Disclaimer: All belongs to the one and only JKR.
A/N: Thank you for reviewing, I love you all! Thanks to Sunglow999 for beta'ing
Chapter 4 - Meet the parents
"If you're going to keep using my shampoo, you'll have to let me use your lab." Hermione wrung her hair out over the bath after their morning shower.
"You make this?" Severus picked up a bottle and sniffed, analysing the underlying ingredients.
"Yes."
"May I ask where?" knowing full well she hadn't used his classroom cauldrons.
"Mmnnff bffrm." Her voice was muffled as she bent over. He admired the view from his stand at the sink.
"Pardon?"
"Moaning Myrtle's bathroom." Her face was flushed as she stood up.
"Brewing unauthorised potions again, Miss Granger?" he tossed the bottle from one hand to another.
"It's only shampoo and conditioner, Severus!"
"But still unauthorised."
"Don't you like my hair now?" she muttered a quick drying spell and her hair spilled down her back. She closed the distance between them and leaned into him. His hands came up automatically to run through her silky locks.
"You know I do."
"So what's the problem?"
"School bathrooms are not laboratories."
"If I'd come to you and asked if I could use your classroom after hours, what would you have said?"
"At least I would have known where you were, and not in the Astronomy tower."
"So can I?"
"Can you what?"
"Use your lab?"
"If it will stop you blowing up the bathroom, then yes."
"I've never blown anything up, and you know it! Anyway, I'll make some for you too, seeing as you like it so much."
"It's very much like my.." he caught the look in her eyes and she shrugged.
"Can I help it if I like the way you smell?"
"What next?"
"Pardon?"
"We have matching tattoos, matching toiletries; what next?"
"Be thankful it's not matching shellsuits." She murmured against his throat.
"What are shellsuits?"
"It's a muggle thing. You don't want to know." She shuddered delicately.
"Speaking of muggles...have you told your parents about us?"
"When have I had time?"
"There are owls, you know."
"I thought I'd tell them face to face. Will you come with me?"
"Will your father want my balls for a trophy for daring to touch his daughter?"
"No, Dad will probably take you to his surgery and show you the instruments he'll use if you don't treat me right." She smiled as he paled, and hugged him.
"Don't worry, they'll love you."
"I'm twenty years older than you, Hermione."
"So?"
"Won't they think that's a bit old for you?"
"Dad's fifteen years older than Mum."
"Five years make a big difference."
"Not to me. Don't worry about it, love. You don't look 40."
"I'm not 40!"
"Age doesn't matter. As the great Mae West used to say 'It's not the men in my life, it's the life in my men'" she did a passable impression.
"Who's Mae West?"
"A thirties blonde bombshell. I can see I'll have to educate you in the matter of muggle movies stars."
"We still have to get your ring. There's a jewellers in Diagon Alley; we can go there before meeting your parents."
"You're not going to budge on the ring business, are you?"
"No, I'm adamant on it."
"No, you're not." She giggled.
"Not what?"
"Adam Ant."
"What the hell are you talking about now?" her mercurial moods left him dizzy.
"Adam Ant. An eighties pop star."
"I give up! There's only one way to shut you up, isn't there?" he picked her up in his arms and carried her back to their bed.
"We'll miss breakfast."
"Who cares?"
~~~
Bottles stood lined up on the workbench as Hermione cleaned up. They had spent a companionable week in the lab together while Hermione made her shampoo and Severus restocked Poppy's medicine supplies. Better to get it out of the way now, rather than wait until they were needed at the start of term.
They worked in harmony together, and he'd let her brew the more commonplace potions. She hadn't distracted him too much, and he looked forward to tutoring her further in the art of potion making. She had a quick mind and he found some of her theories intriguing.
Labelling the medicines in his neat handwriting, he put them to one side to take later to the hospital wing. He moved behind Hermione and slid his arms round her waist, peering over her shoulder.
"Finished yet?"
"Just about. You're distracting me, though. Don't you have lesson plans to sort out?"
"I always do them the week before term starts. Do we have time for a shower before lunch?"
"No. If we shower again we won't be out before dinner." She glanced up at him before making sure the bench was spotless. "Does it pass?"
"What?"
"Is this clean enough?" that 2% still rankled a little with her. He gave a cursory look and nodded, knowing full well it would irritate her a little. He enjoyed the way her eyes would spark at him. He hugged her tighter and nuzzled her neck. She sighed, leaning back into him.
This would be their last day alone together for two weeks. Tomorrow they were going to Diagon Alley and then to her parents. She'd sent an owl to let them know she would be bringing a guest, knowing her mum would read between the lines and hopefully only make up the one bed. They had a week with her parents and then she would be going to visit Harry and Ron at the Burrow. Severus had wanted to go with her, but she'd vetoed him. She knew her friends, and she didn't want her new fiancé bearing the brunt of their anger, shock, horror and whatever other emotions might spring to mind; not to mention Ron knew quite a few nasty hexes. She wondered if Susan and Ginny would be around to calm them down.
She was only staying for a week, but she would miss Severus. She'd got used to curling up at night with him by the fire, talking...other things.
"What are you thinking about?" Severus growled against her neck, drawing her attention back to him.
"Harry and Ron."
"Oh."
"They're not that bad!"
"You didn't have to suffer them in your classroom."
"You suffered me."
"That's different."
"No it's not. You were really mean to me this year."
"You know why that was."
"You thought I was sleeping with half the seventh year."
"I couldn't help being jealous."
"Are you reassured now?"
"Knowing that I'm your first and last, yes."
"And the fact that I've been in your bed every night since."
"There is that, too. I'll miss you when you go."
"It's only a week. Think how much work you'll get done without me distracting you."
"But what about at night?"
"Severus, you're whining. It doesn't suit you."
"Snapes never whine."
"You'll last a week. You managed for years, didn't you?"
"But now I'm addicted to you."
"I'll leave you one of my nightgowns to cuddle."
"It won't be the same." He sulked.
"How about I join you for dinner in Hogsmeade? I'll owl you."
"Can we get a room?"
"No, you'll have to wait."
"Were you this strict with Longbottom?"
"No. He'd quiver like a jelly at the mere mention of your name."
"I'll still miss you."
"It's not for another week yet. You still have seven days and seven nights with me."
"But not alone."
Hermione turned round in his arms and looked up into his sparkling eyes. He's been teasing her all along. She hit his arm.
"You're incorrigible!"
"But you love me."
"I don't know why!"
"Because I'm great in bed?"
"Sex isn't everything."
"Are you getting bored with it?" he pulled her closer.
"You know better than to ask me that."
"So?"
"Don't you feel like having a break?"
"You are bored with it!" his arms fell away from her and he stepped back. She advanced on him and grabbed his shirtfront.
"Don't be silly. I just thought having a break for a night or two would prolong the anticipation..." she licked her lips. He relaxed and pulled her into his arms again.
"I walked round all year with a permanent hard-on at the thought of you. Don't deprive me now." He rocked against her and she sighed.
"You know when term starts you'll have to control these urges."
"We can always have a quickie at lunchtime."
"If you're good..."
"I'm always good."
"I know..."
~~~
Diagon Alley was busy, but not as busy as it would be in a few weeks time when the new intake of students would be purchasing their supplies. Severus and Hermione strolled along, window-shopping. They spent a pleasant two hours in Flourish and Blotts, browsing the shelves and purchasing one or four books.
After an espresso for Severus and a cappuccino for Hermione, he tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and led her towards a small, elegant jewellers tucked away down a small alley. The bell tinkled musically as they entered and Hermione's eyes widened as she took in the interior. Strategic lighting lit up the jewels on display, igniting them with an unearthly radiance. Uncut gems were scattered amongst the polished stones, showing off the before and after effects.
Severus drew her towards the case that held engagement rings, but she resisted.
"I told you I don't need an engagement ring." She hissed, uncomfortably aware that these rings cost a fortune. It would not be said that she was marrying him for his money.
"And I said you'd have one."
"I just want a wedding ring."
"You'll wear two rings, Hermione, and that's final."
"Can I be of assistance, Sir?" a wizened old wizard appeared as if by magic, and Hermione knew he probably had.
"We'd like an engagement ring." "Wedding ring"
"Both." Severus said.
The old wizard looked at the pair of them. This was unusual; a young witch and an older wizard, and she didn't want jewels? Very unusual. Looked like both of them were stubborn too. This could be entertaining.
"Rubies and emeralds." Severus said firmly. "And diamonds."
"Severus!"
"Do you want Gryffindor or Slytherin colours?"
The wizard's ears pricked up. A Gryffindor with a Slytherin? Even better!
"Neither, and you know it." She huffed at him.
"Platinum setting, sir?"
"Please."
"I'm not looking, Severus. When you decide to look at just wedding rings, I'll come over. Until then, you're on your own." She turned her nose up at him and went to look at some owl ornaments she thought Harry might like for his birthday. Unless she should get him her usual broom maintenance kit?
Severus looked at her stiff back and he caught the old wizard eyeing him over his glasses.
"If I may be so bold, sir, the young lady looks like she keeps you on your toes."
Severus smiled slightly and then frowned down at the selection of rings. Nothing seemed right. He'd expected to go for emeralds and diamonds, or rubies and diamonds, but nothing seemed to leap out at him. Nothing could compare to the fire in her eyes.
"Do you have anything else?"
The old wizard looked at Severus and then Hermione. The rings he'd laid out were his finest, but even he realised that this was an unusual situation. A man who wanted to lavish jewels on his woman, and a woman who didn't want them. A rare occurrence indeed. He looked again at Hermione. Such a woman would look magnificent in anything, and she wasn't interested in anything he had. His hand hovered over the tray of rings, remembering his latest creation. Nothing precious, but it may be just what was needed here.
"I do have one other selection, but the young lady would have to see them as well."
"Hermione?"
"Yes, Severus?"
"Would you join me?"
"Have you given up?"
"Please?"
"Oh, all right. You know I can't resist that look." She joined him at the counter and he put his arm around her. The old wizard came back out of his workroom and placed a velvet tray in front of them. There was a necklace and three rings; one engagement and two wedding rings.
Hermione gasped and involuntarily reached out to stroke the necklace. Severus smiled smugly. It was perfect. He picked up the engagement ring and slid it on her finger, watching as it magically fitted itself.
"Oh, Severus!" she looked up at him.
"But you didn't want an engagement ring." He quirked an eyebrow at her.
"What kind of stone is it?" she asked.
"Semi-precious only, I'm afraid, but it does have some rather unusual qualities. I am rather pleased with the setting, though." The old wizard smiled.
Hermione held out her hand and let the cabochon gem catch the light. It shimmered with an iridescent glow, catching the rainbow colours of the other jewels on display and holding them swirling in its depths. She raised her hand and touched Severus's cheek. The ring reflected the sheen of his black hair and it sparkled with dark fire.
The platinum setting had a faint engraving on the shoulders, and the claw setting curled lovingly around the jewel. It was a simple ring, but beautiful, and it suited her hand. It reminded Severus of Cleo, the way it shimmered in the light.
He picked up the necklace, but Hermione stayed his hand.
"No. The ring is enough."
"But you'd be splitting up a set."
"It doesn't matter. The wedding rings are perfect, though." She stroked the wedding ring gently; not seeing the look Severus gave the old wizard, who nodded slightly.
"We'll take the engagement ring now. Perhaps you would hold the wedding rings in your safe for us?" Severus asked. The old man beamed at them. It had been a good day; and from the besotted look on the face of the male half of this couple he knew he'd get a lot more business from him. He would have to prepare a more unusual selection for him next time.
Carefully wrapping the rings and necklace in the black velvet, he placed them in his charmed safe. The necklace he knew would be a wedding gift to the young lady.
Severus signed the parchment authorising the funds to be transferred from his vault. He'd have to open an account here. He could just see Hermione in that necklace and nothing else... What was it about Hermione wearing only one thing that turned him on?
"Thank you, Severus. It's beautiful." She reached up to kiss his cheek as the old wizard disappeared into the back room. Severus turned his head and pulled her closer for a deep kiss.
"I said you'd be wearing two rings, my love."
"Do you always have to be right?" she grumbled
"Yes."
~~~
They Apparated to a deserted park near her parent's house. Walking down the street, Severus kept her hand in his. She looked sideways at him, and smiled smugly. He was gorgeous in black pleat-fronted trousers and an open-necked white shirt; sleeved rolled back halfway up his forearms. His wand was in a concealed pocket on the outside of his trousers. Her summer dress skimmed her tall figure and buttoned down the front, a fact he was pleased to see. It meant easy access later...
As they went up the path bordered by fragrant flowers, Hermione squeezed his hand. He looked down at her and smiled.
"Severus, there's something I should mention."
"Yes?"
"You know my lingerie?"
"Intimately." He grinned.
"Mother bought it for me..."
TBC
A/N: Thank you for reviewing, I love you all! Thanks to Sunglow999 for beta'ing
Chapter 4 - Meet the parents
"If you're going to keep using my shampoo, you'll have to let me use your lab." Hermione wrung her hair out over the bath after their morning shower.
"You make this?" Severus picked up a bottle and sniffed, analysing the underlying ingredients.
"Yes."
"May I ask where?" knowing full well she hadn't used his classroom cauldrons.
"Mmnnff bffrm." Her voice was muffled as she bent over. He admired the view from his stand at the sink.
"Pardon?"
"Moaning Myrtle's bathroom." Her face was flushed as she stood up.
"Brewing unauthorised potions again, Miss Granger?" he tossed the bottle from one hand to another.
"It's only shampoo and conditioner, Severus!"
"But still unauthorised."
"Don't you like my hair now?" she muttered a quick drying spell and her hair spilled down her back. She closed the distance between them and leaned into him. His hands came up automatically to run through her silky locks.
"You know I do."
"So what's the problem?"
"School bathrooms are not laboratories."
"If I'd come to you and asked if I could use your classroom after hours, what would you have said?"
"At least I would have known where you were, and not in the Astronomy tower."
"So can I?"
"Can you what?"
"Use your lab?"
"If it will stop you blowing up the bathroom, then yes."
"I've never blown anything up, and you know it! Anyway, I'll make some for you too, seeing as you like it so much."
"It's very much like my.." he caught the look in her eyes and she shrugged.
"Can I help it if I like the way you smell?"
"What next?"
"Pardon?"
"We have matching tattoos, matching toiletries; what next?"
"Be thankful it's not matching shellsuits." She murmured against his throat.
"What are shellsuits?"
"It's a muggle thing. You don't want to know." She shuddered delicately.
"Speaking of muggles...have you told your parents about us?"
"When have I had time?"
"There are owls, you know."
"I thought I'd tell them face to face. Will you come with me?"
"Will your father want my balls for a trophy for daring to touch his daughter?"
"No, Dad will probably take you to his surgery and show you the instruments he'll use if you don't treat me right." She smiled as he paled, and hugged him.
"Don't worry, they'll love you."
"I'm twenty years older than you, Hermione."
"So?"
"Won't they think that's a bit old for you?"
"Dad's fifteen years older than Mum."
"Five years make a big difference."
"Not to me. Don't worry about it, love. You don't look 40."
"I'm not 40!"
"Age doesn't matter. As the great Mae West used to say 'It's not the men in my life, it's the life in my men'" she did a passable impression.
"Who's Mae West?"
"A thirties blonde bombshell. I can see I'll have to educate you in the matter of muggle movies stars."
"We still have to get your ring. There's a jewellers in Diagon Alley; we can go there before meeting your parents."
"You're not going to budge on the ring business, are you?"
"No, I'm adamant on it."
"No, you're not." She giggled.
"Not what?"
"Adam Ant."
"What the hell are you talking about now?" her mercurial moods left him dizzy.
"Adam Ant. An eighties pop star."
"I give up! There's only one way to shut you up, isn't there?" he picked her up in his arms and carried her back to their bed.
"We'll miss breakfast."
"Who cares?"
~~~
Bottles stood lined up on the workbench as Hermione cleaned up. They had spent a companionable week in the lab together while Hermione made her shampoo and Severus restocked Poppy's medicine supplies. Better to get it out of the way now, rather than wait until they were needed at the start of term.
They worked in harmony together, and he'd let her brew the more commonplace potions. She hadn't distracted him too much, and he looked forward to tutoring her further in the art of potion making. She had a quick mind and he found some of her theories intriguing.
Labelling the medicines in his neat handwriting, he put them to one side to take later to the hospital wing. He moved behind Hermione and slid his arms round her waist, peering over her shoulder.
"Finished yet?"
"Just about. You're distracting me, though. Don't you have lesson plans to sort out?"
"I always do them the week before term starts. Do we have time for a shower before lunch?"
"No. If we shower again we won't be out before dinner." She glanced up at him before making sure the bench was spotless. "Does it pass?"
"What?"
"Is this clean enough?" that 2% still rankled a little with her. He gave a cursory look and nodded, knowing full well it would irritate her a little. He enjoyed the way her eyes would spark at him. He hugged her tighter and nuzzled her neck. She sighed, leaning back into him.
This would be their last day alone together for two weeks. Tomorrow they were going to Diagon Alley and then to her parents. She'd sent an owl to let them know she would be bringing a guest, knowing her mum would read between the lines and hopefully only make up the one bed. They had a week with her parents and then she would be going to visit Harry and Ron at the Burrow. Severus had wanted to go with her, but she'd vetoed him. She knew her friends, and she didn't want her new fiancé bearing the brunt of their anger, shock, horror and whatever other emotions might spring to mind; not to mention Ron knew quite a few nasty hexes. She wondered if Susan and Ginny would be around to calm them down.
She was only staying for a week, but she would miss Severus. She'd got used to curling up at night with him by the fire, talking...other things.
"What are you thinking about?" Severus growled against her neck, drawing her attention back to him.
"Harry and Ron."
"Oh."
"They're not that bad!"
"You didn't have to suffer them in your classroom."
"You suffered me."
"That's different."
"No it's not. You were really mean to me this year."
"You know why that was."
"You thought I was sleeping with half the seventh year."
"I couldn't help being jealous."
"Are you reassured now?"
"Knowing that I'm your first and last, yes."
"And the fact that I've been in your bed every night since."
"There is that, too. I'll miss you when you go."
"It's only a week. Think how much work you'll get done without me distracting you."
"But what about at night?"
"Severus, you're whining. It doesn't suit you."
"Snapes never whine."
"You'll last a week. You managed for years, didn't you?"
"But now I'm addicted to you."
"I'll leave you one of my nightgowns to cuddle."
"It won't be the same." He sulked.
"How about I join you for dinner in Hogsmeade? I'll owl you."
"Can we get a room?"
"No, you'll have to wait."
"Were you this strict with Longbottom?"
"No. He'd quiver like a jelly at the mere mention of your name."
"I'll still miss you."
"It's not for another week yet. You still have seven days and seven nights with me."
"But not alone."
Hermione turned round in his arms and looked up into his sparkling eyes. He's been teasing her all along. She hit his arm.
"You're incorrigible!"
"But you love me."
"I don't know why!"
"Because I'm great in bed?"
"Sex isn't everything."
"Are you getting bored with it?" he pulled her closer.
"You know better than to ask me that."
"So?"
"Don't you feel like having a break?"
"You are bored with it!" his arms fell away from her and he stepped back. She advanced on him and grabbed his shirtfront.
"Don't be silly. I just thought having a break for a night or two would prolong the anticipation..." she licked her lips. He relaxed and pulled her into his arms again.
"I walked round all year with a permanent hard-on at the thought of you. Don't deprive me now." He rocked against her and she sighed.
"You know when term starts you'll have to control these urges."
"We can always have a quickie at lunchtime."
"If you're good..."
"I'm always good."
"I know..."
~~~
Diagon Alley was busy, but not as busy as it would be in a few weeks time when the new intake of students would be purchasing their supplies. Severus and Hermione strolled along, window-shopping. They spent a pleasant two hours in Flourish and Blotts, browsing the shelves and purchasing one or four books.
After an espresso for Severus and a cappuccino for Hermione, he tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and led her towards a small, elegant jewellers tucked away down a small alley. The bell tinkled musically as they entered and Hermione's eyes widened as she took in the interior. Strategic lighting lit up the jewels on display, igniting them with an unearthly radiance. Uncut gems were scattered amongst the polished stones, showing off the before and after effects.
Severus drew her towards the case that held engagement rings, but she resisted.
"I told you I don't need an engagement ring." She hissed, uncomfortably aware that these rings cost a fortune. It would not be said that she was marrying him for his money.
"And I said you'd have one."
"I just want a wedding ring."
"You'll wear two rings, Hermione, and that's final."
"Can I be of assistance, Sir?" a wizened old wizard appeared as if by magic, and Hermione knew he probably had.
"We'd like an engagement ring." "Wedding ring"
"Both." Severus said.
The old wizard looked at the pair of them. This was unusual; a young witch and an older wizard, and she didn't want jewels? Very unusual. Looked like both of them were stubborn too. This could be entertaining.
"Rubies and emeralds." Severus said firmly. "And diamonds."
"Severus!"
"Do you want Gryffindor or Slytherin colours?"
The wizard's ears pricked up. A Gryffindor with a Slytherin? Even better!
"Neither, and you know it." She huffed at him.
"Platinum setting, sir?"
"Please."
"I'm not looking, Severus. When you decide to look at just wedding rings, I'll come over. Until then, you're on your own." She turned her nose up at him and went to look at some owl ornaments she thought Harry might like for his birthday. Unless she should get him her usual broom maintenance kit?
Severus looked at her stiff back and he caught the old wizard eyeing him over his glasses.
"If I may be so bold, sir, the young lady looks like she keeps you on your toes."
Severus smiled slightly and then frowned down at the selection of rings. Nothing seemed right. He'd expected to go for emeralds and diamonds, or rubies and diamonds, but nothing seemed to leap out at him. Nothing could compare to the fire in her eyes.
"Do you have anything else?"
The old wizard looked at Severus and then Hermione. The rings he'd laid out were his finest, but even he realised that this was an unusual situation. A man who wanted to lavish jewels on his woman, and a woman who didn't want them. A rare occurrence indeed. He looked again at Hermione. Such a woman would look magnificent in anything, and she wasn't interested in anything he had. His hand hovered over the tray of rings, remembering his latest creation. Nothing precious, but it may be just what was needed here.
"I do have one other selection, but the young lady would have to see them as well."
"Hermione?"
"Yes, Severus?"
"Would you join me?"
"Have you given up?"
"Please?"
"Oh, all right. You know I can't resist that look." She joined him at the counter and he put his arm around her. The old wizard came back out of his workroom and placed a velvet tray in front of them. There was a necklace and three rings; one engagement and two wedding rings.
Hermione gasped and involuntarily reached out to stroke the necklace. Severus smiled smugly. It was perfect. He picked up the engagement ring and slid it on her finger, watching as it magically fitted itself.
"Oh, Severus!" she looked up at him.
"But you didn't want an engagement ring." He quirked an eyebrow at her.
"What kind of stone is it?" she asked.
"Semi-precious only, I'm afraid, but it does have some rather unusual qualities. I am rather pleased with the setting, though." The old wizard smiled.
Hermione held out her hand and let the cabochon gem catch the light. It shimmered with an iridescent glow, catching the rainbow colours of the other jewels on display and holding them swirling in its depths. She raised her hand and touched Severus's cheek. The ring reflected the sheen of his black hair and it sparkled with dark fire.
The platinum setting had a faint engraving on the shoulders, and the claw setting curled lovingly around the jewel. It was a simple ring, but beautiful, and it suited her hand. It reminded Severus of Cleo, the way it shimmered in the light.
He picked up the necklace, but Hermione stayed his hand.
"No. The ring is enough."
"But you'd be splitting up a set."
"It doesn't matter. The wedding rings are perfect, though." She stroked the wedding ring gently; not seeing the look Severus gave the old wizard, who nodded slightly.
"We'll take the engagement ring now. Perhaps you would hold the wedding rings in your safe for us?" Severus asked. The old man beamed at them. It had been a good day; and from the besotted look on the face of the male half of this couple he knew he'd get a lot more business from him. He would have to prepare a more unusual selection for him next time.
Carefully wrapping the rings and necklace in the black velvet, he placed them in his charmed safe. The necklace he knew would be a wedding gift to the young lady.
Severus signed the parchment authorising the funds to be transferred from his vault. He'd have to open an account here. He could just see Hermione in that necklace and nothing else... What was it about Hermione wearing only one thing that turned him on?
"Thank you, Severus. It's beautiful." She reached up to kiss his cheek as the old wizard disappeared into the back room. Severus turned his head and pulled her closer for a deep kiss.
"I said you'd be wearing two rings, my love."
"Do you always have to be right?" she grumbled
"Yes."
~~~
They Apparated to a deserted park near her parent's house. Walking down the street, Severus kept her hand in his. She looked sideways at him, and smiled smugly. He was gorgeous in black pleat-fronted trousers and an open-necked white shirt; sleeved rolled back halfway up his forearms. His wand was in a concealed pocket on the outside of his trousers. Her summer dress skimmed her tall figure and buttoned down the front, a fact he was pleased to see. It meant easy access later...
As they went up the path bordered by fragrant flowers, Hermione squeezed his hand. He looked down at her and smiled.
"Severus, there's something I should mention."
"Yes?"
"You know my lingerie?"
"Intimately." He grinned.
"Mother bought it for me..."
TBC