Ok peeps! DON'T HATE ME! I'm TOTALLY SORRY ABOUT THIS DELAY! Life kind of has this little way of saying, Hey! I'm HERE PAY ATTENTION TO ME. So here is an update while I finish editing the last chapter and epilogue. Please enjoy and let me know what you think.

There is also a bit of a RATED M in this chapter so if you're not of age you may need to skip this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Chapter 18: The Next Chapter

Hermione looked at the letter curiously. Only her first name was scrawled out across the front of the envelope. Opening the letter quickly and reading its hastily written words she let out a gasp and looked over to Severus with a smile stretching from ear to ear.

"Well...what does it say Hermione?"

Hermione cleared her throat and began to read the letter to Severus.

"Dear Hermione,

Words cannot express how sorry Mum and i are for our actions towards you these past few months. I have never been more grateful of anyone my whole life. You and Professor Snape will forever be in my debt and Mums. We want you to know that we love you and we hope that you and Severus will always be happy together. You both deserve the greatest happiness that life could possibly offer. You will always be welcome in all of our lives and homes.

Forever in your debt,

Ginny Weasley

P.S.

I really am sorry Hermione. I do hope you can someday forgive me."

She looked back up at Severus and his small smirk. He immediately knew that comfort was needed to be given to Hermione. Yet, there were still things they needed to discuss and he was unable to grasp her into his arms just yet.

"That's very good news Hermione love. However, there are some things I do believe we need to discuss this morning over breakfast. Come."

He reached out his arm for her to take and led her down to the kitchen. He sat her down at the table and made his way to the refrigerator. He made them toast and eggs then sat their plates down and brewed the tea. After pouring them both a cup he sat at the table and gave Hermione a small smile.

"Hermione, what plans do you have for...well...the rest of your life?"

"Well you already know about my bookstore. I am ready to move though. I was thinking of traveling first to see where I would like to settle. What about your plans?"

"When exactly are you planning to begin your travels?" His voice was instantly tense.

"Well I was hoping today but no later than tomorrow."

"I see."

"What about your plans Severus?" She reached out to lay her hand on his hoping she hadn't relayed the wrong message.

"My only plans are...well...are to follow you wherever you may go. I will do my best to be the man you always wanted and desired. Providing you will have me, that is, if you want me long term..."

His face grew long hoping she would not deny his request. With an audible thud she had her arms wrapped around his neck and they were falling backwards onto the floor. They hit hard but neither cared as she began to kiss him fervently on the mouth, face, neck..hair anywhere she could get her lips.

Severus was a bit taken back at her reaction but soon closed the distance between their lips and pulled her to him. The Sparks flew between them as their lips met in a passion filled kiss. Both knowing their lives were truly just beginning.

Severus rose from the floor and picked his witch up. Carrying her to the bedroom. He laid her gently on his bed. Their eyes never leaving the others. Today they would become one. He lay down beside her and caressed her cheek with his middle finger. While caressing her ear with his tongue.

He spoke in hushed tones, "Hermione, I know you love me and I love you. Let's marry tomorrow and be gone from this dreadful place."

"Yes Severus that sounds like an absolutely romantic idea. I would be the happiest witch in the world if I were to be you're bride."

The kiss that followed shook the foundations. The embrace of eternal love began. Severus wanted to kiss every inch of her body and Hermione was more than willing to let him. The touch of her hand on his skin ran shivers down his spine. Their love would be forever.

Severus desperately stripped their clothes off their bodies. He needed to fill her completely. Their tongues lashing, hands roaming, he gently slipped his fingers inside her tight folds. With a moan of satisfaction and realization he discovered her virginity.

"Hermione my love we can wait if you're not ready."

She pushed Severus onto his back and centered herself over top of him.

"I'm more than ready for you Severus. You will be my first and my last."

She said this as she took his member and centered him at her wet entrance. Her body was ready but mentally she was afraid of the pain. She wanted this so badly. But he was so large to the point where she questioned its normalcy.

She slowly allowed the head of his member to enter her most sacred place. Adjusting slowly to each bit she allowed to enter. The pain was a bit much. She bit her lower lip and thrust herself down enclosing his member fully. A single tear fell down her face as she held her body completely still. Severus ran his hands across her stomach and around her back pulling her slowly down to his chest. Bracing himself on the bed with his left arm he rolled her over onto her back. Knowing she wouldn't have the courage to continue on after such a brave move.

"I will go slowly my love but it won't hurt for long."

His member was throbbing for release. Her cunt tight and slick wrapped around him it would take everything in him not to find himself cuming with only a few strokes into his bride to be. He began moving at an excruciatingly slow pace. Watching Hermione's expression intently with each movement he made.

After several moments Hermione began moving into his thrusts; pushing her hips up off the bed begging him to move faster. Moans began escaping her lips with every thrust into her, over and over she cried out his name. The precipice of euphoria within her grasp and with one final nearly violent thrust, they both came in unison and neither cared about anything else but each other.

Severus lay beside Hermione wrapping her up into his arms and pulling her close to his chest. She was his and would always be his. They were to be wed tomorrow and he knew just the muggle chapel to go too. This was the life he had always dreamed of and now with Hermione, it was finally a possibility.

"Hermione, may I plan our day tomorrow?"

"Can we not do it together?"

"I would rather this be a surprise. I want it to be perfect and the only thing you need to do is pick out a dress."

"I just want it to be us Severus. Please don't invite anyone."

As if he wasn't already smiling like a goofy, pre-pubescent teenage boy, who just got his first score only moments ago. This woman just said the one thing that made his goofy grin even wider. No wonder he loved her so much.

"As you wish my love."

Severus lay holding her till the day was nearly gone. There were several things needing done and he knew this bliss had to end.

"Hermione dear, we must get up and get ready for tomorrow. You go find your gown and I will meet you back here at 8."

Hermione sat up in bed wondering how she was so lucky. This man was a god send!

"Shall I get you a tux as well Severus?"

"No. I will get my tux."

They both stood and began getting dressed. With a kiss good bye they were both off in different directions. Tomorrow would be the first day of the rest of their lives.

A/N

TA DA! Reviews are welcome!

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