AN: Thanks so much for reading, reviewing, putting this on alert, and reading. I appreciate it all!
I don't own anything you'd recognize.
They laid beside each other in blissful silence. Severus stroked Hermione's hair, marveling at its softness while Hermione beamed, taking comfort in his touch. She scooted closer and nuzzled into his chest. "Severus?" she asked in a soft voice.
"Hmm?"
"What were you researching last night?"
His fingers froze midway down her mane. Mentally kicking herself for ruining a beautiful moment, she searched for a graceful way to backpedal until Severus resumed his strokes. "I was searching for articles on anti-venom serums for magical snakes."
She shifted to look into his eyes. "What did you find?" she asked.
"Nothing of any use," Severus answered with a sigh. "After reading some of those articles I'm surprised I survived Nagini's bite."
"Are you considering my suggestion?" Hermione asked.
Severus nodded. "It's the best way I can think of to detoxify the poison."
"What do you mean?" she asked, her eyes wide with interest.
Severus gave her a half smile, pleased to be able to discuss the project with someone who actually comprehended it. "So far, Wizarding anti-venoms focus on treating the symptoms of the venom rather than eliminating the venom itself. Meaning that if you had found me three hours later…"
"You would've been dead because the potions would've worn off and the venom would still have been circulating in your system," Hermione finished.
"Yes," Severus answered before kissing the top of her head.
"If you need any help," she began.
"I'm just researching," Severus answered. "Mainly reading journals, not that reading would be a chore for you."
Hermione smirked and replied, "You know it."
Severus pulled Hermione closer and kissed her gently on the lips, deepening the embrace as she responded to him. Before they could lose themselves in the moment, they heard a voice call, "Hermione."
She reluctantly pulled away and sighed. "I really don't want to talk to him."
"Hermione! It's me! Can we talk?"
"Do you want me to send him away?" Severus asked.
She shook her head as she sat up. "No, I'll take care of him. I just need to put something on."
"I'll keep Potter busy until you do," Severus grumbled, crawling out of bed and throwing on a robe. Then he trudged to the front door where the knocking had persistently crescendoed. Of all the times to intrude, why did he have to pick now?
"Mister Potter," Severus began as he flung open the door.
Harry gulped at the coldness in Severus' eyes. "I need to speak to Hermione."
"About what?"
"I, well, I came to apologize about what happened at your wedding reception. My behavior was completely and totally unacceptable," Harry replied.
Severus nodded curtly. "What's done is done; however I think you owe an even bigger apology to Ginevra and Draco."
Harry exhaled. "I suppose so."
"Harry?" Hermione called as she entered the doorway.
"Hello Hermione," Harry began as the tension between him and Snape eased. "I'm sorry for the intrusion, but I need to talk to you about a couple of things."
Hermione looked at Severus questioningly. He nodded and stepped back, allowing Harry to enter. Hermione swallowed and tried to keep an open mind.
"We can talk in the living room," she suggested.
"I'll be in my office if you need me," Severus replied.
"Okay," Hermione answered as Severus billowed down the hall. Then she turned her attention to Harry, who smiled apologetically. She led him into the living room, not speaking a word.
"I'm sorry for the way I behaved during your wedding reception," he began as he sank into a chair.
She settled onto the couch and shrugged. "It's in the past, Harry, although I'd recommend you avoid champagne from now on. You really need to consider apologizing to Ginny and Draco. It affected them more than us."
"So Snape told me," Harry muttered.
"Was that all?" Hermione asked.
Harry shook his head. "I read the paper today."
Her heart froze within her. "Oh?"
Harry shook his head. "I couldn't believe Ron would say half of those things. It was just vile."
"Well, that's who Ron really is," Hermione answered.
"You think so?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded. "He may have been our best friend at Hogwarts, but you have to remember he was also the man who turned on us when we were hunting for Horcruxes."
"But that was the locket…" Harry argued.
"I'm not so sure about that anymore," Hermione replied. "I've had some time to think about Ron since he abandoned me and the baby. Looking at some of his behavior over the years, I should've expected this."
Harry shook his head. "Maybe the fame got to him."
"It doesn't really matter now, does it?" Hermione answered.
"No," Harry replied firmly. "There is no excuse for what he did. I just wish things hadn't ended like this for you."
"I wish someone had warned me about him," Hermione answered.
"I never should've pushed the two of you together."
"I think we all got a little caught up in the fantasy of the inseparable Golden Trio."
Harry nodded. Then he asked, "So how is married life treating you?"
Hermione's face lightened. "Surprisingly well."
"Oh?" Harry asked.
"Ron was possessive of my time when he wasn't playing Quidditch, but Severus has a life apart from the one we share…and yet it's not completely separate from me either since he works from our home. Best of all, he takes my suggestions seriously."
"That sounds…amicable," Harry replied before asking, "Isn't it strange, being married to someone you don't love?"
"I honestly don't think about it much," Hermione admitted. "Severus is doing his best to make me comfortable. I really can't complain."
"Do you care for Severus?" Harry asked.
"I do," Hermione answered. "I actually do."
