Disclaimer:- You know the drill, I neither own nor earn anything from this story.

hHh

A/N:- Well, we are drawing to the end of our story. There will only be one more chapter after this one, then an epilogue to finish. I will be sad to see it end. However, it will give me more time to devote of my other stories.

sSs

Chapter Twelve – Heather and Promises

Leaning against the headboard of the bed, the sheet slipped down to his hips. Severus Snape gazed at the ring his new wife had chosen for him to wear. I never thought I'd be in this position… I'm married, he pondered, as Hermione stirred beside him, "Shhh, my love. Sleep," his deep voice crooned, like a lullaby.

He heard a mumbled, "I love you," he pulled her up the bed and into his arms again. She sighed, as her head snuggled into his abdomen. He leaned down and kissed her.

"I love you too, Sweetheart, now rest."

.

Hermione Snape had run herself ragged over the last week, organising the best day so far, of her new husband's life. With the help of Ginny, Minerva, all three Malfoy's, Harry and even Molly Weasley, they had readied the site for the wedding.

Severus Snape's inherited ancestral home, or what was left of it, stood on a cliff top, overlooking the North Sea. Fields of heather danced merrily in the shelter of the large boulders of the Yorkshire Moors. Sometimes the howling gales that descended on the area would knock you over in their ferocity.

The Hall itself had been destroyed by Fiendfyre, in the first Voldemort war, and was now merely a crumbling weathered, hull of stone. It would never be rebuilt. However, the image Hermione had shown Severus that night at the Malfoy's was exactly the surrounds of the estate. Seeing it was summer, Snape hoped the weather would be pleasant enough for the event.

.

Severus had sided longed Hermione there the very next day. "It's absolutely perfect," she'd enthused immediately, hugging him, she proceeded to smother him with kisses. He smiled at the recollection, and snuggled closer to her, inhaling the delicious fragrance of his witch, and their mixed pleasure from the earlier love making. Feeling himself stirring again at the memory, he forced his thoughts back to the place where his mother had grown up.

As soon as they'd arrived, to their utter astonishment, they were surrounded by displaced house elves. "Master we is very glad you has finally come." His brain had worked furiously through his surprise, to reason out how these elves knew he was now the Lord.

Of course, he hadn't been there since inheriting the title. The estates still active magic had bound these destitute elves to him on his arrival. Snape had found himself gobsmacked, he'd never thought about the fact these faithful little creatures might still be here. "Where have you been living," he'd stuttered, looking around at the huge sets of eyes blinking exstatically at them.

"We is all living in the gate house, sir," the oldest, and most wrinkled said. Snape's expression became dark, and unreadable. "Is we needing to be punished?" It had continued, cautiously, "Should we not have been presuming to be staying there. We belong to the honourable Prince family."

"There is little honour in a family that discards their own so quickly," he'd snapped. However, his head had suddenly filled with images of silly elves banging their skulls on the granite boulders erupting from the ground everywhere, and he'd moved to stop them. "No… no, he'd said resolutely. "You will not punish yourselves."

Releasing Hermione, he'd turned to the small group properly. "I am simply speechless. I reasoned that wherever my grandmother," he'd said with some malice, "had taken herself before she passed. If I'd known of your existence... It would have always been my assumption, that she would have taken you with her," he took a thoughtful breath, "or at the very least, found homes for you."

He'd finally glanced at Hermione, who'd been wearing a strange look on her face, he knew while she now understood that house elves didn't want freedom. Injustice to them; still riled his lovely fiancé. He wondered what her reaction to this development would be.

"Well you better take us to this gate house then," Snape had said, looking back towards the front gates.

.

It was true; Severus had only been here once before. His mother had asked him to bring her here once the place had been abandoned.

However, the old woman whom he'd never met, who had cast her daughter, Eileen out when she'd told her she was expecting him, had still been living at that stage. The elves hadn't recognised him as the Lord apparent on that visit. At that point he didn't even know he would inherit the place.

Chuckling to himself, he thought of the sour old pureblood witch, spinning uncontrollably in her grave, at him inheriting everything she had denied both he and his mother. She'd consigned her only daughter to an early death, and him to a life of torment. If she'd had a heart, his poor mother might still have been here to witness the event which had just taken place, Snape swallowed hard. The extreme untamed beauty of the site was the only thing that had struck him on his visit that time.

As they'd sat being waited on hand and foot in the gate house, which in itself was the size of a family home. It would only need a little work, and once they returned to England, it would live up to what he could see Hermione was already picturing, as their English home.

.

The sound of the first morning birds, drew Severus from his thoughts. His eyes turned from gazing at his wife. In the early morning light, he scanned the still darkened room. His eyes landed on the trail of discarded clothing through the suite leading to their bed, and he smiled. The beautiful ivory dress Hermione had worn to their wedding was discarded at the doorway, where it had slithered into a pool on the floor as he'd pushed it off her shoulders.

She had been the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, being escorted to his side on Albus' arm. His mind had told her, as he fought the emotion threatening to overwhelm him. The fact that he could tell she was doing the same thing, made it even more difficult. In a way he was happy that Minerva and Molly had brokered a truce between Hermione and Ginny. She needed a woman her own age, especially at this time. Even if it did mean he had to put up with Neville Longbottom on occasion.

Severus shook his head; it was typical of the boy. After telling Hermione he hadn't felt his magic tell him Ginny was right for him. The hapless, would be Herbologist had been bowled over the next time he'd laid eyes on the redhead, and they had reunited.

The related details of which, his own lovely witch had informed him of over dinner, one night last week. Ginny had visited, that morning to take Hermione shopping. Hermione had laughed heartily, but he was still trying to scour the details from his brain. Worse still, they would have to attend the wedding next month, as Hermione would be reciprocating as bridesmaid for her friend.

.

Hermione stirred once more, and stretched cat like. The sheet fell away exposing her lovely body to him. His half mast erection; roared into life and popped out from under the edge of the sheet. This made his sleepy wife giggle. , Sliding down a little, his voice rumbled in her ear, "Oh you think that's funny, do you Madam?"Hermione nodded, and Severus started kissing the column of her throat, "This is what you do to me, every time I see you," he placed her hand on his shaft.

Hermione's giggle turned into a groan, and her neck arched to allow him more access. "Severus, I want you again," she moaned, rubbing him firmly.

"We are definitely getting out of bed at some point today," he told her, kissing her neck again. "Maybe by lunch time," he murmured, thrusting into her hand. This time his kiss, gave attention to the hollow where her breast bones met. "We could go out for lunch before I bring you back here, and have you in as many places as I can before dinner."

"Sounds like an excellent plan darling." Rolling out from under him, she looked down at his member, her hand still caressing it, "But..." Her voice feigned innocence, "What," and she stroked him lightly with one finger, "are we going to do about your little friend here?" Her head lowered and she kissed the tip. Severus' breath hissed out through his teeth, and Hermione deliberately allowed her tongue to snake out so he could see her teasing the now dripping head.

"Ohhhh," he moaned, "Sit on him," he commanded suddenly. Without further encouragement, Hermione straightened and mounted him like a horse. She positioned herself, so they could both see him disappearing into her, and with a sigh she slowly sank down onto him. Inch by torturous inch, she felt him stretching her deliciously, fill her exquisitely.

Hermione gazed down onto his beloved face, as she raised herself just as slowly, before sinking back again. The look of unabashed love on his face as she'd approached the rock where the Minister of Magic himself joined them as husband and wife, had been beautiful.

For once the wind had stilled to a breeze. Ginny preceded them, her Slytherin green georgette gown floating around her in the light gusts. Dumbledore was radiant in decadent gold. It appeared he also ascribed to the theory that it was lucky, as Luna's father had when Bill and Fleur wed. Hermione smiled down at Severus as she lifted herself once more. She leaned down placing her hands either side of his head and licked his lips. "You're a tease, my darling," he declared, and thrust strongly up into her, Hermione yowled in pleasure.

"Again," she demanded, taking his bottom lip between hers. All coherent thought left her when he did it again. She keened and groaned his name.

Without dislodging himself Severus rolled them and started driving into her powerfully; Hermione's cries and squeals of encouragement spurring him on. He could tell she was close, and pushed her legs up and out, there by opening her up further to him. Several more earnest thrusts and his lovely witch groaned her pleasure as she slipped over the edge into bliss, her convulsing, shuddering body taking him with her after three more erratic pushes.

They both lay their panting. Regaining his breath, Severus linked his fingers through hers and sighed, "Come on you insatiable witch, I'm hungry."

Hermione laughed, "Me! Who was it that commanded me to sit on him?"

Severus burst into peals of laughter, and arriving over the top of her again, kissed her soundly. "Come on, up."

"O.K. but I'll need my back washed," she stated mischievously.

"Is that all?" He slapped her backside playfully as she rose. "I can think of a few more interesting places to wash."

.

The remainder of their honeymoon passed in a similar blur of love making and small outings. Back at their house the week before the revision school, an owl arrived bearing phials of memories. This was the Wizarding equivalent of a wedding video, "Severus, get the Pensieve," Hermione squealed excitedly.

They placed the small stone vessel on the kitchen table, and warding all the entrances, old habits die hard. They entered the memories. This worked because everyone at the wedding was encouraged to contribute a memory or feeling. The whole lot were then recreated by a special spell, and the couple at the centre of the ceremony, could then walk back through their own wedding afterwards.

.

The first memory was of Hermione getting ready, Severus laughed when Narcissa shooed Draco away from the room, "Go do boy things," she scolded. Ginny was doing Hermione's hair, while Molly, Minerva and Narcissa fussed over the dress and flowers. Severus walked all around memory Hermione, sitting at the dressing table in her Slytherin green gown he'd transfigured for her that first night. Taking her in from every angle, he appeared entranced.

Hermione watched him examining the scene in awe. Then all the women were helping her on with her dress. Her ivory coloured bustier, stockings, suspenders and knickers disappeared under the flouncy mountain of ivory silk, tulle and lace that was her wedding dress. Severus turned to real Hermione and kissed her, "It took a lot longer to get it on than it took me to get it off," he commented, as the memory started to change.

"That's because you cheated and used magic," she chided, making him chuckle.

.

This time it was the men sitting in the newly refurbished sitting room. They all had a glass of firewhisky, and Lucius was toasting Severus' future happiness. They must have been Lucius' memories as well, because they were very detailed. Hermione didn't think a Gryffindor would recall events in such detail, and Draco was still too busy pouting. Of course they were already dressed in their finery.

Dumbledore finally stood in his luscious robes, "Well you better get out there, dear boy. I'll go and get your lovely lady." The most powerful wizard in Britain paused a moment, a sad expression passing through his eyes. "Although if I had just one wish at this moment, it would be that I didn't have to do this, because her father was here," Albus sighed.

"What happened to them?" Lucius asked.

"They were killed in a plane crash on the way to Australia. Who would have thought, after the great pains she went to, to keep them safe," memory Severus said, and shook his head.

Real Severus took Hermione into his arms and held her, she swallowed hard. "It still hurts," she said quietly, resting her head on his chest.

"I know, love." He quietly kissed her head. "Do you want a break?"

"No," she shook hers. "I want to see the next bit."

.

As they watched, the memory started to change again. This time was different, Hermione and Severus landed on the Yorkshire Moor with the desolate remains of Prince Hall in the background. There was an entire pathway of rose petals in front of them. They watched as the men exited the front doors of the gate house. "You know I never thought I'd be in this situation," memory Severus commented.

Lucius breathed in slowly, "I have to admit, after what that bitch of an Evans woman did to you. I thought you were a lost cause." He turned to memory Severus and smiled, "I'm pleased I was wrong."

"It took a long time to get past the hurt that deed caused, but I've never been so content and utterly fulfilled as I am now," memory Severus confirmed.

"Yes, Hermione's perfect for you," Lucius commented as they walked out of earshot. Real Hermione squeezed Severus tighter in response to his comment.

.

She then watched herself, on Dumbledore's arm being surrounded by the entire entourage of fussing females who had helped her get ready. All but Ginny kissed her cheek and scurried away towards the place for the ceremony. Albus cast a twinkling look over her, "You do indeed look, very lovely, Miss Granger."

A radiant smile lit Hermione's face, "In a few minutes, I won't be Hermione Granger anymore. Isn't that wonderful?" Her breathy voice was full of excitement, and she grabbed at Ginny's arm.

"We can all see how very happy you both are, 'Mione," she offered in support.

"Yes, you are well suited to each other," Dumbledore agreed. "Are you ready, my dear?"

"I have never been so ready for something, my entire life," she asserted, grinning.

"Well in that case, if you please, Miss Weasley," Dumbledore flourished his free arm for Ginny to go before them, and they started walking along the petal strewn path. All real Hermione could remember from this moment was the floating euphoria of her approaching nuptials. It was wonderful to see this and feel the flip in her stomach as she saw Severus waiting for her.

Real Severus remembered locking eyes with his intended, as she proceeded at a steady pace while the strains of the Prince of Denmark March floated out in all directions over the Moor, heralding her arrival. There was something crystal clear and good about it all. As Dumbledore handed memory Hermione to memory Severus, their real counterparts went round behind Shacklebolt to watch the ceremony.

"My friends we are here today for the hand fasting and bonding of Lord Severus Tobias Snape, wizard. To Mistress Hermione Jean Granger, witch." The Minister looked around the company. "Does anyone know a reason why these two people should not be joined?"

The only sound that greeted their ears was the slight murmur of the breeze and the crash of the waves below. Kingsley nodded, and looked at memory Hermione, "Hermione, your left hand?" As she placed her small hand, palm up in his large dark one. Shacklebolt watched as she retrieved her wand with her right hand from somewhere in the folds of her dress, and placed it diagonally across her palm. Kingsley turned to Severus, who then placed his wand diagonally across Hermione's palm in the opposite direction and placed his left hand on top of hers, palm down.

The two watchers were standing off to the side, Severus behind Hermione, with his arms around her waist, observing the proceedings over her shoulder. They looked on as Kingsley encouraged them to turn to face one another, and lift their now linked hands up in between them.

"Severus, do you claim this witch as your life partner?"

Hermione detected the slight crack in his voice as he replied, "I do."

Kingsley looked at Hermione, "Hermione, do you take claim this wizard, as your life partner?"

Her mouth was suddenly very dry, she nodded and said softly, "Yes, I do," her throat constricted as she fought tears of joy that rose up unbidden.

Their eyes were still locked together, at the moment; real Hermione couldn't remember anything but the love shining at her in Severus' dark eyes. As their bonder, Kingsley held his wand over their linked hands and said the spell that bound them. Their friends watched as snakes of golden light criss-crossed around their joined hands.

The couple then saw their memory selves gazing deeply into each other's eyes as the now silent ceremony continued. Ginny and Lucius drew their wands and sealed the hand fasting with the rings Severus and Hermione had chosen for each other. Even in the memory the thrum of remembered magic was almost overwhelming.

Real Hermione looked around at her husband, her hand snaked back and up onto his cheek, "I love you," she murmured, her eyes transfixed on their memory selves.

"I love you too," she heard rumbled in her ear. This was followed by a gentle kiss on her shoulder, "You have made me... so very happy," Hermione could hear the uncharacteristic emotion in his voice. She loved that she could make all his defences fall away. "Do you think we could leave the reception for another time?" Hermione could feel why, up against her back as he held her. Just to make certain he prodded her gently with it.

They watched their memory selves now kissing, and the urge to be joined again, became too strong to resist. Hermione laughed, happily nodding, she felt herself rising from the memory, Severus' hand on her elbow.

Landing back in their kitchen, they were slightly dazed. However, their attention was soon drawn to each other, and Severus was kissing her hungrily. Moaning, she opened her mouth to allow his tongue in. His hands were busily fumbling with her clothes, "Feel what you do to me, witch," he insisted against her neck. His muffled words, were nothing to the groan that escaped him, when she followed his order, cupping him through his trousers.

.

Lifting Hermione onto the kitchen cupboard, so she could wrap her shapely legs around him, Severus started exploring the skin he'd exposed, as he stalked towards the bedroom with his witch clinging to him like a lipid. He had chosen this way to travel so he didn't have to stop kissing her while they went to their bed. Even if he did have to keep his eyes open, so they didn't bang into a wall.

"Quickly, off. Take them off," Hermione demanded hotly, between kisses.

Severus chuckled, "As my lady commands," and he divested them both of the remains of their clothing. "Better?"

She sighed in relief as the garments left, and her enflamed skin met his. It seemed this was going to be one of their more enthusiastic couplings. It never ceased to amaze her, how their love making varied. Sometimes it was as urgent as that first night had been, and other times it was slow, gentle and so passionate it made them cry.

It was at this point she lost the ability to think rationally, and gave herself over to her husband's invading presence inside her, that trilled her so.

xox

It was the day before the revision school was supposed to start. Severus and Hermione received and owl just after breakfast. Lucius and Narcissa had now relocated to Switzerland. They wanted to know if Severus and Hermione would come for lunch, as they had information they wished to share before the couple went back to Hogwarts.

Giving one another a quizzical look, Severus scrawled in the bottom of the parchment that they would be there at 12.30 then sent the arrogant owl on its way. "He must scour the world to find owls that can look down their becks at you like that," Severus laughed, as they got up to finish their packing.

"Shall we take all this home, then go to lunch?" They had spent the week transferring things to 'Snape House', on the Yorkshire Moors. Severus had decided to close up the French house, and use it for holidays. The house elves would keep it in order while they were away.

Severus laughed, "Yes," he teased, even if it's only so we can deposit the howling orange monster that trying to swipe our robes before we go."

Hermione laughed and kissed him, "Good plan," and they approached the floo.

xox

A very fine lunch of cold pheasant was just about over when Lucius turned serious, "We have something to tell you, and knowing how you are, dear friend," he sighed and looked at Narcissa.

"We know how protective you are of the people you care about, Severus. We know what you threatened to do when you discovered who attacked Lucius, and we have to tell you before tomorrow," Narcissa said earnestly.

Hermione was grasping Severus' hand tightly; she didn't like the sound of this. "Please, you're scaring me, what's wrong?" It was the fear and worry he saw in Hermione's eyes that finally made Lucius speak. Neither Malfoy had wanted to ruin the good mood, but this had to be told.

Lucius took another deep breath, "The trainee Auror who set the Death Eaters on me, was Ronald Weasley."

There was utter silence, Hermione felt Severus stiffen. Finally his coolest voice, inquired flatly, "And what has been done about it?"

"He has been dismissed from the Auror corp. It was realised, they had been in error offering positions to him and Harry in the first place. At least Harry saw it for what it was, and resigned. Weasley however, seems to have treated it like a game."

"I don't care about Weasley's frame of mind, or who's fault this all is. The little shit is merely a pimple on the arse of humanity." Severus took a breath, and demanded, "Will he pay for the deed?"

Lucius drew a shallow, somewhat unsteady breath, "In what I feel is a magnanimous act, I have declined to lay charges. Partly because of respect for his family's already sustained losses." Lucius pursed his lips, "But mostly, because he has to survive a two week revision school with you as his Potions Professor, my friend." Lucius complimented Severus' scowl with a devious grin, "And I know from experience that you are a master at making people pay in subtle and insidious ways."

Hermione watched the smile that bloomed slowly on her husband's face. She knew exactly what he thought of Ron Weasley, and she had to admit that finding out that he was the perpetrator of the cowardly act had not surprised her in the least. Now all she had to do was stop Severus from killing the little idiot, and all would be fine.