Author's Note:Yeah, this, uh... took a lot longer than I'd anticipated in terms of writing it and getting it out to you folks. Which is silly, because it's all outlined. So... I'm sorry! The muse has been divided on several projects, including promptfest and newbiefest... and now another one I HOPE I can finish in six days. Oops. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 37

Snow was piled high on the Grangers' tooth-shaped mailbox as they walked down the shoveled sidewalk from the point they'd used for Apparition. Same as it had been what seemed another lifetime ago, the close row of houses were warmly lit. Lights sparkled under the snow and buried in fake evergreen wreaths, nearly invisible with the afternoon sunshine.

Had it really been a mere year since he'd walked this path in the dark, shoulders hunched and filled with trepidation, unsure of his welcome with her parents? Had taken the step to learn sign language? And now he made the same walk, Hermione's hand in the crook of his elbow. Severus fancied he could feel the engagement ring he'd chosen pressing into his side through gloves and layers of clothing.

Glancing down briefly to reassure himself that she was still there, he straightened his spine, wondering if tonight would fare better than last night's fiasco. He'd made the mistake of allowing Hermione to veritably drag him to the dining room. It had taken a scant handful of moments for someone – he forgot who – to notice the ring... and all hell had broken loose.

Before he'd gotten his wand out of his sleeve (for which he blamed Hermione's grip on his arm), he'd been assaulted by joyful well-wishers. Thankfully, Hermione's closeness had prevented anyone from actually hugging him outright, though Harry, George, and Ronald had managed a strange one-armed version. Well, a hasty repelling charm had resolved that particular problem, but had not stopped the verbal onslaught.

Severus scowled, recalling the comments on his chosen ring – oh, they were innocuous enough, but surely the gushing from the women in the room wasn't as sincere as they sounded – and, of course, the threats. Thinly-veiled, of course, in regards to 'treating Hermione right'. It worried him, and he breathed heavily through his nose to quell his rising gorge at the recollection. Insecurity settled across his shoulders, a familiar weight that he had long-known how to bear. Had Harry told them about what he'd seen, witnessed, in his illicit Pensieve prying? Did they truly think that he would turn into a monster? That he was capable to hurting Hermione? After all, they hadn't threatened her.Only him.

After all, he'd reflected bitterly, he was never the one hurt, right? No one ever toyed with his affections or turned their back on him or used him or... Stop that, he admonished himself. They were Hermione's friends, really. Not his. And he didn't think it was done intentionally to worry him – Merlin knew he'd overheard enough Hufflepuffs threatening students dating someone in their house enough times.

Still, it stung that he was inconsequential in all eyes but hers.

They mounted the front stoop, and Hermione turned her head up to him. The look on her face soothed his worries: joy was etched on her familiar features. Happiness bloody well radiated from her still. They'd gone to bed with soft kisses and gentle touches, and this morning had been steeped in similar idyll. Hermione would care for his heart the way he would for hers.

"Shall I ring, or shall you?" Hermione asked brightly, her hand tightening just enough to belie her nerves. Grimacing, Severus knocked.

May as well get it over with, he thought unhappily. He longed for the moment that everyone acclimated to the news of their engagement so that he no longer had to deal with the congratulations (and threats). One evening and already he dreaded each argument as he heard footsteps approaching the door. Hermione tugged off her gloves, a tremor in her hand as she fidgeting with her scarf.

She was his student.

He's so old.

He's ugly.

He was a Death Eater.

He was a spy.

He's cruel.

Nasty.

Bitter.

...Broken.

The door opened, and Anthony stood there. "Ah, there you are! Happy Christmas! You know, you could just pop up in the living room. Perfectly alright with us, your mother only dropped a teacup the once and you fixed it, no harm done." He stepped back, allowing for the two of them to enter, and finally his eyes caught up to his brain to his mouth. "Is that -"

Anthony hugged Hermione fiercely, kissing the top of her head. "My girl! Wait til your mother finds out, I haven't breathed a word to her since he asked my permission, go show her, here, Severus, come inside..." Hermione laughed breathlessly and unbuttoned her coat hurriedly as she pushed past her father and out of the hallway, calling Christmas greetings as she went.

Smiling, Anthony did the unthinkable and pulled Severus into an abrupt embrace. "My boy... welcome to the family."

Thank you, he wanted to say, but couldn't. Instead, he settled for returning the embrace willingly. A shriek of joy came from further on in the house, and Severus closed his eyes briefly. Family – I'm part of a family.

"So," Jean said, putting her fork down between bites. "Any plans for the wedding yet?"

Hermione's own fork clattered to the table, and Severus flinched. Damn, he'd forgotten about the need for wedding plans and worse, the need of others to constantly ask after them. "Mum, we got engaged last night."

"Oh, please," Anthony scoffed, dishing himself another serving of potatoes. "As if at least one of you two hasn't been at least mentally planning your nuptials for months."

Severus smirked and Hermione had the grace to blush. "Mum," she tried again, albeit weakly. "Really. It's only been a day. We haven't discussed any details yet."

"Well, think on it. There's a great deal of planning to go into a wedding. Or you could elope." Severus choked mid-sip of water. Bloody hell - "Don't glower, Severus, it's only a suggestion, and Anthony wouldn't stand for it."

"Indeed not." He felt his cheeks heat at the man's knowing look. "I'm going to walk her down an aisle, or whatever you choose, and I'm going to dance with my daughter to music and fairy lights. And help myself to an open bar so I can tell all the embarrassing childhood stories as loudly as possible."

"Dad!" Mortified, Hermione reached across and thwacked her father on the arm.

"Oh, Scotty, you know I'm joking." Anthony winked at Severus and muttered "sort of" under his breath. Scowling, Severus cut into his turkey rather viciously.

Bloody wedding plans. Bloody wedding. Why in Merlin's name did I propose? I should have run off with her when I had the chance. Skip all of this frippery.

They were still talking – Anthony was rattling on about grandchildren, which was turning Hermione a furious shade of pink as she avoided catching his eye. Having had enough, Severus tuned him out and was promptly lost in his thoughts.

Perhaps he could convince her to have a quick wedding – invite merely the necessary number of people to a small chapel somewhere. Surely Molly – and lightning was sure to split the roof over his head to strike him at any moment for the mere thought – would not object to planning a small party. The thought made him wince as his mind ran off in a fanciful direction as he recalled the monstrous dress robes she'd tried to foist off on her daughter's wedding. What horrors would the woman try to afflict on Hermione's?

And worse, he hadn't even thought about who he would ask to stand up for him. Had he still been alive, he would have asked Lucius. Draco was the next obvious choice, but the boy had barely restrained himself from outright insulting Hermione the last time Cissy had invited them both to lunch, and Severus had no desire to resort to hexing him for inappropriate behavior on what was supposed to be a happy day for Hermione. And wasn't the one to stand up with him supposed to favour the union? Clearly no one favoured their bloody union if they'd all been posturing at him all damn evening long...

"Severus?" Anthony's hand on his arm startled him – he'd been so lost in thought that he had his wand out and nearly pointed at the man before Severus realised it. With a sigh, Severus dropped back into his seat, laying his wand on the table.

I apologise. I was lost in thought, he signed, Jean translating quickly. Hermione let the shield she'd cast over her father dissipate.

"Severus?" Her large brown eyes searched his anxiously, and he shoved his thoughts aside. "Pardon us, Mum, Dad. I'm going to talk to him in the other room for a few. Come on, love."

Stiffly, he rose from his seat, sharply inclining his head to his future parents-in-law before following her. He watched her cast swift privacy charms over the doorway before she turned to him in a flurry of curls, her hands on her hips. "Well? What's wrong?"

Severus remained silent and looked away from her. How could he explain his actions towards her father? His brooding thoughts?

"Severus, what's wrong? You haven't been this jumpy for months, and you've been lost in thought since you proposed. Is there anything I can do?" She paused. "You... you're not having second thoughts, are you?"

His head snapped back to look at her and he shook his head vehemently, lank hair falling into his face and he pushed it back impatiently. No!

"Then what is it?"

I was lost in thought, he replied.

"There's more to it than that. I know you, Severus."

She did, didn't she? I find myself wondering if perhaps we should have kept the news quiet. There has been more...of a reaction than I expected there to be.

"An adverse reaction?" Hermione looked worried, nibbling on her lip.

Not as such, no.

"Don't make me drag it out of you." She huffed and dropped onto the sofa next to him. "Dad's not going to be upset that you pulled your wand. Mum's going to understand, too. If you think I haven't done the same to either of them in the past when startled, you're wrong."

He didn't answer. What the devil was he supposed to say? 'Sorry, Hermione. I was sulking like a child'?

"Severus..." Her hand was warm as she wrapped her fingers around his. "Is it something I've done or said?"

With a snort, he shook his head.

"Oh, good. I don't want anyone jumping down my throat." Hermione laughed lightly. "I got so many whispered 'don't you dare hurt him' and 'treat him right or else' comments last night by people hugging me I was getting a bit paranoid. And getting an owl this morning while you were in the shower from Mrs. Malfoy didn't help, either!"

Startled, he stared at her. She'd been threatened as well to ensure his happiness? The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, and Hermione gave him a mock frown.

"Don't you smirk at me – no one thought they'd survive being overheard threatening me, you know." Leaning forward, she kissed his cheek gently and squeezed his hand tighter before releasing it. "So let's not have people follow through on their threats so soon – what's bothering you? Did you want to discuss some wedding plans right now so that we have answers, or should I tell Mum and Dad to stuff it?"

Now would be preferable. It is obvious that your parents want some concrete decisions.

She nodded, and he watched her eyes grow distant for a moment, a look he knew well as Hermione creating a mental checklist. "Alright." She smiled at him. "General picture, then. Muggle or magical ceremony?"

Your preference?

"Muggle," Hermione confessed. "I'd never seen a magical one until Bill and Fleur's, so I'm afraid that I've grown up with very Muggle-based dreams. I do like some of the magical bindings, but we can do those before, after, or in private when we're supposed to be signing the certificate."

Severus nodded. Done. We shall have a Muggle ceremony.

"Alright – when would you like to get married?"

He gave her a dry look. I don't give a niffler's arse. I'd Apparate the four of us to Gretna Green if I thought your father would allow me to live for taking away his chance to play Father of the Bride.

Hermione hesitated. "Are you adverse to summer?"

His brow rose. This summer?

"Well, yes." Her cheeks tinged a most beguiling shade of pink. "I mean... There's not going to be many people. And even though we're choosing a Muggle venue and ceremony, we don't really have many non-magical people to invite, do we?"

Severus shook his head, wondering what was making her avert her gaze from his.

"Right. So, why not sooner?"

He caught her chin and looked at her searchingly before dropping his hands to reply. There is something you are not telling me. The blush grew darker, and he was more than intrigued. Are you going to tell me, or am I going to need to look for myself?

"No," she squeaked. Hermione fidgeted before blurting, "IwanttohavekidseveryoneelseishavingthemandIwantourkidstogotoHogwartswhenthey'llhavefriendstheyknowsotheywon'tbealone."

Stunned, Severus blinked. His chest felt tight – children? So soon? Still... the mental image of Hermione, rounded with his offspring, danced in his head.

"Don't look like a deer in the headlights," Hermione pleaded. "It wouldn't be right away, but the same general age group... when I think how going to school with a friend or family would have made such a difference to me, I can't help but think it would be a good idea. And after playing with Teddy and 'Bert and James, I just..."

You want children sooner, rather than later.

She nodded. "I know we can't really discuss this now when Mum's peeping around the doorframe every few minutes since I know she wants to finish Christmas Dinner and is probably making Dad wait to eat for us, but will you consider it?"

Hermione...If it is something you desire and you are certain of it, you know I will do what I can to make it happen. If you believe yourself capable of putting together a wedding in such a short time, by all means, do so. Particulars can be discussed when we have time alone.

Beaming, Hermione kissed him soundly. "Does that help alleviate some of the trouble?"

Inclining his head, he rose and held a hand out to her. She took it with a quirk of her lips, the fairy lights in tree reflecting off her curls as he pulled her to her feet. Gently, Severus cupped her face. Her eyes fluttered shut and he kissed her firmly, gratefully, wanting to communicate his relief and love to her with nothing more than his lips.

"I'll take that as a yes." Hermione flicked her wand to drop the wards she'd erected, and they headed back into the dining room. Sure enough, Jean was sending Anthony a warning look as he tried to pull apart a roll to nibble on. "Sorry, we're back now. Is everything still warm, or should I charm it?"

"Charm it!" Anthony said with a grin. "Or better yet, let Scotty here do it."

With a long-suffering sigh, Severus plucked his wand from the table and did the honors. Steam rose once more from their Christmas dinner.

"Much better," Anthony relished, serving himself some of the wild rice Hermione favored. "Magic is so much better than a microwave."

And just like that, he was forgiven his transgression, and no one said a word about weddings.

"What do you think about a New Year's Party here?" Hermione asked suddenly, and he nearly spat his tea over the figures from the brewers George had hired. There'd been a slight discrepancy and he'd been trying to find it all morning.

I beg your pardon? he asked, dropping the paper as if it had burned him. Have you taken leave of your senses?

"Not really." Hermione closed her own how-to-build-your-business book after marking her spot. "I've been thinking about it, and I know it's short notice, but I couldn't think of a good way to ask. I know you're not keen on company."

Indeed I am not, he replied with a snort. Is there perhaps a pub willing to rent a room for a party? Or a hotel of sorts nearby? He did not want people traipsing in and out of their home if he could avoid it. It would draw too much attention, and the house was rather small. He'd yet to broach the subject of moving to Hermione.

She seemed to brighten at his willingness to compromise. The things he did for love... "I can check into a hotel, I think a private room or a suite would be easier to manage hiding magic with than a pub."

I agree. Try for a suite, that's an excellent idea. I'm certain someone would be willing to provide food and drink for monetary recompense.

"I'll go check the internet for addresses and reviews." Hermione Summoned her mobile and descended the stairs, accompanied by Nothing, his collar jingling.

With a snort, Severus shook his head. He could survive a New Year's party... and while he preferred his home remaining private, he would be amenable to hosting such a thing once a year. He turned back to his reading, checking the purchases and orders against the missing ingredients. Were the imbeciles George had contracted screwing up the brews and simply afraid to say so, or was someone being dishonest? It was more likely the former: after all, a contract with Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes wasn't one to sneeze at. The stores were quite popular, and the short lifetime of the prank items along with the sheer diversity meant that there was a constant need for replenishment.

Merlin knew Severus was glad to be firmly in research now, rather than trying to brew it all without killing himself. Could he handle more cauldrons than most? Of course. Still, it had been bordering on his own limitations to keep up with the sheer demand for product. A-ha! I've got you now... Canary Creams. Damn. Someone was more likely to be pilfering those, they were popular.

His quill quickly scratched out a note to George and he carried it to the living room where his new owl waited. He hadn't named the bloody bird yet. It was a girl, that much he'd figured out. He just hadn't named it yet. Oh, some had occurred to him, but most seemed trite or pretentious. It wasn't like he was really able to call it by name.

I should just let Hermione name her, he thought with a disgruntled air. The owl took the note from his hand and Severus opened the window long enough for the bird to depart. And another thing to do – charm the ruddy window for her to get in and out without pecking and pestering.

Severus could hear Hermione's voice faintly from the basement as he reentered the kitchen. Likely a hotel. He paused briefly, considering his options, before giving into the urge to go and play with his computer. Perhaps he could use Google – daft name for a website – to find a name for his owl.

The hotel was decent, he decided as he handed the concierge his credit card. The man dared to raise incredulous eyebrows at the name, and Severus glowered at him until Hermione took over the transaction with a grin.

"Very good, Mister and Missus Snape," the man said, gingerly handing the card back to Severus, followed by the room keys. "As requested, the buffet dishes and drinks will be brought up to your suite at eleven this evening. Check out will need to be completed by noon tomorrow. Happy New Year."

Hermione blushed deeply at being called Mrs, and Severus forced himself not to twitch his lips into a proprietary smirk. It sounded good, to his mind. "Happy New Year," she managed to reply, plucking the keys from Severus's grip. "Come on, Mister Snape."

Now it was his turn to fight color in his cheeks as she pulled on his elbow, leading them towards the lift with soft laughter. He jabbed a finger at the button, and as soon as the lift closed, he glared down at her. "Oh, don't even. You were laughing at me, I don't mind having a bit of a laugh at your expense."

Impudent witch, he told her bluntly.

Kissing his cheek, she grinned. "And you wouldn't have me any other way."

With a snort, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. The slight day's stubble on his chin caught on her hair. There was no sense in denying it – he wouldn't have her any way but the way she was. Even if, thanks to her, he was...not so much softer, he supposed. Never softer. He could still send people scurrying in fear, after all. He could lambaste them into outright sobs with a few well-placed words. No, he wasn't soft. He was loved. Loved.

The word still tasted funny in his mind, and he wondered about it even as the lift chimed and they exited, checking the signs for the proper room number. The door clicked open after an inordinate amount of time fiddling with the bloody card – why a simple key wasn't good enough was beyond his ken – and Hermione breathed an appreciative sigh.

"It's beautiful! Just like on the site!" She let out a happy laugh, the kind she'd given him the night he'd proposed, and tossed her small handbag on the small kitchenette table before disappearing through a doorway. Severus had to admit he was...impressed with the amenities. The suite was more like a small flat than what he'd expect from a hotel room. A kitchenette, a dining area, and a bathroom were visible from his vantage point alone. "Oh my," Hermione said breathlessly. "Severus, come see this!"

Warily, he locked the suite door behind him and followed her voice. Entering the next room, his eyes widened. Hermione was perched on the edge of a bed that could only be described as 'massive'. She giggled, then sank backwards. "Look! It's so soft, I can barely get up!"

Shaking his head, he watched her struggle to sit up. "Wait til you see the bathtub, Severus. Turn around."

Good lord. It was certainly the nicest tub he'd seen outside of Hogwarts – it was large enough to fit at least four people. "It has jets!" Hermione exclaimed, finally bouncing off the bed and grasping his hand delightedly. She looked at him under her lashes. "What time is it?"

He fished his pocket watch out, showing her that it was merely a quarter past seven in the evening. "Wanna give it a try?"

I beg your pardon? He looked at her sharply, only to find her lips curving impishly. Oh, what the hell, he thought, and shrugged out of his coat. Hermione laughed and began shedding clothing, too. Naked, she padded over to the tub and began turning on the taps.

"Bubbles?"

Giving her a long-suffering look, he folded his trousers meticulously and bent to free his ankles from his pants, letting her do as she wished. The scent of vanilla suffused the air and he inhaled deeply despite himself. In truth, he was a bit nervous about this – he'd never bathed with someone (the curtain in the Slytherin showers sufficed for privacy, it wasn't as if the boys roamed about starkers), let alone swam with someone. Was there etiquette he needed to be aware of? Snorting derisively at his own thoughts, he set both socks on the bed with the rest of his clothes, straightening his spine self-consciously.

Daft – bathing etiquette! Hermione pinned her hair up with a large clip and offered her hand to him. "Want help stepping in? It's probably a bit slippery."

With a scoff, he stepped into the tub without her assistance, the water coming to the tops of his thighs – Merlin's nads, it was hot! And yet... Gingerly, Severus acclimated himself, sitting on one of the sections clearly designed to cradle a bather's buttocks with far too much familiarity. Hermione pushed a button and he fought to retain his seat as the water began to churn, something at his back with a forceful movement that felt...

Oh. Well, that felt rather nice... Actually, better than nice.

Hermione sank into the tub across from him with a smug little smile, the curls that were escaping her clip quickly frizzing in the heat. "Oh, lovely," she sighed, stretching her legs out to prop her feet up on his knees. "This is marvelous."

Inclined to agree, he lifted his hands to wrap them around her feet – she jerked out of reflex, but upon realising he wasn't going to tickle her, she subsided. Severus relaxed, pleased with her obvious enjoyment. If he ever got around to broaching the subject of house-hunting with her, he would quite like one of these, if only to provide her with such a method of relaxation.

They sat in companionable quiet, heads lolling in the steam as all the stress and tension left them. No worries over wedding plans or business-starting or even thinking about potentially branching out the Weasley product line to include something for bathing and relaxing. Well, perhaps a bit of that last.)

Absently, he began to rub her feet as the jets subsided and the water calmed. He could feel the pads of his fingers slowly wrinkling but couldn't be arsed to care, not when she let out a soft little moan of contentment, sinking deeper into the water.

"Don't stop," she murmured in the same low voice she used when his hands were massaging other body parts, and his cock twitched as an idea formed. "Severus, what – no!"

She shrieked and he ignored her protests, dragging her from her perch to his lap with sure hands, careful not to dunk her. Laughing, Hermione carefully straddled his legs. "What are you up to, you wicked man?"

Cupping the back of her neck with one hand, he leaned forward to kiss her. Hermione responded enthusiastically, water splashing as she tried to throw her arms around him with a laugh. He kissed her ear, her neck: the water droplets clinging to her skin tickled his nose with each inhale so he chose to use his tongue instead, tracing tendons and veins and the slope of her collarbones. She clung to him, her nails leaving small impressions in his skin in an effort not to slip off into the tub.

"Sorry," she mumbled as he hissed in pain, adjusting herself to push his hair back and attack his neck with fervent kisses. "You started it," she continued as he gasped in pleasure, his cock nudging against her. Water sloshed over the side. "Oops."

With a growl, he slid his hands to her breasts. He knew exactly what his witch liked – how to lift them and swipe his thumb over her nipples – but found it difficult to grasp her, slick as she was with water. Cursing mentally, Severus wrapped his arms firmly around her and rose. Hermione wisely didn't renew her caresses until he'd set her on the edge of the tub and stood between her legs.

"Better," she told him, grinning cheekily.

It was better – no longer forced to stop her from sliding into the water, he could more easily worship the tender underside of her breasts. Hermione's fingers caressed his hair as he lowered his mouth to her nipples. He loved to feel them go from soft and nearly flat to hard and pointed under his touch, loved the way she moaned and shifted her hips cautiously. Water lapped against his thighs; he exhaled over her flesh, watching it pebble as warm breath and cool air and met damp skin.

"It's okay," Hermione urged him unnecessarily, shifting and almost slipping off the edge of the tub. Severus rolled his eyes and knelt awkwardly, reaching around to grab her hips to avoid any injury. "Don't tease, please, Severus... Our friends won't be here for hours, and I want to spend as much time with you like this as possible..."

Our friends. His heart warmed at the reminder of the changes she'd brought into his life, and he suckled her breast into his mouth, pulling firmly and determined to pleasure her until she screamed his name out into the room. He wanted to end this year by worshiping her, showing her precisely how much he loved her and the life they were building together.

Hermione sighed happily, winding her fingers into his hair and holding him to her breasts. "Feels good, love," she murmured, shifting again and he switched breasts and re-secured his hold on her. Severus inhaled the lovely fresh scent of her skin, her nipple tightening under his tongue. He flicked her, suckled her, feeling her chest rise and fall with each breath. When she was gasping and her pretty buds were swollen in his mouth he released her, steadying her on the edge of the tub.

Lips swollen, he kissed her leisurely and she kissed him back, trying to push him lower. "Please," she panted between kisses, but he didn't relent, choosing instead to dart his tongue into her mouth. He did feather his thumbs over her hips, giving up his hold on one to caress her stomach and thighs with his thin, calloused fingers. "Tease," Hermione accused him. "Severus, please..."

I'll please you, he thought, nipping her neck and marking her. Never fear, love. The whimper she loosed as he stroked her short curls inflamed him, his erection twitching in the cool air. She was so wet – damp from the water, he wondered, or from desire? He pulled away from her, ignoring her protest.

Do not move, he told her, kneeling before her. The water was warm around his cock and his eyes fluttered closed appreciatively. Hermione kept her hands on his head even as he bade her to splay her thighs more widely before grabbing her hips again.

She smelled divine, the faint trace of musk underlying her arousal, and he placed kisses on the curve of her soft belly, her abdomen, trailing to the curls over her sex. Inhaling slowly, he used his nose to part her, rubbing against her clit as he sought her with his tongue. He felt himself throb and he pushed the feeling to the back of his mind.

Her belly jumped each time his nose rubbed against her clit so he did it again, uncaring how odd it was as long as it gave her pleasure. Indeed, Hermione encouraged him, spreading her lovely legs as far as she could to give him more access. The grip on his hair tightened as he lapped at her – oh yes, definitely aroused! She was delicious, the taste of her on his tongue. He panted shallowly and began to lick her in earnest with broad strokes of his tongue at first, darting his tongue into her passage to gather a stronger taste before he decided he'd teased her enough.

Each whimper was music to him as he laved at her clit, her fingers tightening on his hair to the point of exquisite pain. Severus loved the way she keened, and he slid one hand up her warm back as she bowed. He loved the sound of his name on her lips – sweeter than any candy – when she cried out. Hermione trembled, gasping, and he redoubled his efforts. Around his face her thighs quivered and he suckled her lovely clit. It was hard against his tongue, thrumming with her quickened pulse. She was making the most incredible noises, surging against his mouth as much as his firm grip would allow.

"Severus," Hermione's cry pierced the air as she came. Her nails dug into his scalp and he fought to hold her steady. "Oh, god, oh yes – Severus!"

He held her until they'd both recovered their breath, and Hermione slid back into the water. She kissed him, uncaring that his face was covered in her own liquids. The knowledge was heady and he lost himself to her kisses. Pulse pounding, he wrapped his arms around her, enjoying the softness of her breasts pressed against the rasp of his chest hair. He sucked her tongue into his mouth as she wrapped her legs around his waist, nearly weightless in the tub, his cock nudging against her in eagerness.

"In the bath or out?" She asked, pulling away to look at him with glazed eyes. It took him a moment to register the question. Breathing heavily, he lifted his hands from her damp skin.

I do not care, he told her. Her lips quirked into a smile, and she pushed him deeper into the water.

"Okay." Hermione smirked at him, her lips dark from their kisses, and incanted a charm he was quite familiar with.

Merlin! Was his last coherent thought as Hermione slid down his body and into the water, Bubblehead Charm firmly in place, and took his cock in her mouth. His mind dissolved into warmth and need, everything in him focused on the curls floating free from her clip. Her mouth was hot around him, the suction marvelous. Her tongue swirled around the head of his cock and his hips jerked helplessly. He wanted more, needed more, and she was obliging as his fingers threaded through her hair and guided her to the rhythm he needed.

Close – he was so close when Hermione pulled away, breaking out of the water and her charm with a gasp. "Bed," she told him breathlessly. "Bed now."

They struggled out of the tub and yanked down the duvet before falling to the soft mattress in a tangle of limbs. He kissed her with all of the passion in him, cupping her breasts to thumb her nipples before sliding his hands down to her cunt.

Wet. So wet-! Severus groaned, finding his path and pushed into her. Hermione moaned, and he discovered just how slick and tight she was around him. She was hot and perfect, and as he began to move, her nails dug into his back. Yes, this – his hips shifted down a little, striking up into her, making her cry out.

Blood rushed through his ears as they moved together, the sharpness of his hipbones crashing into her soft thighs. She clenched around him and his mouth fell slack. Hermione's eyes screwed shut as she chanted, coming closer and closer. He watched her come, sweat dripping from the hook of his nose to her forehead, and redoubled his efforts, seeking his own pleasure. In the end it was the grip of her, her sweetness, and the way she looked up at him with sated eyes full of love, that sent him into climax.

The music was a bit loud for him, but the food Hermione had ordered tasted as delicious as it smelled, and most of the friends had already arrived. People stood or sat chatting throughout the suite, and he was pleased to find that not only was he welcome, but that Jean had been perfectly happy to practice being a translator, allowing him to converse more freely with others.

The door was knocked on again, and Severus pulled it open with his free hand, simultaneously trying to pass the plate of hor d'oeurves to Cissy and Astoria. The Potters burst in, looking rather harried.

"Oh, good," said Ginevra. "Harry, put his stuff over there by McGonagall, would you? Severus, take James, I have to use the loo. Be right back!"

Astoria snatched the plate from his hand just as a small squirming child was shoved into his arms. Severus held the boy awkwardly – on all previous visits with the new family, Hermione had been the one to hold him. Harry gave him an apologetic look, burdened with a large bag and some sort of array of metal rods as Ginny disappeared into the visible bathroom.

"Sorry, Severus – let me get his crib set up, and I'll take him from you." Harry sighed, kicking the door closed behind him. "He's usually pretty good about falling asleep, but not tonight and we'll have to feed him in an hour any way...Oh, hey, Ron!"

And like that, he was trapped holding James Sirius Potter. He scowled down at the scrunch-faced babe. Someone take him from me...

Cissy laughed softly. "Here, Severus – no, you're not handing him to me. This dress is silk. Just... put one hand here: good. Support his head, and you can bend your arm a bit now... Better. Astoria, did you meet Neville Longbottom while you were at school? He'll be made Deputy Headmaster next year: Draco approved his appointment..."

She abandoned him! Damn it, Narcissa, this isn't why we extended an invitation to you! He was proud of Draco, who was making passable smalltalk with Percy Weasley and his date, for taking Lucius's old spot on the board of governors. Longbottom would be an excellent Deputy now that Filius was taking on less responsibility in his old age. James squirmed and Severus looked down at him helplessly. What the devil am I supposed to do with you?

Martha passed him, her own son in Molly's arms, chatting. George tossed some of the shrimp dumplings at Angelina, and Harry was talking with Ron as he assembled the crib. People were milling about, chatting, but Severus seemed to have become invisible. (In terms of Molly that was probably wise, as if the woman had seen him she likely would begin knitting for him and Hermione to procreate.) Even Anthony had his back to him, explaining something to Arthur.

A small hand touched his arm, and he turned to see Hermione smiling up at him, her eyes bright. "Severus... you look adorable with a child in your arms."

His mouth dried. I beg your pardon?

Hermione stroked her finger down James' cheek fondly, and the babe yawned. Severus suddenly realised that the babe had downy black hair on his head. Maybe our child will have my hair. The thought took him by surprise, and it was fortunate that Hermione deftly took James from him. "You'll be a wonderful father," she told him, cradling the boy close to her chest. "When it's our turn."

Yes, he told her. When it's our turn.

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