Author's Note: Hi, before reading this chapter make sure you've read the previous chapter in case you missed it. The website was acting up on the day I published it and many people didn't even get the alert. So please look out for that. Regardless, hope you enjoy this chapter! ️

Unspoken Wishes

Chapter Twenty Six

"Insecurities"

That morning, they did absolutely nothing.

It was the weekend, and they spent all day closeted indoors.

They ate breakfast in the living room, slurping hot coffee and eating pancakes as Severus flipped through a subscription magazine and Petunia watched television.

Eventually, Severus sat up, took his wand out of his pocket and twitched it. The empty dishes vanished, presumably to the sink in the kitchen. He sat back and took a deep breath. "It seems like ages since I've had a break from work,"

"In other words, ages since I've gotten to see you in the afternoons," Petunia said, a little resentfully, though she knew he worked for her sake.

Severus stretched out his arms, looking carefree. His sleeve dropped slightly, and Petunia could see the strange mark on his arm that he had gotten so long ago.

He turned towards her. "Well I'm here now; what do you want to do?"

She smirked, "I'd like you to help me clean up this place. Honestly, there are a couple of things piling up that I don't think we need anymore and–"

He looked incredulous and she almost laughed. She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, extending it by a few seconds.

He gently pulled her close against him.

"I'll help," he whispered in her ear, his breath hot. "But on one condition,"

"What's that?" She asked, her cheeks flushing, feeling her breath hitch at the closeness.

"I get a reward for all the cleaning,"

"Is that so? And what exactly do you want?" She asked in a mocking tone.

He smiled innocently, "You'll see,"

XXX

It was fun. Almost ridiculously so.

Petunia enjoyed cleaning and putting things in order but this took things to a new level. Severus was great company. And that was just as well, because he was her husband.

Petunia couldn't help bursting into laughter when they opened a cupboard and a puff of dust flew up into his face, causing him to sneeze and swear loudly, or even when he made sarcastic and biting remarks whenever she told him of the amount of work still remaining.

Petunia was standing on a stool, reaching for something placed high on top of the wardrobe. Severus watched her struggle for a few moments and then made a disdainful noise and pulled out his wand.

The object levitated gently onto the floor and Petunia hopped off the stool and picked it up. It was a box.

"Thanks," she said. "What's this?"

"I'm not sure...I think it's…" he went a little pale as Petunia opened it. "They're just...pictures,"

Petunia pulled out a faded photograph and let out a cry of delight, "It's you! And Lily. As teenagers,"

"During Hogwarts," he reached forward and took the box from her hands. "They're nothing. Let's get back to cleaning,"

"What's the matter? You seem like you're not particularly fond of those memories,"

"Something about them is disconcerting now,"

"Oh, Severus,"

"You're terribly sentimental. Relax. I'm fine," He kissed her cheek, feeling a surge of fondness for her. "Let's get back to work,"

They went to their bedroom next and gave it a thorough going-through before Petunia collapsed on the bed, exhausted.

"We've covered a lot," She announced. "We can take a break now,"

"We can?" He sounded relieved.

"Yep. I recall promising you something. What do you want?" Petunia raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

Severus sat down on the bed, looking down at her prone form with unmistakable greed, "Just a kiss,"

She blushed. "Alright then," She sat up and moved forward, closing her eyes. She kissed him chastely on the lips and then drew back. "There,"

"Not quite," He said, and cupped her face in his hands. He kissed her passionately, stroking her jaw.

The kiss deepened and deepened, and Petunia felt ridiculously light-headed.

She drew away, panting for breath, feeling her entire body crave more. More contact. More anything.

She pressed her palm flat against his T-shirt. His cheeks flushed slightly as her eyes caught his black ones.

XXX

Petunia's blue eyes were filled with lust. It made him feel delirious with need. Her blonde hair spilled over her shoulders, long and waist-length and very straight.

Her hand was still pressed flat against his chest, his T-shirt. He moved backwards from it and started to pull it off.

Petunia's breath hitched. Even after all this time Severus found it terribly difficult to understand why she desired him so–when there were so many other, more attractive men out there, with a better temper and personality.

But in the end, this is what it came to. She was his. His wife. His blood boiled as inexplicable anger surged through him at the thought of her thinking about anyone but him.

She was unbuttoning her blouse, her head ducked and cheeks blooming with colour. She reached behind to unhook her white bra.

He pushed her back against the mattress, and started to kiss her breathless. His dark blue trousers scratched at her pale legs as her skirt rode up at each shift of movement.

Her eyes had darkened, now resembling a storm cloud instead of the sea.

She raised her knee, smirking at his sudden sharp intake of breath. He bit her bottom lip, making it vanish. "Cheek,"

She gave him a non-repentant look and then guided his hands to her skirt. His hands hooked in the waistband of it and he slowly pulled it downwards.

She was saying something breathlessly but he could not understand. Her legs wrapped around his and she kissed him hard. "Severus,"

It was an ideal way to spend the day off.

XXX

October, 1979

Petunia wasn't sure she could really see it, but she could feel it… a little.

Her hand wandered to her still rather flat stomach, wondering how it would look when she was more further along. She blushed—she still couldn't believe she was having Severus's baby. That it wouldn't be long before they were parents.

She stared at herself in the mirror, at her mascara and perfectly applied makeup, and her blonde hair pinned up. She had on her best clothes, for it was a special occasion.

Today was Lily and Potter's wedding.

And she could hardly believe how quickly things were moving along. She felt a small flutter of excitement.

Severus, who was struggling to don clothes appropriate for the occasion, came up behind her and kissed the place where her shoulders met her neck. She shivered, shoving him away, "Bloody tease! We have a wedding to go to in about twenty minutes,"

"I am aware," he said in a flat voice, tugging at his sleeves. "This is uncomfortable,"

"You look halfway decent for once," Petunia said, handing him a comb. "Brush your tangles out and let's go,"

"My hair isn't tangled," he said, his tone indignant. Petunia knew. She loved Severus's hair, how dark it was in contrast to her's, and how it fell to his shoulders.

He combed anyhow as she sighed and stroked her stomach once more. He caught view of the action and said gently, "Petunia?"

"Just thinking…" she said, blushing. "I don't put out yet, do I?"

"No. You look beautiful, don't worry,"

"Are you saying I'll look bad when I do?"

"What? No. I didn't say that," his eyes widened. "You'll always look good to me. I promise,"

She bit her lip. "Are you sure? You-you won't dislike me, will you? I've heard you get rather large the more weeks go by and I–"

"Petunia," he said sternly. "Calm down," he squeezed her shoulder. "Why will I hate you for something natural? That would be despicable of me,"

Petunia took a deep breath and tried to relax, "Thank you, Severus. I'm sorry for freaking out. We should go,"

He nodded and took out his wand, levitating Petunia's purse and handing it to her. Petunia still found herself staring in awe when he displayed such feats of magic. She however realised that she was also growing used to it.

"One last kiss before we go?" He asked, his lips a few inches from her face, his eyes glittering, his voice deep and silky and his entire countenance one of smugness.

She couldn't resist his voice, nor his eyes. And she had always loved his lips. She gave him a disapproving look but eagerly pressed her lips against his, feeling him deepen it almost instantly.

She drew away panting. "We'll never get there at this rate,"

"No, we won't," he admitted breathlessly.

XXX

Petunia sat with him the entire time. She had to because somebody had to control her crazy husband, who was getting increasingly worked up.

He swore when they first entered, tensing next to her. "Look who's here,"

"Who?" Petunia was confused. He couldn't be referring to Potter—this was his wedding, after all.

But Severus's gaze was focused on the booth serving refreshments. Three men stood there in suits, laughing loudly, looking cocky and at ease.

"Those little–" she looked at him in appal as he swore. "Are here too. Well, of course. I was stupid enough to forget,"

"Who are they?"

"Let's just say we weren't exactly best friends back at Hogwarts," Severus muttered. "They're Potter's cronies,"

Petunia walked further inside, until she got an idea. "We should go say hello! We've all grown up, haven't we? This is your chance to make am—"

"I think not," he growled. "I'd rather die than have to make amends with the likes of—"

Much to both of their horror, the three men caught sight of them. One of them spluttered over his drink.

"Damn it," Severus's hand grabbed hers and pulled her away. "Let's just find a table and–"

"Snape?" One of them said. He was tall and dark-haired, and very good-looking but with an air of arrogance that made her dislike him. Next to him was a slightly shorter man, with light-coloured hair and friendly eyes, though he had an air of nervousness. The third man was not very tall at all, and the one Petunia didn't like at all. He had watery blue eyes and a weedy smile.

"Black," Severus said through gritted teeth.

"How...unexpected to see you," Black said. "In fact, I'm pretty much bewildered. I can't imagine James invited you,"

"As a matter of fact, he did, and so did Lily," He said. "Why? Is there a problem?"

The light-haired one grabbed the taller one by the arm and steered him away, before forcing a smile at the two of them, "Of course not. It's—wonderful to see you here, Severus. And you as well, um, miss…"

"E—" she stopped herself, realising that she wasn't really Evans anymore, was she?

"She is Lily's sister, Petunia," Severus said shortly. "I'm sure you've heard of her. We'll be off then,"

Petunia watched as they led Black away, who was flushing and looking very excitable about something.

"What is he doing here?" She heard him demand.

Petunia followed Severus to a table where they sat down.

"That...could have gone worse," she said, placing her hand on his comfortingly.

"It could have…"

"Let's just relax now, and try to enjoy,"

They tried. The food and drink were delicious and Severus met many of his old schoolmates, of which he talked to only a few. Petunia found some relatives to talk to and they both congratulated her on her marriage.

"He's a catch," one of her cousins laughed, sneaking a look at Severus who was downing a glass of wine, looking brooding. "I'm so very happy for you,"

Petunia smiled, blushing.

"And according to what Aunt Marie told us you're expecting as well!"

"Yes," she admitted. "I'm hardly two months along,"

"Best of luck, love,"

There were more festivities and music, and Petunia watched as Lily's friends from Hogwarts started to crowd the venue. There was an enormous and delicious cake sitting on a table and she was dying to have a taste.

Severus grew increasingly fidgety as time went on, drumming his fingers on the table. She placed a hand on his knee sternly, "Perk up a bit,"

"I'm trying," he mumbled.

Soon Lily and James entered and there was loud cheering. Petunia suddenly tensed. Severus was looking at Lily with widened eyes. She...she didn't want to believe it but was it jealousy? Or even worse, attraction?

Lily looked gorgeous. She was wearing a sleek white gown, with her dark red hair in an elaborate bun. Her green eyes looked more vibrant than ever with her eye makeup, and her figure looked wonderful. Petunia felt insecure of her own slim and slender body. Lily was so much more curvaceous, with curving hips and a small waist.

She felt herself hunch a little, almost unconsciously. Severus was still staring intently, now at Potter, a little crease between his eyes.

Potter looked nice as well, his hair looking windswept and a flashy grin on his face. He looked overjoyed, smug.

They took to the altar. After a while, they started to say their vows.

"I do," said Potter.

"I do," said Lily.

Severus's fists clenched a little at each vow they made and Petunia noticed it. He appeared calm but she knew him too well by now. There was still a crease between his eyes. His cheeks were stained slightly pink. His lips were set in a thin, strained line.

Did he...did he regret this? Regret marrying Petunia? Did he love Lily all along and was mourning his fate?

She felt about two inches tall.

But right at that moment, almost as if he knew, he looked at her and gave her a small smile. Petunia blinked away tears, unsure what it meant.

When Potter bent his head to kiss Lily amidst more cheering, she couldn't bear to look at Severus, who suddenly grabbed his glass and busied himself in drinking it, his eyes downcast.

The rest of the evening wasn't quite so eventful.

XXX

The wedding was a success. Everyone enjoyed thoroughly and Lily handed out slices of cake to everyone. And she hadn't been joking when she had described Potter's elaborate arrangements for the food!

She was alight with happiness, talking to everyone, laughing, kissing James on the cheek whenever he made a joke.

She hugged Petunia when she saw her. "Oh, I am so glad you made it. Are you having a good time?"

"Oh, yes," Petunia mumbled.

"And where's Severus?" Lily winked.

"He's over there, talking to one of your friends,"

Severus turned around and caught sight of them, smiling, "Congratulations Lily,"

"Thanks, Sev,"

Petunia watched carefully to see any traces of envy or lies on Severus's face. Lily had already turned around and left, turning to a few girls, one of whom was crying into a handkerchief.

Their parents were emotional too, and Petunia felt awkward watching them in the midst of so many magical folk. She felt awkward too.

Severus walked up to her, quiet. He glanced at Potter who was laughing with his friends, all of them looking a little tipsy, holding full glasses.

"Let's go?" He asked. Was Petunia imagining it or was there a tinge of sorrow in his voice? Regret? Unhappiness?

She shrivelled, "Yes,"

XXX

When they got home, it was late. It had been a late afternoon wedding and it was already late evening and the party was to go on until midnight apparently.

She was sleepy and considered calling it an early night. Severus was still silent as he shrugged off his jacket and threw it on the couch, rolling up his sleeves.

Petunia didn't say a word. She felt hurt. She shuffled to the kitchen, intending to make herself a cup of tea.

But Severus caught her wrist. She looked behind in confusion, surprised.

They had a good understanding of each other. Petunia flushed as she looked at his face. There seemed to be a ghost in the room–Lily's ghost. Petunia wondered again how he truly felt about her, if he still loved her and if he had been jealous and resentful at the wedding.

Severus didn't say a word but she felt like he knew. Somehow.

"Jealous and resentful?" His silky voice was heavy with mirth.

"H-how?" She was shocked.

"Just a little trick I learnt, back when I worked for … for him. I can tell what you're thinking,"

"What?"

"Don't worry. I'm not that good at it and I don't use it much. And I'd never use it on you without your permission,"

"But you just—"

"You let me," Severus said seriously.

Petunia faltered. She had wanted Severus to understand without her having to tell but wasn't that an abstract thought? She hadn't told him that.

"Point is," and his hold on her wrist tightened. "That I'm wounded,"

"...Wounded?"

"That you think that,"

"I-I…." she was at a loss for words. What could she say?

He led her upstairs, to their bedroom. He closed the door and they both climbed into bed, Petunia feeling tense and jittery.

"Petunia, honestly, after everything?" His tone was accusatory, genuinely upset.

"I...I'm sorry I just…"

"After I risked my life with the Death Eaters for you? After I let loose of a lot of my previous beliefs and married you?"

"I didn't mean to accuse. I just…you looked…"

"I could tell you were tense at the wedding,"

"You were too,"

"But I wasn't thinking of Lily like that, Petunia. She's…she's like a sister to me. Now. I was thinking of how things had changed. Of how I was happy with you,"

"S-Severus," she felt tears dripping down her face.

"I am happy. I have never been so happy before. And I owe you everything and more for that. I could never regret this…" He reached forward and wiped her tears. "You can't ever think so again,"

"I'm sorry," she said sincerely, reaching forward and hugging him hard. "I'm sorry. Sometimes I'm so thick, and I always relapse back into—into the same old stupid thoughts. I love you, Severus,"

Almost as if to put the issue to rest, Severus kissed her softly, gently, with no passion or fervor but with the unmistakable sense of possessiveness she loved. She was his.

That night, they made love. Afterwards, they curled up into each other and slept soundly until the sun came up.

"'Tunia?" He mumbled, his lips tiredly pressing against her collarbone.

"Mmm?" She asked.

"I love you,"