blushed slightly when he considered it.