23rd December 2000
They did it. The last calculations were made in September, two trials were conducted in October and November during the full moon, and their findings were finally analysed and concluded. They stabilised the Wolfsbane potion by supplementing ground rye with cooked polenta and adding peppermint and calendula to aid the natural healing properties of werewolf metabolism. The results? One caldron contained exactly thirteen doses, and now was well-preserved and retained its potency for a whole year due to the addition of the calendula. They'll now be able to provide a full year's supply with a spare dose for safety purposes with just one cauldron per werewolf. It was revolutionary, it was exhausting, and it was the fact that the research had both their names on it that gained Hermione her Mastery, after she submitted a full and detailed dissertation to the International Potions and Alchemy Association. Her second Mastery medal was hanging next to the first one above the fireplace, once again framed and proudly displayed by her partner.
She picked up her small shot of eggnog and chuckled at how much rum Ava slipped into it this year. Most likely out of spite, as she couldn't drink herself due to the pregnancy. It came as quite a surprise, as they weren't even aware at the Memorial ball in May that Ava was already expecting! Harry was absolutely over the moon, and the couple looked radiant and so very much in love at their small wedding one week before Hermione's birthday in September. Hermione couldn't have been happier for her best friend, and stood as a proud best woman by his side during the ceremony. Bill, Charlie, the twins with Angie and Katie, and Ava's two brothers were also in attendance, making it small and intimate. With the baby arriving in just three weeks' time, everyone was glad to get some holiday rest before the responsibilities began anew in the new year.
Hermione smiled when slender arms wrapped around her waist and a gentle kiss landed on her bare shoulder. All done, love? she asked, breathing in the scent of baked salmon and new potato salad with relish.
Cider is nearly brewed, dear. Shall we? he asked, nuzzling her soft skin. The little hair at the nape of her neck was still damp from her shower, and the robe was just thin enough to ensure he would be happy to eat quickly and get back in bed to celebrate their new potion patent again…and possibly again…
Hermione chuckled. None of that. You made me rather hungry, she grinned when he only kissed her neck with a smile. Then again, I probably could stand to lose a few pounds…
Severus snorted. If you wished to entertain ridiculous notions, you should have gotten Mastery in Divination, Miss Granger, his drawl completely unimpressed and hand caressing her curved hips fondly.
Hermione turned in his arms and pulled him in for a quick kiss. I'll have to stop thinking about it then.
Smart choice, madam, Severus petted her backside and they headed for the kitchen.
They were halted in their steps by the fireplace roaring to life and Harry's head appearing in the flames. "Hermione! Severus!"
"Harry!" Hermione dashed over and knelt beside the fire. "What is it? Oh Merlin, it's not Ava I hope?" she asked, seeing his distress.
"She went into labour prematurely! We just got her into the hospital, but she's asking for you, and I'd quite frankly be comforted by having a potions master with us. If you don't mind, sir," he looked at Severus who instantly nodded. He was after all the one who has been brewing Ava all the necessary pre-natal potions.
"Give us two minutes and we'll be through," Hermione promised and dashed upstairs to quickly put some clothes on and grab anything they could need to make Ava more comfortable.
Severus settled their food under heating charms and turned the burner off underneath the pot with cider, before heading up to get dressed as well. Hermione was just zipping up her jeans and looking around. "Do we have everything?" she asked absentmindedly, talking more to herself than him. Severus quickly dressed before taking her hand and they headed over through the floo.
24th December 2000, 9:13 am
"What is taking them so long?" Harry paced impatiently, and flinched again when a nurse left the room and he could hear his wife scream in pain despite Hermione's soothing instructions.
Fourteen hours and still going. Severus sat him down and gave him a calming draught every two hours on the dot, far too irritated by the young man's pacing, and admittedly Hermione being from his side for so long. It is her first child, Potter. Your wife's body is taking its time and the child will come when it comes, he replied simply with the aid of his quill and parchment.
Harry read it tiredly and huffed in annoyance. He was back on his feet immediately when an exhausted but smiling Hermione opened the door. "Come on in, baby daddy," she smiled warmly at Harry. "Ava is ready to see us all," she motioned for Ava's brothers Marcus and Victor to come in too.
They all rushed in whereas Severus walked over to Hermione and caressed her flushed cheek. She smiled tiredly and wiped the sweat from her forehead. The mummy and her little boy are both well. Perfect actually, she offered. She'll need some potions to keep up her calcium for sure, and little James will need a strengthening potion, his lungs are a little on the weaker side at the moment by the word of the healers, she explained.
Severus grimaced. James?
James Sirius Potter, she said gently.
Severus stiffened at the ridiculous name and his hand tightened on her hip. Hermione understood his discomfort but soothed him by gently, rubbing his chest. I know love, Harry can be sentimental sometimes. But this is all he ever wanted. Someone to love, a family, someone to spoil. He has that in Ava, and in little James who is both his past and future, she explained wisely, as she had been aware of the name choice before the baby was born.
Severus looked down at her and she leaned up to gently kiss his lips. We won't stay long?
Hermione shook her head. Just a few minutes. Let them be proud for bringing new life to this world, let them bask in achieving this, and be there to see it. Then we can go home and have that food cause I'm barely standing, she tried lightening the mood.
Severus however saw through her smile and pulled her closer, nuzzling her cheek in simple affection. Mrs Potter is a woman with different priorities in her life. You, dearest, have a world to change, and hopefully a home to keep loving with myself. And while you may never achieve producing a new life, you are saving countless lives with your work and our research. That is a great achievement in my eyes, he caressed her mind with his gentle words.
Hermione closed her eyes for a moment as she listened to his smooth mental voice, before leaning in and gently kissing his cheek. I love you, she whispered to him gently and smiled when his eyes softened and looked at her with affection that was never directed at anyone else in their lives.
"Hermione! Severus!" Ava called for them to come in and they nodded to each other imperceptibly before heading in to share the moment with their dear friends.
19th September 2001
"Are you home, love?" Hermione called through the house as she stepped out of the floo and carried the paper box with their favourite cake into the kitchen. What she found there was their dining table covered with presents, and the most adorable little kneazle kitten playing contentedly atop the tablecloth.
"Hello, little one…" she smiled and settled the cake down, reaching out to offer the kitten her hand. Its eyes were large and yellow, coat spotted like a cheetah's, and it looked at her curiously before smelling her skin. Hermione smiled and barely caught the wild little kitten when it jumped up into her arms, sniffing at her hair and familiarising itself with her. The kneazle was beautiful, with both the large ears and forked tail typical of its kind. Crookshanks was only a part-kneazle, mostly inheriting the temperament of its creature ancestors rather than the physical features. This one however even let out a little ball of fire when it hiccuped, thankfully away from Hermione's hair.
She chuckled in delight and rubbed its belly, smiling at the contented purr that left the… oh, a little girl. "Well, aren't you just beautiful? And you are here to be mine?" she asked, caressing her little snout. The fierce little kneazle girl nipped her finger before nuzzling her palm. "Alright, we best name you then! How about…Aporia? She was the Greek spirit of difficulty. And I bet you'll be quite a handful," she winked, and the kneazle contemplated her for a moment before purring in agreement.
Hermione nuzzled her affectionately before looking at the different cards and presents, delighted that her friends were so kind and remembered. The only one missing right now was Severus. Love? Where are you? she called out mentally and finally received a startled answer from upstairs. She heard footsteps on the stairs before Severus appeared in the kitchen, looking sleepy and disheveled. Everything alright? she asked, knowing he was tired after brewing all night to finish the polyjuice potion requested by the Unspeakables.
Happy birthday, dearest, he leaned down and kissed her adoringly.
Hermione positively beamed and rubbed Aporia's belly, much to the kneazle's happiness. She's beautiful! Is she your doing? she asked.
Severus nodded. I thought she may bring you some joy and make our home a little bit more lively, he admitted.
He could see that while Hermione was content in not having the responsibility of children, and so was he, she missed someone to take care of since Severus himself was simple to please. Maybe having a kneazle would give her another companion to care about, and make her a bit more content.
You know she will be all over the bookshelves, and climbing our heads, and she hiccups fire, Hermione raised a questioning brow.
Severus shrugged. Magical barriers are already in place, she won't be able to do any significant damage. The one request I have is that she does not sleep in the bed. Hermione looked at him with her large eyes, and Aporia joined in, meowing softly. Oh, bugger. Very well, I ask that she does not sleep in our bed every night. I would like you all to myself once in a while, he grumbled.
Hermione laughed in delight and reached up to kiss him lovingly. Thank you, most thoughtful.
Severus motioned for her to open her other presents while he put the cake into the cooling cabinet for after dinner. Later that night, Hermione thought it was the best birthday celebration she could ask for.
2nd February 2002
Hermione gently rubbed Aporia's belly, completely lost in thought and trying not to tear up again for the hundredth time. The 30th of January had started so well… They were having breakfast and discussing taking another weekend trip, when the owl with a message from Harry and a copy of the Daily Prophet landed on their table. Neither of them subscribed to the gossip magazine anymore, Hermione occasionally bought the Quibbler, but that was about it. If Harry was sending them a copy of the Prophet, it must have been something they would not enjoy. And true to word, it was an article speculating about them. Again.
Hermione Granger and Severus Snape: Power-couple or a Deviant Dalliance?
They rarely paid attention to the press, both of them having had enough of publicity to last them a life-time. The contents of this article however were attacking something they haven't discussed or addressed. British Wizarding society was still somewhat in the middle ages with the traditionalist rules and opinions of their culture. Most married young right after Hogwarts, built a home, found a good career or stayed at home with the kids. And it has been that way for a long time for both heterosexual and same-sex couples, or so she read while she was younger and tried to understand the world she was entering as a muggleborn. Severus and Hermione were by all means as non-traditional as they could get. The age difference was of little concern due to slower ageing, but their shared history, positions and actions during the war, backgrounds…. those were all the differences the article picked up. It was now public knowledge that Hermione and Ronald ended on bad terms and caused the breakdown of the Golden Trio. The magical world was also aware that she was barren and while there was some stigma, she couldn't care less. What bothered her was the other expectations. The expectation that since she was living with a man in the same household, and because they were partners, they will get married. And they will at least adopt a child, since they have the means to care for one, if not a few. The expectation that they will conform to how their lives 'should be'.
And why hasn't she done the same thing as the other two thirds of the Golden Trio? That particular paragraph was rather vicious, accompanied by two photos. One was of a beaming Harry walking down Diagon Alley, little James in a baby sling across his chest and Ava holding his hand lovingly, their happiness nearly in the room with her when Hermione looked at the photo. The second one was from Ronald's wedding. He looked…she didn't even know what to call that facial expression. Resolution? Resignation? Probably the latter, she mused at the sight of a heavily pregnant Lavender on his arm before the Ministry official. Did the Wizarding world question Ronald's promiscuity, making his girlfriend pregnant by accident, or the fact that Lavender was already divorced after being married for only 3 months? No. Not one mention of any of these facts. They were getting married and expecting, they were doing the right thing by the public opinion and that was important.
Anyone who truly knew Severus Snape was aware that he did what he considered right, not what he should do by others' opinions (forced servitude by two previous masters none-withstanding). And Hermione's own values corresponded well with his. It has been nearly four years of being around each other, healing each other, and living together. And that is how they enjoyed it, their home, their relationship, being who they want to be together and witch each other. And yet here it was, the proof that the Wizarding society expected them to be different, to get married, to adopt children, and do what is right. Give their contribution to the society by being a conforming couple.
That wasn't what had started the argument. They both read the article calmly, Severus even snorted at a few passages, and just took it in for a moment. Severus however decided to completely ignore it, whereas Hermione actually wanted to discuss the contents, to be practical. That was what started the argument. They rarely argued. They squabbled occasionally, demanded their space when the mood struck, and generally got along very well. But when they argued, it was quite a spectacle.
As she sat at the lovely round kitchen table in the Potter home, Hermione couldn't even remember the extensive list of grievances they argued about and insults they hurled at each other. She nearly accidentally ruined his batch of polyjuice, he was a moody bastard… insults just kept flying between them like there was no tomorrow. They were both stressed, tired, and having a straining month at work after the holidays. Severus was brewing more potions for the Unspeakables, not giving him enough time to do what he truly wanted; experimental potions research. And Hermione finally accepted working with the Unspeakables research division, sometimes being the reason why they needed Severus to help brew so many potions. They rarely worked together officially, despite working together in the lab often privately. It did however create tension between them occasionally. Perhaps the article was just the catalyst that started them off, Hermione mused. Perhaps they needed to take a breather, but she was hoping that wasn't actually necessary. Either way, they both reacted harshly, and both hurt each other during that argument.
After their magic had accidentally combined and pretty much shattered every piece of glassware and china they owned in the kitchen, she quickly packed an overnight bag and apparated to Harry's, because really she had nowhere else to go. That was three days ago. She originally came alone, asked if she could stay for a few days to clear her head, and took a leave at work. It worked well for Harry and Ava, as she could stay at home with the 14 month old James, who loved his godmother very much. He was a lively child but she was happy to look after him for the couple as they let her stay in their guest room. Harry tried to ask, even offered to go have a word with 'the bloody bat', but she just told him to leave it and took her rest. The previous night their floo roared to life and Aporia jumped through, meowing loudly in search of her mistress. Hermione wasn't sure the Potters were alright with a kneazle in the house, which is why she didn't take the kitten with her in the first place. But neither Harry nor Ava minded, and when Aporia entertained James and showed no signs of being hostile to a child, they agreed to have her over as well.
The kneazle purred contentedly from her arms, and James was in the middle of his afternoon nap in the baby carrier atop the table. The household was quiet, and Hermione wished she could delight in the peace, as Harry's family was nothing less but hectic with a small child. But she couldn't muster the energy despite trying. "Hermione?" Harry appeared in the doorway, briefcase still in hand. He noticed his sleeping son and his eyes softened immediately.
"Don't worry," Hermione smiled. "There's a silencing charm around the seat so we can't disturb him," she promised.
Harry nodded and set his briefcase down in one of the chairs before leaning down to peck her cheek. "Alright?"
She nodded, looking down at the lazy kneazle in her arms. "We're good. I was going to start on dinner, Ava sent an owl, she'll be a bit late today,"
Harry shook his head. "There's someone to see you," he said and watched Hermione's head snap up to look at him. He carefully picked up the car seat and headed out of the kitchen before a tall, dark figure appeared in the doorway.
Hermione looked at the man she loved, not sure whether she wanted to stay in her seat or kiss him. He looked tired, probably as tired as she looked herself, and his usually soft hair was once again hanging lankly, after many hours over the cauldrons without sleep no doubt. The few silver strands that appeared a few months ago stood out amongst the dark locks. Severus wavered between not caring as he didn't care generally for vanity, and being annoyed at his age starting to show in such a way. Hermione was however rather fond of the change, reminding him that in many cultures, silver hair was considered the sign of knowledge and experience as well as older age, and very much respected. It was a running joke between them that Hermione was the cause for him going grey with stress, only ever uttered with perfect fondness on Severus' part. Sod it, she missed him too much. Hermione set Aporia on the chair next to her before standing and heading into Severus' arms. And he did not hesitate in pulling her into his body and holding her close. They just stood there for a long moment, reuniting after three days spent apart in argument. Her mental shields lowered completely and their minds reached for the other, caressing each other with their presence and love.
I'm sorry, she whispered to his mind, holding onto his robe and breathing in the bergamot she associated with his scent.
As I am, forgive me, Severus answered in kind, squeezing her tighter in his arms and letting her wild curls tickle his nose as he nuzzled the top of her head. Will you come back home? I believe we should discuss what happened.
Hermione shook her head. Maybe we should just let it go.
Severus sighed and rubber her back. If you would allow me to at least speak what is on my mind, I would like for you to hear it.
Hermione raised her head and looked at him for a long moment before nodding. Let me grab my things. I'll meet you home? I haven't had tea since he morning, she suggested.
Severus nodded. I shall go put the kettle on, he squeezed her hand once more before heading back through the floo.
Harry nodded to the man as he left before turning to the woman he considered his sister. "Everything alright?" he asked worriedly.
Hermione picked Aporia back into her arms and nodded. "Thank you for having me. We agreed to talk so I'm heading home. Will you be alright with James? Do you want me to stay a bit longer to start on dinner?" she asked, realising she was leaving Harry to his own devices.
Harry just smiled and shook his head though. "Go. You need to talk, and I want to see my sister smile again. Besides, I'm craving a pizza," he grinned sheepishly. "Give me a call in a couple of days?"
"I promise," she summoned her bag and gave him a tight hug. "Thank you for everything."
"Any time, anything you need," Harry said clearly before waving her off. "Go to that bat of yours," he grinned, dodging the light slap aimed at his arm for the cheek.
She leaned down and kissed James' forehead lightly to not wake him before heading through the floo. "Mrrrrraw," Aporia protested the means of travel and jumped out of her arms promptly once they were home, heading out towards the garden to see if there were any gnomes to play with (or terrorise, if you were the gnome).
Hermione set down her bag and headed into the kitchen where she found Severus with his coat on and two large steaming cups with tea ready. She summoned her coat and slipped it on before they headed out the back door and sat down on the steps. The air was crisp and there was snow still everywhere they looked. Winter was going to be long this year, or so it was predicted. She cast a quick heating charm around them and on the steps so they wouldn't catch a cold, and wrapped her hands around the mug.
They stayed in silence for a few minutes, just sipping their tea and holding onto the open mental channel between them. It was almost like feeling each other when their minds were connected this way, and that sensation has become even more intense and intimate now that they were together as partners, sharing more of themselves with each other.
Severus took another sip of his tea before gently caressing her mind with his presence. Perhaps I should begin by explaining why I did not wish to discuss the contents of the article, he offered.
Hermione sighed tiredly. There is no need. I'm sure you have your reasons and we don't need to open it if you don't want to.
Severus shook his head. I wish to, it will explain a great deal. Or so I hope, he added before taking another sip of tea, gathering his thoughts. I have considered carefully the matter of our living arrangements and how dear you are to me. There is also the matter of practicality. Being experts in potions has its advantages in terms of health and care, but being able to accompany you to the hospital if need be would be denied to me, and vice versa. I cannot place you in my will as a partner to receive a support stipend if something were to happen to me… he continued to explain and Hermione's eyes widened.
Was he getting where she thought he was getting at? Severus…
Severus held up his hand. Please let me finish, he requested and she nodded in agreement. Thank you. What the article did was merely force my hand before the time dictated. I wished to ask you for the ultimate companionship on my own terms, when I felt you might be receptive, he explained and reached into his pocket, digging out a small black velvet box. Hermione took it carefully when he offered, and opened it to find a lovely yellow gold ring with a stunning, inch long oval onyx.
It all made sense now, his contemplative and irritable behaviour with so many responsibilities and clearly a great consideration to their future. They were both practical people, and just for the practical side of such a commitment, it made sense to get married. They had great respect and care for each other, and love that they were both most reassured of. And if a man such as Severus, who spent two decades living alone, was willing to share the rest of his days with her, Hermione was certain he was asking her with the full knowledge of the reality of marriage.
Are you sure? I'm stubborn, my hair gets everywhere, and I'll probably drive you crazy. And I don't want children no matter what the expectation of me is, she offered a small smile to lighten the mood.
Severus set his cup down and cupped her cheek. I'm a paranoid ex-spy, an insufferable bat of the dungeons, and as I recall your words, 'a stubborn, moody git'. And I do not think I have it in me at this age to think about bringing up a child. I am too settled in my ways, he said honestly.
Hermione nodded. Then we will marry.
Severus shook his head. Not marry, I wish to bond with you, he specified.
Hermione looked into his beautiful espresso eyes and knew where the need for the unity of two souls stemmed from. Their lives used to be uncertain, and they got to know each other at a time when they both needed healing and comfort. Their bond was already strong, both mental and emotional. Binding their souls was the final piece to completing the bond they already had.
Then we will be bonded, she corrected herself and leaned into the ardent kiss he bestowed upon her.
He took the ring out of the box and slid it onto her ring finger. She admired how it sized perfectly and looked so dark and graceful on her hand. It truly is beautiful.
It belonged to my favourite aunt. I inherited it after her death and thought I would never have use of it. It felt right to pass something so meaningful to someone so dear to me, Severus admitted.
Hermione smiled and pecked his cheek. Come on, let's get inside and get some food. How about Chinese?
Severus chuckled. No dinning out to celebrate?
Oh I plan to celebrate, she grinned. Naked, in bed, with spring rolls, and mushroom chow mein, and possibly some wine.
I'm up for egg-fried rice and beef, Severus ushered her inside their home to celebrate their love.
