Chapter 36: Love and Affection
Hermione was finding it harder to come up with excuses to her mother and Ginny. She only asked them to babysit once each. Nothing atypical about that but somehow they knew she wasn't telling them everything. She decided to ask Diana to babysit next. Perhaps since Diana had be tight lipped about the Ron situation, she wouldn't pry.
The past two dates with Severus had been fun and light hearted. They had stuck to Muggle London, enjoying anonymity. They kissed constantly; Sabrina had taken notice. Hermione expected her to be upset or have questions. But Sabrina surprised her; she just wanted to be sure she got an equal share of kisses and snuggles.
"Our home is filled with love, affection and laughter," Hermione thought.
~~~~O-O~~~~
In the study, Severus was finishing his correspondence. Sabrina was in bed and Hermione was reading in the living room while listening to music. He relaxed into his chair and smiled at his providence.
His path had been difficult to say the least, and now, he had more than he could have ever imagined. Feeling an ache in his chest, he choked back an unexpected sob.
He stood up and marched into the living room startling Hermione. He hoisted her up by her arms and crushed her into kiss. He put everything he was then and is now into the kiss.
Her hands went to his face and then over his head scratching at his scalp as her legs wrapped around him. Their kisses were wet and hungry.
Hermione pulled back after a few minutes to see his face. His glittering eyes showed more than lust. There was desperation there.
"Severus, talk to me."
He turned them around and sat on the couch with Hermione straddling him. His hands were caressing her face, shoulders and back as he watched her face.
"I was thinking about you and Sabrina. I was," he paused, his voice husky, "I was overcome with emotion. I never expected this, Hermione."
"I was just out here thinking the same thing."
Placing her hands on each side of his face, she pulled him in for a kiss, she mumbled into his lips, "I love you, Severus."
He shuddered and deepened the kiss, "As I love you. Truly."
~~~~O-O~~~~
The Burrow was overflowing with people despite more than half the family milling around outside. There were Weasleys, Potters, Grangers and Snapes in attendance for a simple Sunday dinner.
Ron was holding Diana's hand and ignoring catcalls from his brothers. Helena had disappeared into the orchard with the other children. Hermione's parents were mixed in the group, chatting with Charlie and Molly.
"Amazing, isn't it? Muggles, Muggleborns, Wizards," Harry gestured over the crowd, "We are all just people, eh."
"It is truly a wonderful world, Harry," Hermione kissed him before snagging baby James out of his arms.
She joined Severus and Bill at the edge of the orchard. Bill was carrying his twins, one per arm, as he explained the charmed trees.
"Each time a child is nearby, the leaves emit soft glow. Mum use to charm a different color for each child. Hullo Hermione!"
She leaned in and kissed the tops of the girls heads and then Bill's cheek.
With Jamie babbling in her arms, she leaned against Severus.
"Hermione, I am not sure if you heard my conversation with Severus. You may caught the tail end of it."
"What did I miss?"
Severus cleared his throat, "The charm on orchard is for magical children."
Nodding, Hermione looked from Severus to Bill who pointed out her cousin leaning against a glowing tree.
"It looks like Helena may be magical."
Squealing, Hermione smooched Jamie, "Can you say recessive gene? Can you? Huh Jaime?"
"We don't know for sure," Severus intoned, "She hasn't exhibited any accidental magic."
Hermione smiled, "It would be nice if she had magic; is there a way to check?"
"I believe the ministry keeps a registry but it's part of the hall of records. No one but Unspeakables has access," Bill informed them.
"I suggest we do not make mention unless we know for certain." said Severus.
"Agreed! Let's get these babies back to their Mama's."
Bill led the way back. Severus put his arm around Hermione's shoulders, and smoothed Jamie's hair down as they walked.
"Are you sure, Severus?"
He dropped his arm but stayed close as they walked towards their family. "I wanted to speak to your parents first. Why don't you return Potter Junior here and ask them to join us for a walk in the orchard?"
~~~~O-O~~~~
Walking briskly, Mark Granger and Severus cut through the orchard as Hermione and her mother hung back several yards. The men's voices were low and didn't carry on the wind whereas Anna Granger's voice was amplified.
"Oh, oh, oh!"
The men turned around to watch Anna embrace her daughter and emit high pitched sounds.
"I believe my wife approves."
Severus chuckled, "And so it would seem. How about you?"
Mark held out his hand and shook Severus' hand firmly, "You are a good man, Severus. I know you will do right by Hermione as you have done by Sabrina."
"Appreciated "
The women caught up and rejoined them along the path.
Mark dropped a kiss on top of Hermione's head, and stage whispered, "But until you are married, I reserve the right to refer to him as your baby daddy."
~~~~O-O~~~~
It was dark when the children were collected and cleaned up for dinner. Teddy and Victoria were put in charge of the little ones as the adults moved to the tables nearby.
Hermione decided that their hand holding was too subtle; announcing their relationship would need to be more direct. She glanced at Severus; his signature smirk was on display. Turning to her right side, she took a deep breath, "Ginny, I am dating Severus."
Ginny's grin kept growing, "I knew it! I knew it!"
"Oh, I didn't realize you knew." She stammered.
The news traveled up and down the tables, and glasses were raised in their honor. After a few toasts, the glasses were raised for Ron and Diana.
A very tipsy Molly kept dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief as she sang a love song. Fred was confident it was Celestina Warbeck. As the betting pool reached 24 galleons, Severus and Hermione snuck out with Sabrina.
Arriving home, Severus kissed both his girls, "I am glad we are home."
~~~~O-O~~~~