Chapter warning: Smut alert

Chapter 10

It was getting dark, and Severus still hadn't arrived with his crew. Hermione began to worry and was about to send Kingsley out to find them, when he and the others walked in the doors to the hall. Severus and his men were filthy from head to toe, as well as hungry and exhausted. Severus came to her and was greeted with a hug. He sighed in pleasure as he held her close. "How was it today?" He stood back and placed his hands on either side of her face.

She smiled and held a wrist. "It's done, thank heaven. And you?"

He smiled as well. "Yes. We have three sites all prepared. We can transport the bones tomorrow. My guys are done for the day. Have you eaten yet?"

Hermione shook her head. "I've been waiting for you. Come and sit down."

Severus sat exhausted at the table and the food appeared. He did a quick scourgify on his hands and they began to eat. It was clear everyone had enough for that day, but Hermione wanted to be clear about the finish. She stood and went to the front of the room to get their attention. "Gentlemen. I want to thank you again for all your hard work. I intend to have a brass plaque added to the grounds with all your names, in appreciation of your dedication and support. We will meet here again tomorrow morning, not too early, and lay the bones to rest. I know many of you have families and I've no wish to keep you from them."

She took a breath as they chuckled. It had been two days already "I intend to begin the repair of the school after the memorial service. If you wish to come back and help with said repairs, it will be much welcome. Any time at all would be heaven sent. If you wish to bring your families to join you, so you are not lonely, please do. There's plenty of room, and I make a great baby sitter, no charge." A light chuckle circled the room. "Again I can't say thank you enough for your help. Sleep well." The men were smiling, and a bit of applause was returned for her efforts.

The glow of pride was in Severus' eyes again. The men adored her and would do anything she wished. He knew many of them would return to help. Wouldn't they all be surprised when it was already done in a few days. His wand could do it all and then turn them away in shame. Hermione came to him and rested her head on his shoulder. "Shall we turn in my love?" His deep baritone making her sigh.

Hermione didn't have the strength to do more than nod. They returned to his quarters hand in hand. When they got to the phoenix stairway, she tripped a little and he caught her quickly. The poor woman was asleep on her feet. Severus decided it wasn't worth the risk and picked her up in his arms. She put her own instinctively around his neck, laying her head on his shoulder like a child, and rode to the top.

Once there he carried her to the bedroom and sat her on the bed. "Hermione? Sweetheart? Do you want to clean up a bit before bed?" She again didn't say anything but just nodded. Severus knew she needed a hot shower to relax her muscles and help her sleep. He didn't want to say so, but she did smell a bit like the ravine. He took great pleasure in removing her clothing as well as his own and carried her to the shower. The water was warm and relaxing. She retained just enough consciousness to remain standing as he soaped her up and rinsed her luscious body and did the same with her hair. A quick drying charm and he had her in bed before she knew it. Her hair would be an absolute mess in the morning, but he didn't care. She was always perfect as far as he was concerned.

For himself he returned to the shower and scrubbed his day away. It was odd, but he wasn't that tired. No, he wasn't going to run any marathons, but he was well enough to read for an hour or two. It was the wand, and he knew it. It seemed to energize him as much as use up his magic. He couldn't wait to show her what he'd done with it. Severus was sure she would lose her fear of it once she saw the magnificent tomb he had created.

After his shower he went to the bed with a book, but when he got into bed, he saw her lovely curves and beautiful face. Instead of the book, he simply stared at her sleeping form. Severus found his mind wandering to the first night he had taken her in this bed. She was a virgin and he had delighted in making her let go of her inhibitions and respond to him. He particularly remembered the sound she made when he had pushed all the way in. It was intoxicating to take her virgins blood and a sudden lust overwhelmed him. He wanted to touch and caress her. To take her until she begged for release. The smell of her warm skin was driving him mad. He was about to reach for her, when he stopped short. The lust was gone and replaced by his love for her. His need to care for her. He couldn't interrupt her peaceful rest. It was going to be another long day tomorrow.

He slipped out of bed with his black satin robe and went to the parlor, sitting in front of the fire with a glass of firewhiskey and a raging erection. He touched himself while thinking of the joys of that shower. The softness of her satin curves as his hands lathered the soap on her skin. The suds on her breasts and nipples, as the bubbles joined and then ran down her body to disappear between her legs. He had briefly washed her there as well. Slipping his fingers between her pussy lips to touch her clit. She had moaned loud enough for him to begin to consider taking her right then against the wall. Instead, he held her close to him and ran his soapy hands over her back and perfect butt, then down her legs so that his nose was strategically placed to smell her essence. He couldn't help the light kiss he placed on that marvelously trimmed pussy before he stood to finish with her hair. The hand around his cock had done what he intended it to do, and with her remembered moan of pleasure in his ear, he came to completion with a grunt and sigh, calling her name.

He was sleepy at last. He cleaned up and went back to bed. Kissing her shoulder gently, hoping not to awaken her. He snuggled into the sheets, falling asleep in minutes.