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 26

"I mean, I'd like to imagine that you like me, at least a bit. Otherwise, we wouldn't be getting on as well as we are now. Not only that, we wouldn't be…well, you know. And even though I should know the answer, I want to hear it from you." Hermione took a deep breath and looked into her husband's eyes. "Do you like me, Severus? Do you just find me attractive? Is it a mix of both? Please tell me."

Hermione held her breath as she waited for his answer. It felt like an eternity as Severus had yet to answer her question, and it was making her anxious. What if her chosen husband didn't like her, or wasn't attracted to her at least a bit? What would she do then? It was possible that if he gave a negative answer, they would fall back into their awkward phase all over again. Just the thought of that was enough to make her was to freak out. However, before she could think on it more, she was surprised when she felt gentle, calloused fingers take hold of her chin and tilt her head up, making brown eyes look up into black.

Severus's eyes searched hers and her face for a moment before he answered, "Insufferably so."

And with that, Severus bent down and covered Hermione's plump lips with his own in a sweet kiss, a kiss that sent pleasurable tingles down the brunette's spine, and she wanted more.

Hermione moaned softly as Severus kissed her, her breath stolen by the man kissing her breathless in the middle of the street. She could feel her knees grown weak and as if she was floating on air. However, she was surprised when Severus suddenly pushed down on her shoulders and her heels hit the sidewalk. Pulling away, she blinked up at him with wide brown eyes, her cheeks flushed and face pink.

Severus looked down at her before saying with a teasing smile, "Your accidental magic caused you to float off the ground. I thought you would have grown out of that by now."

The brunette said nothing in response, just continued looking at her husband. He had just kissed her breathless, a completely pleasurable feeling and he had the nerve to stop so he could tease her on her accidental magic? Oh, well she would fix that. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Hermione stood on her toes and slightly pulled Severus's head down, her lips pressing against his, feeling desperate for more of his lovely kisses. Surprised by the action, Severus allowed her to kiss him before closing his eyes to return it, his hands settled on her hips. The two of them stood there kissing, completely oblivious to the people and the world moving around them. They were in their own little bubble where nothing could penetrate it. Well, nothing would have had it not been for the cat-calling that suddenly sounded around them.

"Yeah, sugar baby!" some drunk woman called while clapping.

"Nice catch, man!" her drunken companion yelled towards them.

Embarrassed, Hermione couldn't help but ask slowly, "Sugar…baby?"

"Oh Merlin," Severus murmured before glaring at the drunk couple. The couple stopped cat-calling and flinched at his harsh stare before quickly turning around and practically stumbling down the sidewalk. Once they were gone, Severus turned back to his wife and softly suggested, "How about we go back to our hotel room? It's more private there."

"Oh God, yes," Hermione replied instantly, her eyes never leaving her husband.

Severus couldn't help but chuckle at the brunette, easily seeing the desire in her eyes. Deciding to make good on his suggestion, Severus looked around for a moment to make sure no Muggle was looking before wrapping his arms around her and Disapparating back to their hotel. The moment they were back in their room, Hermione was on him once again, arms wrapped around his neck and hands buried in his long, dark hair. Her lips smashed against his once more, kissing the older wizard for all that she was worth. Severus's lips melded with hers easily, kissing her just as passionately while pulling her body closer to his before letting his fingers trace along the zipper of her dress. After a moment, he took hold of the zipper and tugged it down, opening Hermione's dress from the back, revealing more of her bare skin.

Not to be outdone, Hermione grabbed hold of Severus's blazer and practically ripped it off him. Nimble fingers began working on his shirt, desperate to open it up and reveal her husband's sexy chest. Beginning to feel impatient, Hermione let out a small growl before reaching into Severus's pocket and pulling out his wand, the action surprising the Potions Master. However, before he could ask her what she was doing, she waved it and undressed them both until they stood in nothing but their undergarments. Surprise turned to amusement and Severus chuckled while bending slightly, his large calloused hands grabbing hold of his wife's thighs and picking her up. Legs wrapped around his waist as lips sought each other out again, kissing each other with a passion they hadn't felt before. Perhaps it was because this time around, Severus had let it be known that he was fond of Hermione, that he liked her.

Lying her down on the bed, Severus took the time to look over Hermione's body, Hermione doing the same from her position below him. Merlin, this man was exquisite. From his ruggedly handsome face to his muscular body, as well as his rough yet gentle hands, and quick wit, intelligence, and deep silky voice; he was perfect, and he was all hers. Hermione couldn't help but think that she was really lucky to call this man her husband, to have him bonded to her despite how unconventional it had been. And as for Severus, he couldn't help but admire just how lovely and sexy his wife looked laid out beneath him. Her curly brown hair was laid out around her head like a halo, and her curves were on display while all she wore was her lacy undergarments. Not only that, but lust-and-desire-filled brown eyes were staring up at him through sooty lashes, and her cheeks were tinged pink from being flushed, and her plump pink lips were kiss swollen. He imagined his were too, but hers looked especially lovely, completely kissable.

"Severus," Hermione breathed out, staring up at him and reaching a hand up to him.

Grabbing gentle hold of it, Severus pushed her hand back down to the bed above her head before murmuring easily, "Patience."

Releasing a slight whine, Hermione squirmed a bit beneath him before a moan escaped her lips, Severus having bent down to place his face in her neck and began sucking at her neck, focusing on one particular spot that turned the brunette into a pile of goo. She squirmed some more as warm lips moved from her neck and traveled down to her chest, placing kisses to the tops of her breasts and a sensual lick along the valley of her breasts. A groan left Hermione's lips at that particular action, another sounding as she felt her husband's clothed member pressed against her hip. Using her free hand, Hermione moved it down Severus's own body and toyed with the hem of his underwear before slipping into it.

A groan of pleasure left Severus as warm fingers wrapped around him, gently stroking and squeezing him. He moved further down, forcing his wife to release him, and slid off her knickers; Hermione removed her bra as he was focused on her lower region. Severus placed soft kisses on the brunette's body leading from her navel downwards until black eyes met her most intimate area. Not wanting to wait much longer, Severus pressed his mouth to the area, the action causing Hermione to let out a slight moan filled cry. And as Severus continued to worship her, his hands gliding along her body as his head stayed between her legs, Hermione basked in the pleasure being bestowed upon her by her husband, her legs quivering from all the pleasure that talented tongue was giving her. Before she knew it, it was all over as the Potions Master sent her over the edge into orgasm.

Panting, Hermione looked up at the older wizard and breathed out, "Severus, please. I need you."

Severus said nothing, just removed his last article of clothing before moving to position himself above Hermione and between her legs. However, Hermione lightly pushed her husband away with her foot and instead sat up from her lying position. She moved to settled herself on top of him, her wet center positioned right above his hard member. Kissing him once more, Hermione held him and herself steady before sinking down onto him, but not before saying a Contraceptive Charm. Both groaned at the feeling of being filled and surrounded, allowing a minute of adjustment before Hermione began moving, lifting and sinking herself onto him, rolling her hips through the motions as well. Large hands held her closer, a dark head dipping down to kiss her breasts once more and lick her nipple. Severus released her nipple and helped guide his wife to move on top of him faster, adding to the euphoria they were feeling. The brunette stiffed and let out a small cry as another orgasm ran through her, causing her to clench down on her husband, the action making him groan as well, though not enough to finish.

As she recovered, the witch delivered a long, sensual lick up her husband's neck to suck and nibble on his ear lobe; Severus moaned in response, his ears being a sensitive spot on him, something his wife had discovered not too long ago. Once she had recovered, Hermione began moving her hips again, only to be thrown on her back and legs spread wide. Severus held her legs as he thrust into her, both of them panting as the wonderful feeling grew with each moment the passion between them heightened. At one point, Hermione raised her arms, silently demanding Severus bend down so she could hold him. The wizard complied with her silent wish and Hermione held him as he continued to thrust into her wet center. Soon Severus began moving faster, his thrusts becoming shallower. Lips sought each other out, hungrily kissing one another as the pleasure between them grew until it was almost unbearable. Not being able to hold it any longer, the brunette broke the kiss and let out a long, loud cry as she came for the third time that night, her channel clamping down on her husband's shaft, her legs quivering as she held tightly to him, nails digging into pale skin. Severus thrust a few more times before burying his face into his wife's neck, letting out a loud groan as he released inside of her, giving a light thrust here and there until he was completely spent.

Heavy pants filled the air between them, neither of them speaking as they were both still incredibly caught up in the euphoria they had just experienced. They weren't sure what it was, but there had been something different about this bout of sex, something that they hadn't experienced before during their previous times. If Hermione had to take a guess, she would say that because it hadn't felt like sex, even though it was. No, it had felt a bit like…lovemaking. But that was impossible as Severus didn't love her, and while she liked the man, she wasn't sure she loved him either. Even so, 'lovemaking' had been what their coupling had felt like, at least it did to her on her end.

Finally able to regain control of his limbs, Severus pulled out of his wife before lying down next to her, pulling her into his arms. With a slight wave of his hand, they were underneath the sheets of their hotel bed, no longer on top of it like they had been previously. As they settled down, a sudden thought came to Hermione. She realized that earlier, when they had been discussing children and the Bloodline Restoration Act, Severus had never answered her on whether he wanted to have children with her. Looking up at her husband, she couldn't help but smile at seeing her husband fast asleep, his strong arms wrapped securely around her. Giving him a sweet kiss on his cheek, Hermione settled down with her head on his shoulder and soon succumbed to sleep as well, making a mental note to discuss children more later. But as for tonight, it had been nothing short of perfect.

At the Burrow, Ron was holed up in his room, sitting on his bed while having angry red sparks spit from the tip of his wand. The redhead was angry and had been ever since he had been kicked out of the Auror Training Program. And that wouldn't have happened if it hadn't been for that bloody Death Eater Snape.

He was seething with anger over the predicament. Snape had accused him of attempting to attack him, as well as verballing harming Hermione, which he hadn't done at all! He had simply told her the truth, but now she and Snape had turned that into him slandering her. The public and Ministry probably wouldn't have even cared had Snape not thrown in that he and Hermione were "Lord and Lady Prince" now. They had made him out to look stupid, and he just knew Snape was the mastermind behind it and probably even reveling in it.

This was all his fault. Ron blamed Hermione as well, but only because she dared call herself the dungeon bat's wife. He mainly blamed Snape for slandering his name in the Prophet, but he wouldn't get away with it. No, he wouldn't at all. In that moment, Ron swore revenge on Snape and Hermione. He would get even with them, no matter what, and at any cost.

Luna walked through the Ministry towards the Minister's Office, greeting passing witches and wizards on her way. Once she reached the office, she raised her hand and lightly knocked on the door, waiting for Kingsley's deep voice to respond. Soon she heard him say 'enter', and she grabbed hold of the doorknob and turned it, pushing the door open. Stepping inside the office, she smiled and greeted, "Hello Minister Kingsley."

Kingsley chuckled and replied, "Hello Luna. You know you can just call me 'Kingsley'; 'Minister' isn't necessary."

"Still, I thought I'd be polite."

"You're always polite, Luna. Now come inside and close the door behind you please."

Luna nodded and closed the door and took a seat in a chair in front of Kingsley's desk. "So, what have you to tell me? I assume you've summoned me here for an important reason."

Nodding Kingsley said, "Yes, I did. Luna, I've called you here because I need to inform you about Rabastan Lestrange."

"Is he alright? Did something happen to him?"

The dark-skinned man was surprised by the amount of concern in the blonde witch's voice, as well as being present on her face. He didn't know Luna cared so much for her chosen betrothed. Then again, she had been constantly visiting Lestrange in Azkaban since finding out she was his chosen fiancé. She had said it was to get to know him better and he her before being bonded, and it seemed it had been paying off.

Remembering her earlier question, Kingsley shook his head and answered, "No, nothing happened to him. Lestrange is fine, I promise. But I did want to inform you that his sentence in Azkaban has been shortened. He'll be released early and be a free citizen."

Luna blinked for a moment before a bright smile spread across her face. Her pale silvery eyes shined at the news before saying, "Oh, that is lovely news, Kingsley!"

"I thought you would like to know, and I can see that I was right. He'll be released tomorrow, and I will be going to meet him to bring him back to the Ministry. I'll have to go over some legal things with him concerning his criminal record and getting him reacquainted with society again, but it shouldn't take long. After that, he's a free man, and you will be bonded to him in two weeks' time."

"Okay, that sounds reasonable. And I'll go with you to meet Rabastan when he is released."

"Oh, that isn't necessary Luna. You can meet him here when I bring him back to the Ministry."

"Please Minister Kingsley, allow me to join you in meeting him when he exits Azkaban. I won't ask again."

Kingsley looked at the young witch, seeing nothing but determination in her eyes. That, and…was that love for Lestrange? Did Luna love Lestrange? Well, he supposed it wasn't his business, even as Minister. And he didn't see any harm in allowing Luna to join him to Azkaban. Sighing with a smile, he agreed, "Alright, you may join me. I'm sure Lestrange will be happy to see a familiar face."

Luna grinned brightly and said, "Thank you so much! I'll meet you here tomorrow morning at half past eight."

"That is fine. See you tomorrow, Luna."

"Bye Kingsley."

Luna stood from her seat and practically skipped out of the Minister's Office. Giggling to herself, Luna couldn't keep the smile off her face as she left the Ministry. Rabastan, her fiancé, was being released tomorrow! And in two weeks, they would begin their new lives together! And for that, she couldn't wait.

"Oh darling, must you leave?" Jean asked her daughter, a sad expression on her face.

Hermione smiled sadly and nodded saying, "Yes, I'm sorry. But we do have a Portkey to catch to return home. If we miss it, they will charge us for it."

Robert nodded in understanding and hugged his daughter saying, "Well, we'll miss you, ladybug. It feels like we only just got you back."

"I know, I'm sorry daddy." Guilty tears began to fill the brunette's eyes, causing her to close them tightly and hug her father in return.

Jean smiled and joined her husband in hugging their only child. "It's alright, Hermione; don't cry. And no matter how you need us, we're only a letter, Portkey, or phone call away. And if you can't come to us, we'll find a way to you."

Hermione smiled and wiped her eyes, nodding and saying, "Okay."

Robert released Hermione, allowing Jean to hug her individually before moving over to Severus who was silently standing off to the side. Holding his hand out he said, "Severus, take care of my little girl. Protect her and keep her safe, or I'll come and find you."

Severus raised an eyebrow before smiling and taking the proffered hand. Shaking it he replied, "You have my word."

"Severus, come here and let me hug you," Jean's voice cut in before she moved to hug her new son-in-law. Wrapping him in a tight hug, she held him close, saying she would miss him too. All the while, Severus awkwardly returned Mrs. Granger's hug, his wife lightly laughing at him.

Eventually, the Snapes finished bidding the Grangers 'goodbye' with the promise to visit as soon as possible. With one final 'goodbye', Severus and Hermione Disappprated out of the Granger home and into the Australian Ministry. Severus made quick work in getting their Portkey, the candelabra, and getting back to Hermione in time. The brunette grabbed hold of the Portkey just before it activated, transporting them back to the British Ministry of Magic. Looking around, Hermione smiled and said, "We're back."

"Indeed," Severus replied before going to turn in their Portkey. Five minutes later, he met back up with his wife and the two of them left the Ministry until they were back out on the street.

They made their way to a secluded part of the street they were traveling in London before Disapparating to Prince Manor. The moment their feet hit the ground outside of their home, Severus seemed to instantly relax, taking in a deep breath and letting it out. Looking down at his wife, he smiled down at her and simply said, "We're home."

Hermione smiled in return and repeated, "We're home."

Walking into the manor, they were greeted by the House Elves, the little creatures excited to see their Lord and Lady return home from their three-week vacation. As they were getting settled again, Inka popped into view before them saying, "Master Severus, Mistress Hermione, a letter for the Lord and Lady."

"Who is it from, Inka?" Severus asked.

"A Ms. Luna Lovegood, Master."

"Luna?" Hermione asked, Inka nodding in response. Severus took the letter from the House Elf, thanking her before opening it and began to read it out loud.

Dear Hermione and Professor,

I hope this letter finds you well. There is no need to respond to this letter, but I just wanted to let you know that Rabastan was released from Azkaban early yesterday. The news was in the Daily Prophet, though you may not have seen it yet. Even so, I wanted you two to hear the news from me first in case you haven't. I also want to formally invite you to our bonding ceremony at the Ministry in two weeks. It will be a happy occasion and the start of a wonderful life together, just like how your marriage is for you two. I hope to see you at the ceremony.

With kindness,

Luna

Hermione was surprised to hear that Lestrange had been let out of Azkaban so early, but perhaps it was because of his good behavior or Merlin knows what. But from the sounds of Luna's letter, it seemed that her friend was happy and excited to be wed to her betrothed. She also hoped that Lestrange took good care of the sweet witch. Even as that thought passed through her mind, she remembered how Rabastan had looked at Luna that day they visited with her. Hermione knew that he was just as smitten and in love with Luna as Luna was with him. Therefore, she knew they would be happy together.

Smiling, Hermione said, "I know Luna is happy. She really cares for Lestrange."

Severus hummed and said, "Yes, she seemed very excited in her letter."

"Well, as long as Luna is happy, then I am happy for her." She looked at her husband and bit her lip before asking, "Want to accompany me to her bonding?"

The Potions Master looked at the brunette and raised an eyebrow before smirking, asking in reply, "Is that even a question? Knowing you, you would make me accompany you regardless."

Hermione flushed at his gentle teasing, causing him to chuckle. Walking over to her, he dipped his head to kiss her forehead before saying, "Of course, I'll go. And it will be nice to support Rabastan as well."

"O-Okay," Hermione replied, her heart having been racing in her chest since he kissed her forehead. She watched her husband walk away, him saying he needed to see if he had any potion orders to fill out waiting for him in his lab before saying he would join her later when he was done.

As Severus disappeared to his Potions lab, Hermione thought about how tenderly he had spoken to her, had kissed her. He had really changed since they had been thrust together, becoming caring and tender towards her. She felt safe with him, knew he would protect her should he have to. She knew he wouldn't ever let any harm come to her, even if it was her own fault. He had admitted he liked her, and that night when they had had passionate sex, Hermione could have sworn it had been near lovemaking. Not only that, but her own feelings for her husband were growing by the day, yet something had changed in her about him that fateful night.

Standing there thinking about it, Hermione contemplated for a moment before she gasped in surprise and realization. Oh goodness, she couldn't believe it! She hadn't even realized it, the realization having snuck up on her before she knew it. Sinking down into the nearest seat, saying aloud what she finally knew.

"I have fallen in love with Severus."