Insufferable Attraction

SeverusxHermione

Rated NC-17

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or its characters from the franchise. That honor belongs to JK Rowling

Author's Note: I just wanted to take the time to say thank you all so much for following along with this story and sticking with it with all its twists and turns. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and stay for what is to come next. I'm not sure when I plan to wrap up this story, but I guess we'll just see as we go. Again, thank you all so much for your interest and support. XOXO, SehunsBae37.

Insufferable Attraction

Chapter 34

A month had passed and things seemed to be going well for the Snapes. Severus was working diligently on remodifying his already modified Fertility Potion—with unwanted checkups with the B.R.A.—and Hermione was still working busily with her internship at the Ministry. The head of the Being Division in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures was so pleased with her work ethic and hard work, that he even decided to give her a permanent position should she want it. Of course, being that of a Lady, there was no need for her to actually work, but it wasn't in Hermione's nature to sit and do nothing productive. Therefore, she compromised with the head and decided to only come in should something become too much for them to handle on their own, or if they needed her insight. She also told him that should they have a hard case that they believed would be up her alley, call her in and she would work until she found a solution. The head agreed and even decided to pay her for the times she came in.

All in all, things were going well for Severus and Hermione. They were also still utterly and completely in love, still not fully believing that the love they felt for each other was reciprocated completely. It made the times they spent together intimately under the sheets that much more meaningful. Hermione though, found that her sexual appetite for her husband was nearly insatiable. Severus too found his wife irresistible, but he controlled himself better. But when things did get hot and heavy, Severus found it hard to pull away. Or rather, Hermione would pull him back in for more, not that he was complaining. But he did have to tell her once to give him a break, as he had lost the feeling in his legs. As for Hermione, she laid in bed pleasantly sore for nearly two days. Despite this, neither of them could keep the smiles off their faces, and went to bed wrapped in each other's' arms, cuddling close to one another as they fell asleep each night. Yes, life was good for Lord and Lady Prince, though they did wish they could have a change of pace from their normal routines. However, they had no idea what exactly they wanted to do, but Severus was sure something would come up for them.

One afternoon, Severus and Hermione were seated in the library reading together in comfortable silence, Hermione's legs draped over Severus's while she read her chosen book, and Severus absentmindedly stroking her leg while he read his own book. A House Elf popping into the library brought their attention to it, a letter held in the creature's little hand.

"A letter for Master and Mistress!" the elf squeaked. "Letter from Lord and Lady Lestrange!"

Taking the letter, Severus said, "Thank you, Pimmy."

Pimmy bowed and popped away, leaving Severus to open and read the letter. Hermione waited for a moment, seeing her husband's eyes reach the bottom of the letter before asking, "What does it say?"

"It seems Rabastan and Ms. Lovegood have invited us to dinner at their home tonight, and will begin at seven," Severus answered.

"Dinner with Luna and Rabastan sounds nice. Besides, we don't get to spend time with both of them together. Usually, it is just Luna and I, along with Daphne of course."

"Yes, and it has been a while since I've spoken with Rabastan."

"So we're going?"

"Yes."

Later that evening at five to seven, Hermione was waiting for Severus in the foyer while he was in his Potions lab. He had gotten a letter with an order for some Skele-Gro to be made from Madame Pompfrey and sent to her by the end of the week. She had written she'd brew it herself, but she was busy with sick students and making her own batches of Pepper-Up Potion. Severus knew he couldn't begin now, but he went to his lab to set up a station for it, as well as have a letter ready to be written to the Mediwitch upon returning from the Lestranges.

As she waited, Hermione looked down at her outfit, a cool grey sheath dress with black heels. She'd left her hair down, though pinned it out of her face. Her face she left bare, though did put on a bit of mascara and lip gloss. She thought she looked presentable for a dinner invitation, though she felt she could have also just gone in her clothes from earlier. It was just Luna after all, but she didn't want to seem too informal. Two minutes later, Severus returned and said, "Alright, I have everything ready to be brewed tomorrow for Madame Pompfrey. Shall we?"

The brunette nodded, walking with her husband out of their home and outside of the wards surrounding the manner. As they did, Hermione asked, "Do you know where Rabastan's home is?"

"France."

"France?" Hermione blinked up at him in surprise.

"That is where the ancestral home is, and where he and Ms. Lovegood are currently residing. The Lestranges are originally from France, so they have roots there. The home they lived in here in Britain got destroyed on account of many people not agreeing with Rabastan not spending as much time as they believe he should in Azkaban following the war, as they still don't believe he turned his back on Voldemort and instead fought on our side. There were also those that were furious to find out he was to be a participant in the Bloodline Restoration Act and marry a chosen witch. So while he served his sentence before being released, many found the Lestrange home and broke through the wards, damaging and ruining the Lestrange home and partially burning it down."

Hermione gasped in horror at hearing that. "That is horrible! But surely he could have fixed it."

Severus nodded. "He could have, but Rabastan has always said that the home didn't hold good memories for him. That, and he's always wanted to see the most ancient home of the Lestrange family. Don't worry, the home isn't too far into France. It is along the edge close to Britain, so we won't be Apparating too far."

"And you know its exact location, because…?"

"Because he told me."

Once they were outside of the wards, Severus took hold of his wife's hand and Side-Apparated her along to their destination, their feet hitting the ground after what felt like almost twenty seconds. Hermione looked up at the large manor in front of her, her brown eyes going wide. It was so exquisite, and not at all like what she thought it would be. The manor was more like a small castle and made of limestone with vines growing up its walls. The front garden was blooming, along with some strange flowers and fruit bushes that Hermione was sure Luna had planted. And above the doorway was the Lestrange family crest. It was a very beautiful home, indeed.

Walking up to the front door, Severus pulled on the long rope that rung the doorbell, a loud series of ringing bells being heard, obviously traveling through the manor to alert the occupants of guests. A moment later the door opened, and a House Elf beckoned them inside, bowing as they did and saying, "Lord and Lady Prince, welcome to Master and Mistress Lestrange home."

"Hermione, Professor. Welcome to our home!" Luna's voice greeted, causing the couple to look further up the foyer. One the other end stood Rabastan while Luna skipped to them wearing a light blue shift dress, her dirty blonde hair swaying behind her as she did. Reaching them, she hugged Hermione and shook Severus's hand before beckoning them to follow her. Reaching Rabastan, the man shook both his friend's and his wife's hand saying, "Severus, Hermione, welcome to my family's ancestral home."

"It is lovely, Rabastan," Hermione complimented, looking around at the interior, able to pick out here and there Luna's contributions to the decorations.

Rabastan grinned. "Thank you. Well, let's go to the dining room. Dinner is ready to be served and I'm starving."

"I hope you like beef Wellington," Luna said as she walked with her husband, leading their guests to the dining room. Once they reached the dining room, they all took a seat and plates of food—beef Wellington, Brussel sprouts, and baby carrots—appeared before them while a bottle of Pinot Noir waited to be opened. Smiling at the food, Luna looked at the other couple and said, "Let's tuck in."

Dinner was a lively affair. Well, lively in the way of Hermione and Rabastan having playful debates about certain subjects while their spouses looked on. The girls also got a chance to catch up while the men talked to each other as well. Luna told of how she was cultivating a new crossbreed of Dirigible plums, Rabastan looking at his wife in complete adoration as she spoke enthusiastically of her project. If there had been any doubt about how Rabastan felt about Luna to Hermione, it was no longer there for she was able to see—just like the first time—just how much the man was in love with her friend. All in all, dinner was lovely, and they all enjoyed themselves. However, Severus and Hermione weren't expecting what Rabastan had to say next.

"Severus, I overheard Shacklebolt mumbling about some grievances concerning the B.R.A. and how they're bothering you and Hermione last time I was at the Ministry," the last blood Lestrange said after taking a sip of his wine. "Do you know what that was about?"

Severus and Hermione looked at each other for a moment, a silent conversation passing between them before turning their attention back to their host. Nodding Severus replied, "The B.R.A. representatives have decided they want to be a thorn in the Prince family side. And after learning of Weasley's attack on Hermione, they've concluded that our marriage should be terminated."

"What? What lunacy are they on?"

"They can't make you two have a divorce, can they?" Luna asked concerned.

"No, they can't," Hermione said. "And with the type of bond that Kingsley performed on all of us cannot be undone if one or both parties love each other."

"So that means that you and Professor love each other then?"

Hermione blushed while Severus coughed a bit, not having expected to be asked that question outright. Yes, they had told each other, and Hermione had told Daphne and Harry when she implied it, but to be outright asked was different. And with Severus being a private person, he wasn't one to have his feelings out on display for others to see.

Seeing his wife had inadvertently embarrassed the other couple, Rabastan patted her hand before reverting the discussion back to its original topic. "So why did they suggest they you be divorce?"

"We won't disclose the reason because the matter is personal, but regardless of the reason, a termination of our marriage cannot be done," Severus said. He then smirked. "The B.R.A. are rather pissed about it because of the chosen bonding Shacklebolt performed on us."

Luna nodded before smiling serenely at them. "I've always known since the beginning that your marriage would be successful. I could see it during the bonding ceremony and knew that it would survive this act."

Hermione blinked at the blonde before turning her gaze to her Severus, her husband glancing at her as well. She smiled softly at him before turning her attention back to her plate. "I knew your marriage would be successful too, though I will admit I had my doubts."

Rabastan chuckled and turned to Severus. "Our wives sure are something, aren't they?"

"Indeed," Severus replied. "Though mine is still an insufferable know-it-all."

"Severus!" Hermione admonished, though she couldn't help but smile while he smirked over his wine glass. It wasn't an insult, but rather a term of endearment, and she found that she didn't mind it at all. Besides, being called a know-it-all wouldn't sound right coming out of anyone else's mouth except for Severus's.

After dessert (simple ice cream sundaes), the Snapes bid the Lestranges 'farewell' and left their home, Disapparating back to Prince Manor. Entering their home, Hermione decided to head upstairs for a hot bath while Severus went to his Potions lab to write a letter to Madame Pompfrey to let her know he'd send her requested Skele-Gro as soon as possible.

In the adjoined bathroom of their bedroom, Hermione stripped down to nothing and stepped into the hot bubble bath in the large clawfoot bathtub that Inka had put together, sighing as she sunk into the warm waters. She didn't know how long she rested there with her eyes closed, but she was slightly startled when she felt fingers suddenly threading through her hair. Opening her eyes, she saw Severus kneeling next to the bathtub, his fingers combing through some of the tangles her curls had made.

Blinking at him she said, "I wasn't asleep."

"I know," Severus chuckled. "I came to join you, if you don't mind."

"Of course not."

Brown eyes watched the wizard strip out of his own clothes before getting into the tub with her, though maneuvering himself so he was settled behind her, Hermione's back resting against his muscular chest. Hermione sighed as she tilted her head to rest it against his bare shoulder, his legs cradling her while they sat in the hot water together. Ten minutes passed before Severus began to bathe his wife, smiling softly at her soft, contented sighs as he did. It was obvious his gentle ministrations were lulling her to sleep, but she couldn't go to sleep right yet.

He finished bathing her before doing the same to himself, rinsing them both off before stepping out of the tub with the brunette in his arms. With a wave of his hand, he spelled them dry before carrying her to the bedroom, settling her on the bed. He pulled out some fresh nightwear for them, as well as underwear to put on. Once they were dressed, the climbed into bed to settle for the night, Hermione snuggling against Severus as her eyes grew heavy. However, her husband jostling her made her frown up at him.

"What?" Hermione asked.

Severus chuckled at his wife's rather grumpy face. He knew she wanted to sleep now, but not just yet. "I have something to tell you."

"Can't it wait until morning? I'm tired."

"I suppose, but I think you'd like to hear it now."

Despite her tiredness, she couldn't say she wasn't intrigued. Sitting up a bit, Hermione gave the man her full attention. "Alright then. What is it you have to tell me?"

Severus sat up as well saying, "I have a surprise for you."

Her eyes lit up a bit. "Oh?"

The Potions Master reached over on his nightstand and opened a drawer, pulling out a brochure attached to a piece of paper with some dates on them. Handing it over to the brunette, he said, "I believe an overdue honeymoon is in order."

A gasp escaped Hermione's eyes as she looked over the brochure before looking at Severus. "Fiji? We're going on a honeymoon to Fiji?!"

"Yes, and we leave in a week to stay for a month."

"A month? But what about your work on the potion? Won't that be delayed?"

"Believe it or not, but I'm nearly done with the modifications, and at the end of the week, the potion needs to simmer and brew for a month to be just right anyway. I figured the timing worked out just fine."

A joyous giggle left her mouth, her eyes shining in excitement as she exclaimed, "We're going on a honeymoon! We're going to Fiji! Severus, thank you!"

Hermione launched herself at her husband, hugging and kissing him while he laughed in response, telling her she didn't have to thank him. If she had asked, he would have done this for her. And though she hadn't asked, he did it anyway. It was strange, but he also liked his willingness to make his wife happy. Potions used to bring him the greatest joy in life, but now they were second to the joy he felt at seeing Hermione happy. And he'd make sure nothing and no one would ruin this happiness they shared.

Ron listened to the screams of pain the young man made as he subjected him over and over again to the Cruciatus Curse while his girlfriend cried and begged for mercy from the tree she was attached to. Of course, no one would be able to hear their screams, as he had cast a ward around them so that no one could see them, nor hear them. And it was the middle of the night, so the darkness would have also covered them, but he chose the ward just to be safe. Once he let up on the curse on the Snape lookalike, he kicked him harshly in his side and face before using the Severing Charm on him, slicing the boy open as he cried in pain. Grinning at the pain he was inflicting on him, Ron used the Cruciatus Curse on him once more.

The girl that resembled Hermione was strung up by her hands by one of the branches of the tree the redhead had tied her to with his little stick, and she was crying while watching helplessly as he hurt her boyfriend. Through a sob she asked, "Why are you doing this?"

Ron stopped his attack on the "Snape" and looked at her incredulously for a moment before answering, "You know exactly why I'm doing this, Hermione. You and Snape deserve this for what you've done to me, and because you've betrayed me by being with this slimy Death Eater."

She looked at him in fear and confusion before saying, "M-My name is Claire."

The boy suddenly shot up from the ground and tackled Ron, beating him as he did. The two males rolled and tumbled before Ron got the upper hand and punched the boy in his face, knocking him flat on his back. Standing over him, he pointed his wand at him furiously shouting, "Avada Kedavra!"

"Erick!" Claire screamed as a green light shot out Ron's wand and enveloped Erick, killing him instantly where he laid on the ground.

Claire cried as she struggled to get her hands free, wanting desperately to get away from the madman in front of her. She wasn't sure what he had just said or what he did to Erick, but she was positive whatever it was had killed her boyfriend since he continued to lay there unmoving. Seeing the redhead turn to her, she shook her head begging, "Please! Please no! Don't hurt me! Let me go and I won't tell anyone anything, I promise! Please!"

Ron grabbed her roughly by her cheeks, causing her to cry out in pain before growling out, "Shut up!"

He then forcefully kissed her, pressing his lips against her hard enough to leave bruises. Claire released a muffled scream at the unwanted kiss before biting down on his tongue and lips when he attempted to shove his tongue in her mouth. Ron let out a cry of pain as he tasted blood, pressing his fingers to his lips and looking at them, seeing them stained red in the moonlight shining through the clouds.

This bitch had bitten him and drawn blood. Instantly pissed, Ron slapped the girl, causing her to scream in surprise and pain as he yelled, "Why do you reject me, Hermione?!"

Taking his wand he pointed it at the young girl and screaming, "SECTUMSEMPRA!"

The curse hit the brunette, Claire gasping as she felt herself being sliced open and her blood pour out of her body. As she bled out in front of him, Ron watched with detached eyes until the light in her hazel eyes dimmed to nothing, those light brown orbs staring at him lifelessly. Stepping up to her, he stroked her brown curls before dropping the ward and Disapparating away into the night, leaving the two bodies behind to be found eventually.