Chapter 12
Knocking on the door, Ginny waited patiently for her new sister-in law to answer. Surely they were over the honeymoon period she thought giggling to herself. Reaching for the door to knock again, Ginny almost fell inside as it was suddenly opened wide by Charlotte. The girls embraced and began excitedly gossiping as they caught up. Over the course of the morning they discussed all about how well the wedding had gone, honeymoon adventures and the shop. Ginny had baked a lemon meringue pie as she knew it was a favourite of her brothers. Slicing into it Charlotte tried to ask her some personal questions, such as had she gone on any dates while they were away. Involuntarily flushing up to her neck Ginny thought of all the times she had seen Severus in the last month, managing to see each other regularly despite busy schedules. They had gone on a few dinner dates, long dog walks, chess nights at her cosy cottage and steamy evenings in front of his fireplace. She was feeling so confident now in her sexuality and was no longer shy around her inventive lover. The only problem was they had yet to discuss the nature of their union and Ginny was starting to feel like they were on borrowed time.
Originally they had valid reasons for not defining their relationship and expectations, but now real feelings were involved. Ginny wanted her family to meet the Severus she knew, the man she had fallen in love with. Every time she started to admit to herself the depth of her feelings she busied herself with some project to distract herself. She was not sure if he would return the sentiments and after the pain of Harry deserting her it was daunting to think of matters of the heart. Whilst he had a sternness to him, and a certain curtness with her he showed he was capable of kindness. They worked together so well in the kitchen, as a team creating complex dishes forming a genuine friendship and sexually they were so compatible. When she was in his arms she felt alive, all her nerves tingling desperate for his tender touch.
Ginny was suddenly desperate to confide in Charlotte that yes she had gone on some dates and was actually deeply involved. However before she could answer George chose that time to return home and the conversation abandoned as he chatted away. He had just visited the shop and was impressed that all had gone well whilst he was away, if anything the place was running even more efficiently. Lapping up the compliments Ginny told the couple of a few funny stories of recent customers.
Her brother ate two slices of the pie she had brought before begging to borrow her for a few minutes, Charlotte said her goodbyes as she had best finish unpacking before getting ready for her return to work. The girls made plans for another catch up at the end of the week, Ginny promising her a proper girl chat, after all it was time she spoke to her best friend about the exciting developments in her life. George began asking her about some upcoming rosters as it was soon to be busy with school holidays. After ironing out all his concerns Ginny too decided best to head home and attend some boring housekeeping and errands.
Walking to the door she impulsively embraced her brother, it was so nice to see the couple so content in their new home. George returned the hug, he had debated mentioning Harrys visit as he did not wish to upset his sister but it was better she knew.
'Ginny I must let you know that Harry came to visit after the wedding, it was only for a few minutes and honestly he did not tell me a whole lot but I wanted you to know. He was mainly concerned that you might be ah how should I say it seeing a new wizard?' He paused seeing her shocked expression. 'Not that its any of my business as it is your right but he did say the man was heavily warded and wanted me to make sure he wasn't ah how should I put this an unsavoury character'
'The nerve of that man, how dare he spy on me! It is none of his business whom I see as he gave up that right a long time ago' Ginny faltered she must speak to Severus first before telling anyone that she was involved with someone new. She would be damned if she would be goaded into telling her family just by Harrys actions. One thing was for sure she was definitely well and truly over her ex-fiancé. She spent the next minute assuring her brother she was not upset and would see him soon.
Arriving to her cottage, Ginny powered through her housekeeping the pent up anger helping fuel her energy. Soon it was sparkling clean, her fridge and over were tidy and she had prepared two meals in advance. Feeling restless with nothing left to do she decided to visit Severus to see if he was at home. They did not have plans today but she felt in light of todays events she must speak to him. Putting it off continuously was not going to help matters, it was time she was assertive.
Ten minutes later dressed in fresh robes Ginny found herself walking up to Severus gate. Before she could reach for the door, he opened it and with a promising start he did not have his wand out at the ready. Ushering her inside she gave him a quick hug and peck on the cheek. He explained his wards had gone off so he knew she was at the door.
'Shall we have some tea? I thought you might be busy inventing your skin care line today, thought I might not see you for a week' Severus teased, she and told him all about her plans for a new product line and after he had offered some help she had madly scribbled away what felt like half a notebook of ideas. Grinning weakly in return Ginny helped him to make up an afternoon tea tray and they soon sat down to enjoy the ritual. The steaming cup helped keep her hands busy as she silently mulled over how to introduce the topic. As if reading her mind Severus questioned if anything was wrong.
'Physically I am in excellent health, but emotionally I am a bit askew. My brother George has just returned from his honeymoon you see and well Severus I know we agreed not to discuss this at the start but it has come to my attention that we now have to. I would like to define our relationship and if it's agreeable to you, reintroduce you to my family just starting with my father of course' Ginny paused as he had yet to say anything. Severus was quiet for a few minutes, finishing his cup of tea which was scalding hot. Ginny surmised he was a bit shaken by her question.
'Ginevra I too have thought it would be wise to discuss our ah arrangement, I must be honest I did not think when I met with you on your potion work that we would become involved. I mean I am older than you, and some would say a sour man of unsavoury character. But here we are months later, it must be obvious that I care deeply for you. If I were to meet your family it would be a huge declaration on your part, they will likely not understand' Severus was very measured in how he responded pausing before continuing.
'I feel I must be honest I am not a wizard that thinks of marriage one day and starting a family, I doubt I will ever want offspring and I want to make that clear before we go further into a relationship as I would not want to hold you back if that is what you dream of for your future.'
Swallowing a lump in her throat Ginny felt like crying, as if sensing her distress he reached out an pulled her into his arms. Ever since Harrys departure she had given up on the idea of creating a family of her own and now the reality was if she stayed with Severus she might never get the chance. Voicing her concerns 'Thank you for your honesty Severus, I will say the age difference does not even factor for me, thankfully as wizards we can live to a ripe old age so thats a moot point for me. As for marriage having been burnt once already I am in no rush'
Stopping to sip her tea, Ginny tried to gather her thoughts on the idea of children. At this stage in her life she was in no way ready but in the future she may want a child or two. The idea of losing him to hypothetical children she may never have was too much. He left the room returning with a decanter of brandy and pouring them both a nip sensing she could do with a stiff drink. The alcohol helped a little and she was able to relax once again. Severus suggested a walk and together with his dog they covered a nice long circuit, by the time they returned to his house her head felt clearer and she was glad she had visited.
Ginny said her goodbyes eager to spend some time alone in her cottage. Going through the motions she did some bookwork before heating up a simple dinner barely tasting the food she felt so distracted. Deciding a bath with candles and wine might help soothe her frazzled nerves, she set about running the water and adding lots of bubbles and few drops of essential oils. It looked ever so inviting with the flickering candle light and delicate scent. Just as she was about to step into the tub she heard a loud knocking at the door. Grabbing a robe she put a stasis charm on the water to keep it warm and inviting.
She was not excepting anyone and had already seen her best friend and brother today and the rest of her family tended to floo as they had settled all over the country. Glancing through the peephole she was surprised to see Severus on her doorstop. Her stomach started to churn, was he here to end things maybe scared from their earlier discussion. It was no use pretending she wasn't home so she opened the door inviting him inside.
'Hello, I just wanted to make sure you were ok as you were a little upset this afternoon' Ginny melded into his arms, all that stress and tension was for nothing. He obviously cared for her as shown by his unexpected visit. She threaded her arms around his neck and brought him into her for a deep lingering kiss, suddenly all felt right with the world.
'Much better I see, and well I thought to maybe we should plan to go see your father. No hurry from me of course' Severus teased her. Ginny's heart felt like it was going to burst, he was acknowledging this relationship was serious to both of them. Probably best she broach the idea of a new male companion to her father first before taking him.
'Thank you Severus, I am so glad you came by. I was just about to hop in the bath when I heard your knock, you must teach me that amplifier charm it might come in hand at work' chuckling Severus teased he had to keep some secrets. He reached out to smooth her collar on her robe brushing past her breast, which instantly hardened even from the innocent touch. All talk was soon forgotten as he read her cues and opened the garment instead. Heat sprang between them and minutes later they were naked in the bath which Severus kindly widened, lazying back against the headrest he enjoyed the view as Ginny rode him at her own pace every now and than teasing a nipple or catching her lips in a smouldering kiss. It felt so decadent and sensual that they teased out the moment as long as they could before climaxing together.
Thanks to the wonders of magic, the bath stayed warm and bubbles pert. Feeling like a weight had come off her shoulders and content from a fabulous orgasm Ginny decided to be daring and offered to wash Severus's hair. In his guest bathroom he kept just soap, not even a basic conditioner so it was no wonder it was still a little limp. Despite his raised eyebrow she went to work lathering up with shampoo, taking the time to really massage his scalp before rinsing and conditioning. Severus declared he could get used to the attention as he luxuriated under her hands.
Leaving the tub some minutes later his hair was still limp but Ginny reasoned it was damp. She offered for him to stay the night but he politely declined, he still had some work to attend to and she knew he liked to check that the dog was ok. Donning her robe yet again she waited for him to dress before saying goodnight, the hour was getting late or she would have tried to tempt him again. Stifling a yawn she reasoned it had been an emotionally charged day but she would be able to sleep easily tonight. Tomorrow she would send her father a letter and see about arranging a meeting for next week. After all how bad could the introductions go?
A/N: Hope you're all still liking my little story. More to come soon, how do you think the Weasley's are going to react? :) Oh I am sorry last chapter didn't work I have a Mac and have no idea how to upload a chapter so I copy and paste but it has gone all funny. Anyone have a quick tip on how to upload documents? I am over 30 now combined with baby brain it's complicated.
