A/N:

I must apologise for the delay in this being uploaded, I lost my internet connection for just over a week

IMPORTANT: For new readers, this fic is A SEQUEL to my earlier fic, Ritus Animus This will still make sense but I advise that you read that first.

Chapter 1.

Warm autumn winds whistled throughout the corridors of the ancient school. Over the last few years, the castle had adjusted to what some would call a state of normality. Professor Longbottom had returned to teaching Herbology, and was currently residing in his rooms in the castle, accompanied by his wife and two children. Luna and the children lived with him all year round – Neville teaching, Luna doing freelance journalistic work for the new publication, 'Mythos', which dealt with mysterious magical creatures. Their children were like clumsy angels- always getting into some kind of trouble, but when caught, looking so innocent that they were usually let off. They were only toddlers after all.

There had also been a change of living arrangements for Professors Granger and Snape. Hermione had refused to relocate to the dungeons, labelling them 'dark, dank and cold'. Severus had refused to move to the main school, telling her that it was all together too noisy and bothersome to even contemplate. After a week of standoff, the pair had compromised. They currently lived together in the west tower, in a series of rooms which included their own private library and laboratory.

There had been a massive scandal when the world realised that the Princess of light and the Sneaky Spy were dating- as far as the media knew, Hermione Granger was still engaged to Ronald Weasley. Severus had a disdain for public affection, and as a result of this it had taken almost a year for the truth to emerge. Hermione had been seen kissing him on the cheek whilst in a particularly happy mood, which only gave Rita Skeeter more material to turn the public slowly more against her. The public almost seemed to forget Mr Weasley's treatment of her when it came to light that she was with Severus- most assuming that she had been cheating on Ron.

This of course worked to Ron's advantage- he had been sober for almost two years now, but remained as vile. The alcohol had previously masked his depression, and now that it was on show, he used it to his advantage, to manipulate those close to him into doing things for him. When the truth came to light, Ron of course played the role of the angry, hurt, perfect boyfriend who was heartbroken at his beloved Hermione's betrayal. Harry and his parents had been disgusted with him, but as all things do, it passed.

There had been a period of relative peace for the past two years- Hermione had returned to teaching charms, she and Severus were happy, and for the time being there were no major dark wizards to worry about. There had been the usual rumours of renegade death eaters committing vengeance attacks to remind the world of their existence, but nothing major. The Order was kept busy enough running around in circles after the rebels, and for most this was a time of happiness, even for Severus Snape.

He smiled into Hermione's shoulder, keeping his eyes tightly closed. It was so warm in their bed. He could feel the chilly air entering through their window, and pulled the covers tighter around him and his sleeping partner. When the sunlight also began to enter the room, he was forced to the conclusion that he was awake, and would not be sleeping again soon.

He and Hermione were laying in bed, both on their sides. She was laying into him, and his arm was draped luxuriously across her, his hand stroking her bare stomach. His face was at the nape of her neck, leaning on her shoulder, all her hair brushed to one side so that it did not tickle his face. He opened his eyes slowly and twirled a few strands of hair around in his finger gently. It was true that he was not affectionate in public- he did not feel the need. Luckily Hermione was an independent enough woman that she did not feel the need to be hanging off his arm 24/7 to know that she was loved. They were gently affectionate enough in private, and both felt that this was sufficient.

They had had to take it slowly of course- Severus was not used to anyone ever showing their affection for him, and it had taken him a long time to get used to. Words often passed unsaid between them, both knowing that to merely be together was enough for them. They did not need to make grand gestures of love- their love was not glamorous. It was not grand. It was quiet, it was comfortable, it ran deep. It was their love, and the looks that passed between them expressed more emotion than either had ever thought was possible.

Severus removed his long graceful fingers from her hair, and began to trace shapes on her shoulder, watching her sleep. She was peaceful, content, and his. Knowing that she loved him and him alone meant everything to Severus, he never thought that he would find such a thing. He never thought that he deserved such a thing.

Noticing that Hermoine was stirring in his arms, he stopped tracing shapes and pulled her close. She opened her eyes and smiled at him sleepily. They did not speak.

Severus groaned as there was a tapping at the window- the usual owl delivering the trashy paper that was 'The Daily Prophet'. Waving his wand, the window opened and the owl flew in, dropping the paper on the bed. It took a knut from the dish next to the bed, and flew off again, leaving the couple to stare at the latest headline of ridiculous proportions.

Heartbreaker Hermione strikes again....Ronald Weasley reveals all, page 4.

Hermione snorted and opened the paper. It was usually a good laugh, even though her reputation was being publicly slaughtered. It didn't matter- she was happy.

Hermione said she would marry me, then ran away with her potions teacher. I always wondered why she got such good marks....

The story went on along the same lines- a jealous Ron not being able to handle being dumped. Severus smirked into her shoulder as she read aloud, laughing every now and again at the ridiculous statements made by her ex-fiancee.

"I can't believe you ever agreed to marry that dolt." Severus commented, earning a playful punch from the woman laying next to him.

"Nor can I, call it temporary lapse of judgement." She settled back against him, feeling her back touch his smooth chest. He was so open with her- she knew she was lucky.

"Is your judgement quite repaired now?" He asked, moving away from her so that she was lying on her back. He leant his head next to hers so that when he spoke his breath tickled her ear, his arms still draped across her, still brushing hair away from her face.

"It's questionable." She grinned, a mischievous glint in her amber eyes. He smirked at her, and rolled onto his back, looking up at the ceiling.

He pulled a simple, silver ring out of his bedside cabinet. It had a deep brown jewel encrusted in it- not large, but elegant and graceful.

"You won't be wanting this then." He stated, looking over at her. Hermione had gone quiet, not sure if she was assuming too much. It couldn't be an engagement ring, could it?

"That depends on what it is." She said steadily, not wanting to give away the excitement that was jumping in her belly.

"Well I was wondering if 'Heartbreaker Hermione' would ever let herself be tamed, and I though I'd try."

Hermione sighed, exasperated. She still wasn't sure exactly what he was asking her. Rolling over so that she was half on top of him, she placed one hand on either side of his head and looked him directly in the eyes. His cool, dark eyes, smouldered back at her.

"What do you want Severus?" She asked quietly, almost afraid of the answer.

He pulled her head down next to him, their lips a mere centimetre apart, and whispered to her.

"Marry me."

"What?"

"Marry me. Marry only me. Let me keep you, let me learn you by heart, let me put this ring on your finger and let me keep you with me always."

She held out a shaking hand, and he smoothly slipped the ring on, not letting her hand go. Their lips finally connected, and he kissed her so tenderly it made her head spin. His hands touched her so lightly she barely knew he was there. When they talked his intellectuality rivalled hers, when they laughed she knew it was only for her, when they laid together she knew he was this gentle with no other, and when they made love she knew his passion was just for her.

A/N: hope you liked it! Please review! Next chapter tomorrow or day after, most likely tomorrow. Would appreciate knowing what you think