As soon as Hermione arrived in the common room Harry pounced on her
"What happened then? Details?" He grinned
"Graphic or non graphic?" She joked
"Not THAT much detail, but the important question is did he Slytherin?" Harry winked
"He most certainly did" she blushed

"And?" He pressed
"It was amazing Harry, he blew my mind completely and then this morning after you left he blew my mind again... And he told me he loves me" Hermione sighed
"Was that before or after banging the jungle drum?" He asked looking worried
"Both!" Hermione grinned

"So are you seeing him tonight?" Harry asked
"Yes, but I won't be sleeping there" she said very matter of factly
"Doesn't mean that you can't...."
"Bang the jungle drum, I know" she rolled her eyes
"Well then quick shag it is then" Harry said making sex faces
"Well actually no, I would rather not tonight anyway I'm still feeling the effects from last night"
Hermione bit her lip
Harry looked her up and down and blushed
"You should go and see Madame Pomfrey maybe she was a draft for your problem"
Hermione shrieked at the thought of it "Could you imagine? That would be so embarrassing"

"I don't know Harry I'm so happy but I feel like it's going so fast, I can't keep up, Sev is my first actual serious relationship, it's love..I'm all at sea here." Hermione sighed
"Oh no, you've got another boat" Harry laughed

"Yeah well Severus is a cruise ship, Ron was just a dingy with a puncture" she giggled
"You love it when he drops his anchor don't you" Harry grinned
"You just love him having all hands on deck" He giggled
"Harry, we are happy when we're just floating along together"
"Bobbing up and down...."
"Stop, you're gonna make me pee" Hermione said wiping tears of laughter from her eyes

Ron came out of the boys dorm and walked into the common room
"What you guys up to?" He smiled broadly
"Nothing much, just chatting" Hermione said coldly
"Talking about what exactly? We can hear your screeching from the bedroom" he asked rather annoyed
"Boats, we were talking about boats again Ronald" Hermione bit her lip and Harry tried to control his grin

"Ok, what is all of this? you keep talking about boats, and I don't get what's funny. Somebody please fill me in" he frowned exasperated
"They like to bounce up and down on the big waves" Harry joked sending Hermione into hysterics
"And that's funny..?" Ron looked confused
"Yes, boats are so funny and they get so wet too" Hermione sniggered
"Ok, I think you two have officially lost it, so I'm gonna leave you to your boat talk.... Happy Fucking sailing" he groaned and slammed the door behind him

There was an owl at the window and Hermione smiled
"Three guesses who that is" Harry sighed
Hermione went to the window and retrieved the owl, she knew right away it wasn't from Severus

******
Dear Miss Granger

Could you please come to my office before dinner
There are matters I wish to discuss

A.P.W.B. Dumbledore
*******

"Dumbledore wants to see me before dinner" Hermione told Harry looking worried
"I wouldn't worry it's probably about more work" he told her
• "You're probably right, I just keep looking over my shoulder you know?"
Harry nodded

Later in the day Hermione headed to Dumbledore's office full of apprehension
"Lemon Drops" the door opened
"Miss Granger! Please do come in and take a seat" Hermione did as she was told
"What is it that you wanted to discuss Headmaster?"
"Well, you have been assisting Professor Snape and he has spoken very highly of your performance" the old man smiled

Hermione went bright red with embarrassment which didn't go unnoticed
"Is there something on your mind Miss Granger?" He asked with an arched brow
"No, not at all" she smiled
"Well as I was saying, the trial period has come to an end and he wishes to make it long term. If you are agreeable?"
"Yes, I would like that very much" Hermione beamed
"I will inform him of your decision, now you'd better be on your way as the feast is about to begin" he gave her a warm smile and she left his office