Chapter 8
McGonagall came and collected Hermione who had just finished packing for a weekend away. Hermione already told Ginny where she was going with Severus, so she was not surprised when McGonagall came and got her.
"Ms. Granger, are you ready?" McGonagall asked.
"Yes, Professor," she answered. She already had her bag in her pocket robe, shrunken.
"Then come along."
Hermione stood up, "Bye Harry, Ron, Ginny. See you Sunday night."
Hermione had been watching Harry and Ron playing chess when she said bye. Ginny waved bye after looking up from her book and just smiled, letting her know to have fun.
"What? Where are you going?" Harry stammered out quickly.
"Madam Pomfrey has ordered me to relax this weekend and the Headmaster is allowing me to stay in a secluded area." Hermione said the practiced lie.
"But you can relax here!" Ron piped in.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, she will be staying near the Headmaster." McGonagall said in a tone that let them know there was no room for discussion.
The boys relented and said their goodbyes.
Hermione followed McGonagall out of the portrait hole and down the hall. "Thank you Professor," Hermione said. She had wanted to tell the boys sooner but knew they would only start a huge fight so she waited until the last possible minute.
"No problem my dear. I want you to take it easy this weekend." McGonagall gave her a stern look. "You have no school books with you correct?"
Hermione grinned, "Of course Professor. Even I know to allow a weekend here and there for relaxation is good."
McGonagall nodded her approval.
"Plus I have other things in mind," Hermione murmured.
McGonagall heard her and smiled but decided not to say anything. She couldn't blame the girl. She was obviously in love and getting a weekend alone with your lover while in school would be hard pressed to do. McGonagall escorted Hermione to the Headmaster's office where Dumbledore and Severus were waiting. When all company was present, Dumbledore explained about his cottage.
"I've made a portkey for you two that will activate on a couple of words. To get there, you need to say 'mi casa, su casa'. To return it is 'redeo ludus'. It will bring you back to my office." Dumbledore pointed to a book lay on his desk.
"Thank you Albus," Severus said.
"Yes, thank you Professor," Hermione echoed.
"No problem my dears. Now take the book and relax, both of you," Dumbledore handed them the book.
Severus took a hold of it and Hermione also grabbed it, when he saw her ready, he spoke, "Mi casa, su casa." Severus and Hermione then felt a tug behind their navels and soon they were landing hard on a wood covered floor. Severus grabbed for Hermione making sure she stayed up on her feet. "All right love?" Severus asked.
"Hmm... yes," Hermione said finding a chair to sit in.
Severus knelt by her side, "Do you want some tea?" He knew portkeys were hard alone without having to be pregnant so giving her a few minutes to rest was for best.
"Please love," she kissed his cheek.
Severus made himself scarce and he went to find the kitchen. While Hermione sat and waited she took a look around the small cottage. It was beautiful to her with its wide-open sitting room with several chairs and a couch facing each other in front of a floor to ceiling stone fireplace with a warm rug in front of it. She grinned thinking what she and Severus could do there. The ceiling had wood beams showing with the rest of the walls white. The couches and chairs were a warm tan color with several bright pillows laid about. There was an open bay window in the dining room she could see from her seat. Its view was a gorgeous English countryside with mountains and hills. She could tell the cottage was a two story, she saw the wooden stairs between the dining room and sitting room going up next to the wooden kitchen door, well she assumed it was the kitchen door Severus left through it. Hermione looked out the window behind the couch and saw the garden and the front door next to it. From what she could see there was some grass and stone walkways with a patio chairs and table for relaxing but she could also make out a small pond. She had to admit the Headmaster has excellent taste.
Severus came out of the kitchen with a tray with two teacups and teapot. There was a table next to Hermione's chair and he set it down there and pulled her up and placed himself in the chair before pulling her back down into his lap. He wanted physical contact with her and this was the best option he could think of, so he served them tea with careful maneuvering. Hermione took the cup and sipped while leaning against her fiancé.
The two stayed put for a while enjoying the time alone together. It was late Friday night by the time they had arrived, so Severus waved a wand to send the tray, cups, and pot back into the kitchen to clean themselves. He noticed Hermione was tired so he gathered her up in his arms, stood and carried her up the stairs and into bed. He undressed her and himself deciding to take care of their clothes tomorrow and just sleep for now.
......
The next morning Hermione woke to see Severus watching her closely. She also felt like her old self, since the morning sickness didn't seem to take effect today. She thanked God for this. Severus was on his side while she was on her back and smiled while she crooked a finger at him, beckoning him to her. He followed her orders with a smirk and gave her a kiss. What started as a slow good morning kiss progressed into an intense passionate kiss. Severus' hands caressed Hermione's body enticing her; her hands did the same to him.
The two played and tortured each other for a very long time trying to get the other to explode and make the first move to demand what they both wanted. By the time they were both peaked and sensitized beyond belief, they gazed into each other's eyes and knew neither one could hold out any longer, Severus moved over her. He entered slowly drawing out the pleasure for each of them, Hermione moaned loudly as he entered.
He moved slowly ensuring she got everything she needed from him. Her movements and sounds directed him while the tempo increased. She opened her eyes and he watched her and her eyes that were clouded over with passion. He held himself back, watching the pressure mount within her body. "Let go my love," he whispered.
Hermione whimpered staring into his eyes, she sucked in a deep breath. She felt herself tightening and squeezing him within her body. She stared right into his eyes and his heart as she exploded. When she was at her peak she felt him explode within her, leaving his essence in her. "Severus!" she cried out unable to hold back the name that brought her so much passion and love.
Severus fell next to her, making sure he didn't collapse onto her when his energy was gone. His arms were tightly around her making sure she couldn't escape, as if she would want to anyways. When they each had time to calm the rapid beating hearts, he leaned over to her, "That is the best way to start a morning."
"Hmm... I do have to agree," she smiled placing a simple kiss on his lips.
Severus let his hand rub over her stomach which was still flat, giving no indication yet of her pregnancy. "Any morning sickness? Or can you eat a full breakfast?" he asked.
"No morning sickness and I'm starving," Hermione answered.
"Do you want breakfast in bed or perhaps on the patio?"
"Severus, I'm getting the feeling you are pampering me this weekend," she smirked.
"I'm allowed to. It's the first time it's you and me alone with no interruptions for two days," Severus reasoned.
"Do I get this when we are married also?"
"Of course dearest."
Hermione laughed, "If Hogwarts could see you now, they would think the universe flipped upside down."
"I could say the same about the Gryffindor Head Girl naked in bed with the vile Potions Master," he growled playfully.
"Go make me breakfast, I'm going to take a shower." Hermione got out of bed.
......
Over the next day or two, time was spent talking, relaxing, reading and Severus obsessing over his lover. Hermione tried to stop him from doing it too much before she would be too spoiled, but he didn't relent. He blamed himself for Malfoy to a certain extent. He knew Malfoy was the dangerous type and should have paid more attention to him since he had noticed he was interested in Hermione. He just thanked the fates that he was going to meet Hermione after her appointment with Vector when he found Malfoy attacked her. If anything more happened to Hermione he would have not been able to stop himself from killing the younger wizard and would have had no problem going about it.
Hermione was treated like a goddess. She particularly enjoyed the massages he gave her. He was an excellent masseuse. Most meals were eaten in the garden because the weather permitted it. Hermione was able to convince Severus to go for short walks outside saying the exercise was good for her; he tried to reason he could help her exercise upstairs in bed with a leeching grin. Hermione of course wanted both and received both with much pleasure.
On Sunday night after dinner they regretted having to leave. Both had come to rather enjoy their little cottage. Severus knew Hermione liked it so much that he thought about perhaps buying one for themselves sometime during the future for a retreat for them when they still wanted to be close but needed to get away from everything. When both were ready, they picked up the book again and said the required words and traveled back to Hogwarts into Dumbledore's office.
"I see you two are back. Did you two enjoy the cottage?" Dumbledore asked from his seat.
After a few seconds to reorient themselves, Severus had his hand around Hermione's waist and looked to the Headmaster. "Yes we did. Thank you Albus."
"Professor your cottage is beautiful," Hermione smiled.
"I'm glad you liked it," Dumbledore smiled, he was thinking of giving it to them as a wedding gift since he hardly had time to visit the lovely place. He wanted to see if they would like it first and they did, perfect gift.
"Hermione, your friends wanted to see you last night but I told them it wasn't possible, Ginny tried to convince Harry and Ron you were all right but you know them."
Hermione frowned and nodded, "Thank you Professor."
"Severus I think you can see her to Gryffindor Tower? Perhaps though people would be unaware of you by her side," Dumbledore hinted bluntly.
"Of course."
Severus and Hermione walked to Gryffindor, but Severus had the invisible spell but stayed right next to her and they whispered to each other when no one was around to hear. Before they reached the Fat Lady portrait Severus pulled Hermione off to an isolated cove, took the spell off and kissed her thoroughly. "Come to me later tonight my love," he whispered.
"I planned on it, but it will probably be late with the boys wanting to spend time together and questioning me."
"I'm sure you can claim bed eventually with classes tomorrow and don't forget my dear, you need your rest," he scolded playfully.
Hermione looked at her lover with a look of accusation, "This is the same man that kept me up late at nights making love? And in the afternoon?"
"Yes, we could have slept in on the mornings but you wanted to make love then also," he teased.
"Hmm... while that is true I just can't seem to get enough of you in whatever form I can take you," Hermione then kissed him again before leaving the alcove and going to the Gryffindor common room.
......
Dumbledore and Remus Lupin were sitting in the Headmaster's office. Remus had inquired about the request of his presence, but Dumbledore said he would find out in a few minutes. The older wizard had a twinkle in his eye leaving Remus to worry just a bit, since he knew of the old man's fondness of interfering with other's lives.
There was a knock on the door and Dumbledore called for the visitor to come in. Remus was a bit surprised it turned out to be Severus.
"Albus, Lu... Remus," Severus greeted reminding himself to call the man by his first name.
"Severus," Remus replied a bit more surprised.
Dumbledore just stayed quiet and watched.
"Remus, Albus asked you here as a favor to me. I need to ask you for a favor also, but whatever information you find out must be kept secret until the end of the school year," Severus started.
Remus studied Severus for a moment then looked to Dumbledore who nodded. He figured he could do this. "What's the favor you are asking for?" Remus held a lot of respect for Severus, but Severus always was the one for the acid temperament and sarcastic tongue.
"I would like you to be the best man at my wedding," Severus said seriously.
If it were Remus' natural habit to start choking in shock he would have. "You're getting married? To who?"
Severus knew it was the shock of it, and not his disbelief that anyone would want to marry him that caused the look in Remus' eye. Remus had actually turned into a descent fellow, but Severus didn't, until recently forgive him for when they were teenagers. Remus didn't know what Sirius was going to do and Severus realized this. "Hermione Granger."
Calm and rational thinking was normal for Remus, "Hermione? I didn't know you two were involved? She is a student."
"We have been together since the summer. I am asking for you to keep this from everyone except the people that will be at the wedding since she is still a student," Severus stated.
"May I ask who is attending?"
"Albus, Minerva, Poppy, Hermione's parents and Ginny Weasley."
"Why not wait until after school it out?" Remus was curious.
Severus expected this question and was glad Remus wasn't overreacting since Remus was friends with Hermione himself. Admitting this was a bit embarrassing but he would admit it. "Hermione is pregnant and the place I wish to take her for our honeymoon it would be best to do it sooner rather than later when she is further along with her pregnancy. If we waited until after our child is born, it would be delayed considerably as we would not be willing to leave the baby."
Remus understood this but was now curious as for the honeymoon location and he grinned asking, "Where did you plan on taking her?"
"You can't tell her this but I own a small beach house in Greece near a wizarding community."
"Kythira?"
"Yes."
Remus smiled, "It's a beautiful island. Hermione will enjoy it and the culture there is amazing."
"I'm sure she will," Severus smirked thinking if they even left the beach house she would definitely enjoy the culture.
"Severus from the smirk on your face do I take it that you and Hermione had a relaxing weekend?" Dumbledore teased.
Severus immediately scowled. "Yes," was a short answer.
"Why were you two away for the weekend?" Remus asked.
"Poppy ordered her to relax for the weekend after the attack from Draco Malfoy," Dumbledore answered seriously.
"Hermione was attacked?" Remus asked worriedly.
"Yes, but fortunately Severus was nearby and stopped it before it proceeded too far," Dumbledore smoothed the upset ruffles of Remus.
"It shouldn't have happened in the first place," Severus growled.
"Where is Malfoy now?" Remus said with anger.
"Azkaban," Severus answered pleased.
"Good! For how long?"
"Four years," Dumbledore answered.
Remus nodded. It was a stiff punishment for attacking a student, but it was well deserved. The boy needed to be taught a lesson and this will teach him.
"Remus, may I have your answer on being best man?" Severus got back on track.
"Of course Severus. I would be honored."
"Thank you," Severus offered his hand.
Remus gladly shook it.
......
The next week passed quickly, Hermione spent most of her nights with Severus, which they both enjoyed immensely. Classes were going well. The Slytherins though glared and sneered at Hermione the most. In potions class when they tried it on the first day, Severus made them regret it. He informed them he stopped Malfoy from sexually assaulting her and if anyone else in his house were to try such a stupid stunt again they would pay dearly no matter who the victim was.
......
Hermione and Ginny were able to convince the boys to leave them on their own while shopping. They had been reluctant but Hermione mentioned certain stores the boys were famous of avoiding, the bookstore and a store for witches. The girls told them to go to their sports, candy and joke shops. Ginny wanted to take Hermione to get new robes for the wedding. Severus recommended a small store with excellent dresses and had a reputation for keeping their mouths closed on their customers. Hermione planned on getting herself robes along with Ginny. She could have asked Severus and he would have arranged it for her, but since she had the money that was seized from Malfoy and it was now in her name, she was going to put it to good use.
Hermione and Ginny stepped into Paloma Dress Robes. It was more of an out of the way store and not on the main street of Hogsmeade, but it was elegant. The outside looked like a tiny shop but inside it was clearly bigger with the aide of magic. When the Gryffindors entered, they saw robes hanging from racks down two aisles of different colors and designs. To the left was a counter and to the right were mirrors and stools used for measurements.
"May I help you?" an elderly witch asked kindly.
"Yes, I was told this store had a reputation for maintaining the confidentiality of the clientele?" Hermione stated. She wanted to check, not risking others finding out she was getting a wedding robe.
"Yes we do. It is in the contract you will sign if you buy a garment from us," the witch answered.
Hermione smiled, "Excellent. We're in need of a wedding and bridesmaid dress robes."
The witch returned the smile, "You've come to the right place. My name is Madam Baxter. Now which one of you is the bride?"
"I am. My name is Hermione Granger," she answered. "And this is Ginny Weasley the bridesmaid."
"Well Miss Granger will you be going with the traditional ceremony or the new age stuff the younger generation is into?" Madam Baxter asked.
"Traditional."
"And Miss Weasley are you preferring traditional dress yourself?"
Ginny looked at Hermione, she wasn't expecting new robes herself, "Hermione I can't afford them." She whispered softly to her friend.
Hermione smiled, "Don't worry about it. I want to do this, it's for my wedding!"
"But..."
"Traditional or new age Ginny? And no arguments you're getting new dress robes," Hermione demanded with a smile.
"Traditional," Ginny gave in.
"If you'll both follow me we'll get the brides robes first," Baxter led them down on of the aisles.
Hermione and Ginny followed the older witch. Baxter took out several wedding robes that were traditional in style; they looked like regular robes but with more detail to the buttons and were embroidered on around the cape of different symbols used for good luck or intricate designs. The new age robes were more common to muggle wedding dresses.
After a while Hermione found a set of robes she adored and Baxter and Ginny agreed it was perfect for her. They were cream color with silver trip and silver embroidering along the came of different Celtic interwoven designs. Ginny followed suit in her robe, following the same theme with Celtic designs but hers were a dark blue. The girls were fitted and adjustments were done that were needed. Both couldn't wait to wear them for the ceremony.
