Chapter 12

Hermione groaned and rolled over onto her back. She cracked an eye and saw she was still in her husband's dungeon quarters. She yawned and sat up, the nice, silky green sheet pooling around her middle. Only then did she notice that she was still naked. And right then did all of the night's events come flooding back into her mind. She blushed furiously, stood up from the bed, grabbed her lacy bra and snapped it into place. Hermione then found her panties and slipped them on as well. All of a sudden, the fireplace suddenly roared to life and popped out a tiny house elf carrying a large tray of food. She grabbed the sheet and held it against her body as the house elf arranged the tray on the foot of the bed. The house elf smiled at her, bowed and disappeared into the fireplace again. She gingerly walked around the bed and saw a beautiful arrangement of food and only then did she notice how alone she was in the room. Severus wasn't in bed, he wasn't sitting on the couch, he just wasn't there. Hermione felt … maybe a little disappointment.

She sat on the bed and started to pick at the large mound of pancakes. Last night was … amazing, to say the least. His skill, his expertise, his ability to be so soft with her even when she knew he despised her, is what had sent her over the edge into -- she sighed -- pure bliss.

She continued to pick at the pancakes and when it looked like Severus would not return to her anytime soon, she dipped into her trunk and pulled out a beautiful red knitted sweater Mrs. Weasley was kind enough to make for her and a pair of baby blue jeans. She threw her hair up into a messy pony tail and only then realized she had no idea how to get out of the room. 'Great,' Hermione sighed and leaned against the wall where the door would be. She crossed her arms over her chest. Looking around the room, her eye caught the two enormous book shelves and smiled. She daintily stepped over a few pieces of strewn clothing and ran the tips of her fingers over the bindings of the many, many books. The topics were interesting, to say the least. A lot of them focused on the Dark Arts and some of them were just potions books. One, however, caught her eye as she ascended down onto the second book shelf. It was much different than the old and worn books. This one had a white binding with black titling. She curiously picked it up. The title was in Latin and although she knew enough Latin to get her by if a general conversation ever came up, reading it was a totally different story.

Clutching the book to her chest, she sat down in an armchair, draping her legs over one of the arms and ran her fingers gently over the face of the book.

ssSSss

Severus had left early that morning when Hermione was still asleep. So early that the sun had yet to begin to rise. Hermione quickly fell asleep after their -- coupling -- the previous night, but Severus could not follow his wife's suite. He laid next to his young wife and stared at her face. As the dimming flames reflected onto her, he could admit that she was a very beautiful girl. He pushed some curls behind her ear and admired her. She had certainly grown up since he had seen her last. He closed his eyes and thought hard … He vaguely remembered her after Nagini had bit him, but it was long before that. Her sixth year … Yes, and she was definitely still a child back then. But to look at her now was like looking at an angel. 'An angel you just spoiled,' Severus thought harshly. He scowled and rolled over onto his side, back facing Hermione.

Severus walked around the lake, the giant octopus lazily allowing its tentacles to drift over the water. He walked with his arms crossed over his chest. He was still in amazement that Hermione Granger had chose him over her many suitors. He snorted. From what the Ministry had said, Ron Weasley had offered for her and she denied him. This made him smirk, but wonder … Why would she not choose someone she could trust? Someone she could love and admire? Why wouldn't she choose her friend over … him? No matter the extent of his confusion, he had Hermione. He had her, 'to love and cherish til death do us part,' Severus chanted to himself.

He still couldn't believe the predicament he was in. He had married a young, very young girl in order to keep his wand, deflower her and expect her to find some pity for the old dungeon bat? He shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"This is exhausting," Severus murmured.

"Then why don't you go to bed?" Severus jumped and spun around quickly, brandishing his wand. When he saw who it was, he exhaled and replaced his wand in his robes.

"Haven't you 'gone into the light' yet, Albus?" Severus asked, still breathing a bit heavy. Albus's figure chuckled.

"Now, my dear boy, what would make you think I would want to leave all of the people I'm most fond of?" Severus kneeled by the lake side.

"Because you're dead. It's what dead people do," Severus said. Albus's figure chuckled again and glided to Severus.

"Not when a dead person has some unfinished business to do," Albus said. Severus looked up at him and cocked an eyebrow.

"There is no unfinished business, Albus. The Dark Lord is gone. What is there left …"

"Heilbronner."

ssSSss

A/N: Okay, folks, I know it's been a few days but I really have a ton of stuff to do before I jet off to my in-laws for a week. This chapter was supposed to be a bit more in depth, but I didn't want to leave y'all hangin for too long. I know this chapter probably sucks, but I wouldn't mind a few people lying to me saying I did alright. So, thanks!! Happy reading!