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

Insufferable Attraction

Chapter 7

The first day of them being married had passed, and Hermione had to admit to herself that not only was it awkward, it was also rather…normal. Neither she or Severus spoke to one another much since she first woke up from fainting, only a few words here or there. When it came to sleeping at Spinner's End, Severus allowed her his room while he took up residence in another bedroom, presumably a guest bedroom. That night, Hermione laid in bed and stared up at the ceiling, wondering what was to come of them. Severus didn't seem to keen on being a husband, and definitely didn't seem to be in any hurry to consummate their marriage, even though their lives technically depended on it. Of course, they probably should discuss the situation, but the thought of talking to her former Potions professor about having sex with him was mortifying.

It was the second day of her being Hermione Snape, and she figured it would be a good time to speak with her new husband about their needed consummation. It wasn't like she really wanted to, but if it had to be done then she needed to speak to him about it. Leaving the living room where she had been reading, she walked down the hall a ways before stopping at one door at the end. After giving her a tour of his home, Severus had shown her his private Potions lab. She had been completely fascinated by it, even more so at his vast array of potions and potion ingredients, some of which she knew she hadn't used while schooling. Of course, she knew not to disturb him while he was brewing, but she really needed to speak to him about consummating. It was clear neither really wanted to think about it or participate, but if they wanted to not get sick or die, then they had to.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione slowly turned the knob to the door and opened it, surprised the hinges did not squeak. She knew the building was rather old and most of the door hinges squeaked, but this door didn't. It is probably because he loves potions and it is his Potions lab, Hermione thought somewhat amused. Quietly she stepped through the door and down the stairs, descending into the basement turned Potions lab. Reaching the bottom she looked around for a moment, taking in the many bubbling cauldrons filled with potions of many different colors. She recognized a Pepper-Up Potion, Antidote to Common Poisons, Sleeping Draught, Swelling Solution, even Felix Felicis. There were many potions she recognized bubbling away, and many that she did not. One such potion was a beautiful mix of colors, resembling that of a rainbow. She would have believed it was an Elixir to Induce Euphoria, but a rainbow only emitted from that when it was finished, not while it was brewing. Not only that, the potion was a sunshine yellow color. Wondering what it was, she walked over to it and bent her head slightly over it, peering into the cauldron.

A hand suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the cauldron, a surprised gasp escaping her mouth as it did. Turning around, she saw that it had been Severus to pull her away from the cauldron. Black eyes looked down at her for a moment before he said in his deep voice, "Don't touch that one. It is a very important potion for a very important client, and I won't have you messing it up and having me start over."

"S-Sorry," Hermione replied.

Severus hummed before walking away, over towards another table that had two cauldrons bubbling on them. He stirred one cauldron three times before turning to the other; he dropped five beetle eyes in that cauldron before stirring that one as well. Waving his wand over the two cauldrons to put them in a form of stasis, he then turned to look at his new wife. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "What brings you down here uninvited?"

Hermione blushed momentarily before saying, "Sorry, I know I should have waited for you to finish. But I really need to talk to you about something."

"And that would be?"

"About…about our consummation to validate our marriage vows."

The Potions Master stared at the brunette silently, his face not showing any indication of what he was currently thinking from her words. They stood silently in Severus' Potions lab for a moment before he finally let out a sigh and rubbed a hand down his face. The action seemed so odd coming from the man that Hermione couldn't help but giggle slightly. She quickly silenced herself when black eyes looked sharply at her. Severus closed his eyes momentarily before saying, "I think it best we discuss this upstairs."

Hermione nodded and headed back towards the stairs, Severus lingering behind to put a few more potions in a state of stasis before following her up the stairs. As he followed behind her, his eyes landed on her backside briefly, taking in the jeans she was wearing hugged it perfectly before quickly diverting his gaze. Shaking his head he thought to himself, Don't look at her inappropriately, Severus. Just because she is now your wife doesn't mean you have any right to think about, look, or touch her inappropriately. Ms. Granger was your student first and she is twenty years your junior.

Once they were back on the first level of Severus' home, they moved towards the kitchen. Severus prepared a pot of tea, pouring themselves both a cup before setting one down in front of her at her place at the kitchen table. Hermione thanked him and took a sip as he sat across from her. They sat in silence for a moment before Hermione finally spoke saying, "So, about our consummation, I was wondering-"

"Yes, I know. You want to know when and if it will happen with our three-day deadline," Severus finished for her.

Nodding Hermione said, "Yes."

Severus took a sip of his tea. "I have been thinking about the conditions of our vows, of this consummation. As we have already established, we have been forced into participating in the Bloodline Restoration Act, and the Ministry is further screwing with us by making us not only marry, but consummate. I personally would rather not, but I also don't fancy dying either."

Hermione looked down into her teacup, feeling her chest clench a bit at hearing him say he didn't want to consummate. It wasn't like she wanted to either, but the way he said it made it seem like he didn't find her desirable. It made her wonder briefly if any man found her desirable. Viktor had, but a relationship wouldn't have worked out for them anyway with the war going on. And Ron…he was too much of a git to find her desirable unless some other wizard showed interest in her. She was honestly glad she never allowed him to touch her. I'd rather have Severus take me before Ron ever could, Hermione couldn't help but think.

Unbeknownst to her though was that the real reason Severus wasn't too keen on consummating with her was due to his belief he didn't deserve to and he definitely didn't want to take her innocence. But the situation they were in called for it. Not only that, but Severus could admit to himself that he was afraid he would really start to desire her if he experienced the wonders of her flesh. He did not want to get attached to Hermione, knowing it would only lead to heartbreak, anguish and betrayal; at the very least heartbreak and anguish, emotions he did not want to experience again. Even so, he knew their consummation had to be done.

Resigning himself to their current problem, Severus cleared his throat before saying, "I suppose tomorrow is as good a time to…engage in the rest of our vows as any. You're not opposed to it, are you?"

Surprised by the sudden question Hermione shook her head. "No, I'm not. I mean, it must be done. Do…do you have a time you want to?"

Severus raised an eyebrow. "Are you planning on preparing?"

"N-No, that's not w-what I m-meant!" Hermione blushed a deep red. "I-I mean, I'd like some time to mentally and emotionally prepare myself. It…it will be my first time."

Hermione had ended her words with her head ducked and her voice a whisper. She couldn't believe she had just admitted to her former professor that she was a virgin and had never engaged in any sexual activity before. She wondered if her new husband thought her pathetic. However, Severus was actually surprised that the brunette had openly admitted her innocence. Yes, he already knew she was a virgin, but he never thought she would admit to it. He knew how prideful the little know-it-all could be, as he too was rather prideful. And yet she had decided to be vulnerable to him in this moment. It almost made her rather endearing to him…almost.

Being able to see she was embarrassed, he wondered how he could make her feel better about it. I never thought I would want to make her feel better about anything, Severus thought briefly. Almost hesitantly, Severus reached across the table and placed his large pale hand overtop of Hermione's, the action causing Hermione to look up at him. Looking into her brown eyes he said in a somewhat soothing voice, "There is nothing to be embarrassed about being a virgin. You are only what, nineteen? Twenty? Some people will wait longer to lose their virginity rather than rush into it and giving into their hormones during their teen years. There is nothing wrong with the fact that you are still untouched. Some people would wish they could be your age again and still be untouched. Don't be embarrassed about it or let anyone make you feel bad about it. But thank you for letting me know; I will take that fact into consideration tomorrow."

Stunned. Stunned was Hermione as she listened to the man sitting across from her, taking in his comforting words. Severus had actually comforted her. She almost couldn't believe it, but he had. Even though she was completely astonished by what had just occurred, she couldn't help but be touched by it. It was like…it was like he really cared for her. And maybe he did, but who was to really say? Her heart swelling with gratitude for his kind words, Hermione smiled sweetly at Severus.

"Thank you," Hermione told him, her cheeks tinged pink and brown eyes sparkling.

The dark haired man shifted his gaze away from the brunette, his own pale cheeks turning slightly pink from her sweet smile. Clearing his throat to save himself from coming embarrassment, he finished his tea before standing from the table. Moving to place his empty teacup in the kitchen sink, he said, "Let us do it tomorrow evening about seven."

The young witch nodded in agreement, watching as Severus quickly left the kitchen headed back to his Potions lab. The moment she heard the door open and shut behind the man, Hermione stood and headed towards the front door. She grabbed her wand, light jacket, and satchel with her Undetectable Extension Charm before leaving Severus' home. It was still too hard and early for her to even consider his home on Spinner's End as her own, especially when she knew she could return to her own flat whenever. Severus had explained that they would soon have to take up residence in Prince Manor, his ancestral home with the titles of the new Lord and Lady Prince, but for now they were fine where they were. He was also allowing her to return to her flat, not placing any restrictions on her, something Hermione was glad for.

Once she was outside, she walked down the street a bit before turning down into any empty alley and Disapparating away. Landing in front of Grimmauld Place, Hermione went up the stairs and knocked, patiently waiting for the door to open. It took a moment, but the front door eventually opened revealing Daphne. Along with her opening the door, raised voices reached Hermione's ears. Daphne smiled at the brunette and greeted, "Hello, Hermione."

"Hi Daphne," Hermione greeted in return, looking over her shoulder at the sound of the raised voices rising. Recognizing both Ron and Ginny's voices, as well as Harry's, Hermione looked back at the blonde and asked, "Is everything alright in there?"

Daphne pursed her lips before stepping outside with the brunette, closing the door behind her as she did. Looking at the other witch she said, "Weasley and Weaslette stopped by for an unexpected visit to complain and yell at Harry about your marriage to Snape and his upcoming one to me. It didn't help that I was already here, so they yelled at me as well. They only got louder when I told them exactly what I thought of their ridiculous behavior."

"Oh, well they'll calm down eventually when they realize it can't be undone."

The blonde raised an eyebrow. "You don't honestly believe your hot-headed friends will do that, do you?"

Hermione looked to the side sheepishly. "I can hope."

"You keep foolishly doing that, but I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. Anyway, what brings you here? Did you want to speak with Harry?"

"Actually, I came here to ask him where I could find you. I wanted to speak with you and get your advice."

Daphne's green-blue eyes widened in surprise at Hermione's statement. Blinking quickly she asked, "Oh? About what?"

Hermione blushed deeply. "Severus and I have decided to consummate our vows tomorrow evening, and I don't know the first thing about sex."

Silence followed Hermione's words, a rather long silence. Eventually Daphne spoke saying, "We should go to my apartment or your flat to speak more about this. I must say, I am really intrigued to hear this. Just let me tell Harry I will see him later."

Daphne stepped back into Grimmauld Place briefly before exiting again. As she and Hermione walked down the stairs and away from Grimmauld Place, Daphne said, "You know the Weasley's and Harry better than I do. Is it wise to leave him there with those two by himself?"

"Harry can take care of himself, and I don't think Ron or Ginny are stupid enough to try and attack Harry in his own home. Harry is a rather powerful and formidable opponent," Hermione replied with a proud smile for her best friend. "But it is nice to know you care for him."

"Of course, I do. Despite the way we came together, Harry is nice to talk to and I have found him to be not only kind but caring and rather sweet. He is also very bashful if you can make him so; it is rather endearing."

"Do you think you could end up loving him?"

"I'm sure I could, but we will see. We already like each other's company. But enough about Harry and me. All further topics of relationships will be strictly about you, Severus, and your consummation. And you say it is tomorrow evening?"

Hermione nodded in response. "Yes, it is, at seven to be exact. And…and I told him I've never had sex before."

Daphne suddenly stopped in her walk, staring at Hermione incredulously. "You've never had sex?"

"No."

"Then we need to get you prepared for tomorrow so you'll know what to expect. And seven o' clock in the evening is basically a date time." Daphne gasped almost excitedly. "Hermione, this is your first date as a married couple! We have to make sure you look exquisite! Come on, we're going to my place."

Not giving her time to object, Daphne grabbed Hermione's arm and Side-Apparated her to her apartment in Chelsea, England. As she was quickly ushered inside the blonde's home, Hermione wondered if it was such a good idea to come to Daphne for help. Then again, she wasn't sure who else would help her and understand her situation. She could only hope the blonde witch knew what she was doing. And furthermore, that Severus would appreciate Daphne's outcome on her. She didn't understand why she wanted him to be impressed before he engaged in sexual intercourse with her, but she just knew she wanted him to find her pleasing.