Life became easier then, simpler. Severus maneuvered Hermione through each day. Most often she was quiet, oblivious to the world around her. She would occasionally speak when the mood hit, and sometime she would react to everything but just wouldn't speak. It just depended on how much of the world she could handle that day. The potions master would warn her friends as to her current level of engagement when they would arrive. They all respected her boundaries, and they all praised Severus as the woman started gaining weight.
For several months, she stayed like that, and Severus attended her. He brought her meals, and when she couldn't do it herself, he fed her. He picked out her clothes, and drew her baths. He brought her books to read, or he would read them to her when needed. He accepted it when she screamed at him, and held her while she cried.
In the end between his proximity and her updated potions, she started to gain back her weight and grew stronger each day. She slowly began to open up. They spoke at length about what she wanted in life. What she thought was possible, and what she had to sacrifice to the alter of feasibility. For Hermione, this was particularly difficult. She'd always done what she set her mind to. It was hard to give up a lifetime of dreams.
Severus did his best to show her that a full and happy life was still possible. One didn't need to be Minister of Magic to help the wizarding world. Perhaps working on a freelance basis, championing any cause she liked, would be less frustrating and ultimately more fulfilling. It was with that in mind, that he invited the Malfoys over for dinner.
Hermione had grown to be on cordial terms with Lucius over the years but could hardly say they were friends. Knowing how important this young woman was to their dear friend, both were on their best behavior, determined to make a good impression.
"I agree that the wolfsbane potion could be improved upon, I just don't understand why you want to force the Ministry to do it," Lucious said.
"Because, who the hell else is going to put in the time and effort to produce something just to give it away?" Hermione countered earnestly. Severus loved seeing that fire in her eyes again. That was the woman he fell in love with.
The Malfoy patriarch shrugged, "I could," he answered.
The witch narrowed her eyes. "Why?" she challenged.
The man feigned hurt and responded, "Why, due to my deep sense of charity, of course."
"Lucious!" his wife admonished.
He then smirked and added, "And perhaps a few selfish reasons."
"Such as," Hermione asked.
"To start, I've been trying to get this dour prat to work for me for years. He's always refused. This seems the type of project that could lure him over. Especially since it would put him in your good graces. Second, it would make you happy which would make him happy," he gestured to Snape with his glass. "Third, you may not have noticed, but our family name has been somewhat tarnished. I made some very poor choices, to say the least," he said shame evident on his face as he quickly looked away taking a drink of his wine. "I led my family into a darkness which they never should have had to endure. Narcissa and Draco have suffered greatly for it, as will my grandson. They have been working diligently to repair our image. I would like to do my part," he confessed looking intensely uncomfortable, "but I sincerely don't know where to start."
In the silence that followed, Narcissa reached over placing a hand on her husband's arm. "Then I'd be happy to help," Hermione said.
Relieved that the tension had broken, Severus added, "As will I."
"And I as well, my Love," Narcissa said softly.
Lucious gave them all a grateful smile before he cleared his throat and said, "Then we need to make a plan."
They started working that night on creating a new advocacy and charity organization. Narcissa's extensive society and charity work and Lucious's finance skill would make valuable additions to the endeavor. Severus was happy to contribute in any way desired. His angel had found a purpose.
*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*
The Malfoys became regular guests. The potions master was happy to see her connecting with his friends and family as he did with hers. Her and Narcissa became fast friends. The young woman loved her quick wit and keen observation.
When her friends saw Hermione's drive come back, they too embraced the Malfoys into their circle despite their past. This was a relief for Severus. He never wanted to feel torn between sides again. He'd had enough of that in his life. He refrained from any carnal pleasures with both the Malfoys and his angel after she had awoken from her long sleep.
At first he was hesitant to do anything that might upset her fragile condition, and he feared leaving her to visit the Malfoys. Once they had come to their agreement, he chose to honor it with faithfulness. There would be time for that after they wed. It also seemed that Hermione needed time and space to heal as well. Although he did still like to hold her close and lay with her while she slept, reveling in her closeness if not her body.
He was more that content with her kisses and tender caresses. They replaced the chairs they used in his study for a small sofa. Now they were able to sit together in front of the fire and read or talk or snog as the mood struck them. They took all their meals together. They worked together in his lab discussing their ideas for the improvement of the wolfsbane potion. Severus had to admit, that his life was quite idyllic.
*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*
The day had finally arrived, and both Hermione and Severus could feel the excitement in the air. After almost a year under the potion master's care, the young woman was ready to make her way down all of the stairs, by herself. Of course, Severus would hover beside her but had sworn that he'd offer her no help during her descent.
She wore a bright yellow sundress which she deemed perfect for a stroll through the gardens. She had no intention of letting Severus get out of his promise to show her the gardens on the day she made it down herself.
They started after breakfast. It was a slow progress, but a progress none the same. When she made it to the 2nd floor landing, she had to stop for a rest. Severus, her ever faithful attendant, fetched her some tea and biscuits while she recovered. Once she regained her strength, she resumed her journey.
By the time she reached the ground floor, she was shaking and had a light sheen of sweat on her brow. The potions master quickly brought a chair for her to sit in. Grateful, she fell into the chair and looked up to Severus with a dazzling smile. "I did it!" she proclaimed.
Severus smiled down at her. "Yes, you did," he agreed before leaning down and capturing her lips in a gentle kiss. "I know you wanted to do this unaided, but I brought this if you were interested." He held out a vial of an energizing potion he'd designed for her.
Hermione quickly snatched it from his hand. "The goal was to make it here unaided," she explained primly. "Goal achieved." she said with a laugh before downing the potion. After a few seconds, the shaking stopped.
"Would you like a moment to freshen up before heading outside?" he asked.
Hermione nodded, and he helped her to the restroom. Severus then slipped outside to check on his preparations. A few minutes later he returned to find his angel waiting for him, a vision in yellow. He offered his arm which she took with an affectionate smile.
"You have no idea how long I have been waiting for this moment," he leaned down and whispered into her ear. "I must confess that I'm quite nervous of your reaction to it."
Hermione laughed. "They're gardens, Severus. Gardens, I'll remind you, that I've been able to see into for almost a year. I already know they are beautiful."
"We shall see," he responded as they made their way to the outer doors.
The sun momentarily blinded Hermione when she stepped outside. Before she could recover her sight, she heard a round of boisterous applause start. The potions master slipped a pair of sunglasses over her eyes, and she suddenly found herself surrounded by friends and family. She started to step towards the crowd, when Severus fell to one knee beside her and took her hand.
Hermione gasped, as did some in the audience. Severus reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring. "Hermione," he started. "I can't say that I fell in love with you at first sight. Although to be fair, when I met you, you were a pint-sized brat that ran around with my arch nemesis," he nodded his head towards Harry, which caused the crowd to laugh.
"But then I saw you at the Ministry's Christmas ball just a few years after the war. You looked like an angel that night, and I realized you were a lovely, brilliant woman. I was lost, from that moment on. You've brought so much love and joy into my life already, but I would be ever humbled, if you consented to be my bride. Will you marry me, Hermione?" he asked.
Hermione stood there in a daze for a moment, before she realized that she hadn't said anything. She started to nod her head vigorously. "Yes!" she answered, "Yes, I'll marry you!" The crowd's cheer was even louder this time as Severus jumped to his feet and kissed his angel.
*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*
They had mingled and explored the gardens catching up with friends and receiving congratulations. Severus was incredibly grateful to Hermione's former caretakers for having expected the witch's energy to quickly fade and had prepared for it. Under a bower, they had placed a set of cushioned chairs with a low table between them. On it was an assortment of savories and sweets and a bottle of champaign.
In their little hide away, Severus handed his fiancé a glass and toasted her. "Is it okay for me to drink this?" the witch asked.
"I don't see why not. It won't interfere with your potions," he answered. "Remember that you have little to no alcohol tolerance at the moment though. I'm sure you wouldn't want to startle our guests by heaving onto their shoes," he joked.
"That's true. How undignified," she laughed. "I can't believe Narcissa got Draco to come. He seems so uncomfortable."
"You know Narcissa's been dying to show off her grand baby. When Astoria heard that Andromeda was going to be here, she convinced Draco to come along as well. She wants Scorpius and Teddy to meet. That woman has been a good influence on the boy," the potions master concluded.
Hermione nodded. "Well, let's hope he gets comfortable with my friends quick," she said pointing over to where Ginny and Astoria were talking and laughing, bouncing their babies on their knees. The wizard laughed.
"Ron brought a date," Severus commented. "I didn't know he was dating anyone."
The witch smiled. "Sheila," she said. "He met her when he was traveling a couple years back. I guess they had a bit of a fling before they both had to part ways. Anyway, her job just transferred her here." Hermione leaned over and whispered conspiratorially, "She's the one that got away."
The wizard was surprised. "Her not you?" he asked.
Hermione laughed, "Merlin, no. We are well aware that we aren't meant for each other. Honestly we're surprised we ever did. Kids are dumb, I suppose," the witch said with a shrug. "Anyway, we figured it out pretty fast. Then we tried to ignore it, we fought a lot, we talked a lot, then we decided we weren't meant to be romantic partners. We were just friends that were trying to force something that wasn't there. Besides, I didn't lose him. He's still my best friend," she ended brightly.
"So, when are we getting married?" she asked.
"When do you want to get married?" he responded. He had no clue how long it took for such things.
"Hmmmmm…." Hermione began, "Well, I've decided that I want us to wait until we're married to consummate our relationship, but I'm tired of being patient. So, I suggest we get married as soon as possible."
"Anything for you, my angel," he vowed as he leaned over and caught her lips in a searing kiss. A few hoots and applause could be heard from outside their bower.
"Very soon," Hermione added.
