Disclaimer: All characters (except Chastity and Sev's family) belong to JKR.

A/N: Thanks to Sunglow for beta reading. A zillion points go to Ria Weasley who correctly spotted the Riley reference, which was the two chess pieces in the portrait – Pawn to Queen. That has got to be one of the best stories ever, and it's a real shame it was never completely finished.

Sev and the Family Snape

Chapter 7 – Valentines and Visitors

Severus allowed himself an amused smile when Hermione told him of Ron's reaction to their news. It was good to know he was still able to have that effect on his former students as well as his current ones. True, Ginny wasn't intimidated much these days, but he put it down to the fact that he didn't try too hard with her anymore.  She even ventured down to the dungeons on occasion to talk with Hermione in their sitting room.

Severus made sure he was in his lab when Ginny and Hermione were having one of their 'girly nights'. He still shuddered at the very idea, but Hermione insisted that this was part of the bonding ritual that women needed; the same reason men went for a drink at the Three Broomsticks apparently. Minerva occasionally dropped by as well; it was then that he retreated to the Library. He didn't even want to think about what they were discussing. Thankfully, they limited their gatherings to once a week, and Hermione was not amused when he had made some remark about her 'coven'.

Seeing the frown on the Potion Master's face would have scared the hell out of any student caught wandering the halls during those weekly gatherings. Being banished from the comforts of his home did not make for a happy bunny, and Hermione had to do some serious feather smoothing afterwards.

As January moved into February, Hermione's waist thickened and for once she was glad of the amount of material that made up wizard robes. As she wasn't an official student she was not restricted in what she could wear, and she found stretch trousers to be the most comfortable. Severus wasn't so old-fashioned that he objected either; he quite liked the sight of his long-legged wife in trousers, but you'd never get him to admit it.

"Got anything special planned for Valentine's Day, Severus?" Remus held up the coffee pot to him a week before that fateful day in the morning Teacher's meeting.

"Why? There isn't another dance, is there?" Severus asked warily, remembering the miserable time he'd had at the last one, and the hangover afterwards.

"No."

"So?"

"How long have you been with Hermione?"

"She hates Valentine's Day as much as I do."

"Are you sure about that?" Sirius butted in. "She had a great time at the dance last year." They watched as Severus frowned, wondering if he'd remember he had a reason to celebrate this year.  They looked up as Dumbledore called the meeting to order.

~~~ 

"Hermione, do you want to go out for dinner next Saturday?" Severus thought he'd test the waters anyway.

"I'm not bothered, but if you want to we can book a table at the Three Broomsticks." Hermione knew exactly what day the following Saturday was.

"Or we can eat here." Did that mean she didn't want to celebrate?

"If you like. I'm sure Dobby can come up with something. Why?" she did enjoy teasing him.

"No reason." Was she teasing him?  Shit, that meant she was expecting something from him; he only hoped she didn't want too public a display from him. He could manage some roses, he thought to himself, and then shook his head mentally. Roses were too commonplace for what he felt about Hermione. He'd have to think a lot harder; maybe he could owl the jeweller again to see if he had anything unusual in stock. It had better be something spectacular, as he'd forgotten both her birthday and Christmas presents. He sighed; life was so much more complicated now. Then he smiled as she curled herself around him and settled down to sleep; he'd definitely owl the jeweller.

Hermione smiled as she curled closer to him, settling into her favourite position with Severus as a pillow. She had something special planned for Valentine's Day; something that would hopefully wipe out the reason Severus hated it so much and replace it with much pleasanter memories.

~~~ 

The next morning Severus sent an owl to Diagon Alley with his request,
making sure that the reply was sent to the Headmaster. There was no way
Hermione was going to find out about this, even if he had to put up with
teasing looks from the old man. The response he got was gratifying; the
jeweller had created earrings and a bracelet to match Hermione's necklace
and would be happy to send them for approval. Given the quality of the
necklace, Severus decided to forgo the approval stage and simply authorised
the purchase. He'd have to visit the shop later in the year to choose
something for Hermione when she gave birth; perhaps diamonds and emeralds.

Hermione's plans were proceeding, well, to plan. She'd arranged with Dobby an
intimate dinner in their quarters, and Minerva had supplied her with the
main instrument for Severus's present. All she had to do was decide on the
right place to be when she sprung the surprise. She'd also contacted Harry
for the other item she needed, and he'd been happy to oblige, especially as
it meant he'd be allowed to visit Ginny. That left the flat clear for Ron to celebrate Valentine's Day with Susan, so all in all it was working out well for everyone.

Severus had arranged for breakfast in their rooms on Saturday; he'd decided that he wanted to avoid everyone except Hermione, but especially the Headmaster. Hermione's lack of morning sickness was made up for in increasing tiredness in the mornings, causing her to sleep later than normal. This allowed Severus to retrieve her present from his office and place it beside her pillow for when he woke her up.

Hermione felt the bed give and opened one eye to see a perfect deep red rose laying on her pillow, together with a flat box that looked suspiciously familiar. She opened the other eye to see her husband leaning on one elbow and looking at her with a slight smile on his face.

"Happy Valentine's Day." He murmured. She leaned up and brushed a kiss across his mouth.

"Am I allowed to shower before opening my present?" she asked.

"Just don't be too long, or I might join you."

"You could join me anyway." She flirted.

"I might later. Now hurry up, breakfast is waiting." He nudged her out of bed and watched as she dashed to the bathroom. Ten minutes later she was back in bed, leaning against his bare chest.  He passed her the box, but kept the rose in his hand.

Hermione released the silver wrapping paper to find a flat velvet box. She looked up at Severus.

"Is this what I think it is?"

"Contrary to popular belief, I'm not a mind reader. Why don't you open it?" he smiled at her, trailing the rose down her neck and over her shoulder.

"I will, if you don't keep distracting me."

"This bothers you?" he murmured, the rose brushing back up her arm and across her chest.

"You know damn well it does." She sighed, letting the box drop onto the bed and twisting around to face him. Tossing the rose onto the floor behind him, he slid down in the bed, pulling her with him.

~~~

"Are you going to open it now?" he asked much later.

"Yes. Now where did it go?" Hermione searched around and finally found the box on the floor. Severus was presented with a delightful view of her bare bottom as she leant over to retrieve it, but was prevented from doing anything about it as he felt completely knackered. He must be getting old.  Hermione gasped as she viewed the contents of the not so mysterious box. The matching bracelet and earrings to her necklace shimmered up at her from the black velvet and she angled the box to catch the light from the wall sconces.

"Thank you, Severus. They're beautiful." She leaned over and kissed him. He smiled at her and looked down at the floor to her rose. Raising his hand, he levitated it over to her.

"A rose for a rose." He murmured.

"You're a closet romantic, aren't you?"

He shrugged. "I just thought you might want to celebrate today, that's all."

"Thank you, anyway. Do you mind having your present tonight?"

"I thought I'd just had it."

"No. But it's a surprise."

"It doesn't involve going anywhere near the Great Hall, does it?"

"No."

"I can wait then." He lifted the bracelet out and fastened it around her wrist.

"Did you say earlier that breakfast is ready?" Hermione's stomach rumbled.

"And waiting." Summoning Hermione's dressing gown for her, he helped her into it before slipping on a pair of pyjama bottoms.

~~~ 

They managed to avoid the worst of the Headmaster's Valentine's Day excesses by staying in their rooms, and later that morning used one of Severus's little-used passages to sneak outside for a walk around the lake. The weather was mild for a Scottish February, so they were able to do without cloaks. They made an effort to show their faces at lunch that afternoon, and Severus was surprised to see Harry Potter sitting next to a glowing Ginny Weasley. He caught a glimpse of sapphires in her ears as she flicked her hair flirtatiously over her shoulder.

Harry grinned and winked at Hermione when he spotted her, giving her a discreet thumbs-up. She smiled back and with gestures and sign language, conveyed her approval of Harry's gift to Ginny.  Severus shook his head at the comical hand waving going on between his wife and her friend and glanced up to see Sirius and Remus grinning at him. He raised his eyebrow, which prompted more silent communications from the other men; mainly hands waving at the flying hearts fluttering around the great hall and pointing at both Severus and Hermione.

"Can we go yet?" Severus said in an aside to Hermione, the antics of the two mongrels at the other end of the table giving him indigestion.

"Yes. Do you think we can sneak out without anyone noticing?"

"I doubt it, but who cares?" he stood up.

Hermione prevented him from going into their bedroom when they got back to their rooms.

"Do you trust me?" she asked. He looked at her enquiringly.

"Of course I do."

"Just stand there then, and don't move." she moved in front of him and dipped her hand into her robe pocket. "Close your eyes."

He closed them obediently and stiffened as she reached up and tied something soft around them. He lifted a hand and felt the blindfold; a silk scarf.

"I hope that's black or green." he smiled, wondering what she had planned. He felt her removing his outer robe and then listened carefully as she moved away. Losing one sense put all others on alert. His face felt the breeze as she moved around him, and he heard the whisper of clothing being removed. He felt her hand sliding into his and she pulled him in the direction of their bedroom.

"Ready?" she asked.

"As ever." he slid his hands over her satin covered hips, realising she'd changed. She murmured something and he felt the cool breeze again as his clothes were changed into his pyjama bottoms. So, this meant his present involved sex games? He could live with that, he smiled to himself.

Hermione reached out and picked something up and he felt her reach up on tiptoes. His nose breathed in her scent and her hair brushed against his chest, sending a shiver down his spine and straight to his groin.

"Hang on tight." she whispered and dropped something around his neck. His stomach lurched as his world of darkness spun out of control and he would have fallen if Hermione had not been there to anchor him. She placed a soft hand over his mouth before he could say anything, and then removed his blindfold.

Severus blinked, realising they were still in their rooms. She still had her hand over his mouth and she reached up to whisper in his ear.

"No talking. Just trust me." she removed a fine chain from around his neck and tucked it back inside her nightgown. And then he realised they were under an invisibility cloak; Potter's, if he wasn't mistaken. Hermione turned around in his arms so her back was to his front and pulled his arms around her waist. He bent down to rest his chin on her shoulder, his lips brushing her ear.

"Now what?"

"Just watch." Hermione nodded towards the open bedroom door. His eyes widened as he realised that he was seeing himself and Hermione. He felt at her neck and drew the chain upwards, and saw what he had expected; a time turner.

"Don't you know how dangerous this is?" he hissed barely above a whisper.

"They won't know we're here, remember?" she glanced up at him, but his eyes were riveted on the scene playing itself out in the bedroom. She smiled smugly to herself and wiggled her bottom against his impressive erection. His hands tightened on her hips, and then slid across her stomach, bunching the material into his fists. She gave a silent moan as they watched, through the slightly open door, the couple on the bed twisting together.

It was like watching an erotic movie with themselves as stars, Severus thought to himself, not quite believing how turned on he was. He'd never been a voyeur; the sights he'd endured at the excesses of Voldemort had made him sick to his stomach, but this was in a totally different league. The soft lighting in the bedroom exposed the couple and he unconsciously moved closer to the door, forcing Hermione closer to him in the process. All of a sudden it was difficult to breathe under the cloak as he watched the other Hermione flip the other Severus over onto his back and lean down to take him in her mouth. He buried his face in her neck to stifle his moan, knowing exactly how that had felt this morning. He felt Hermione's pulse racing and smoothed his hands up to her breasts, feeling her erect nipples through the satin gown. He pinched them lightly and then twisted her round to catch her moan in his mouth.

He wasn't sure if it was his earlier self who cried out, or him, as he felt her hand slide between them to undo the button above his straining arousal. He gripped her wrist before she could slide her hand inside and broke their kiss. Burying his face in her neck again, he struggled for control, his lungs desperately drawing in oxygen. Severus lifted his head so his mouth was on a level with Hermione's ear.

"Take us back. Forward. Whatever." His voice was rough with desire. Hermione lifted her hand and dropped the time turner over their heads. Her fingers flicked the glittering gold egg timer and they were whirled forward in time, just after they had departed a short time ago.

Flinging the cloak carelessly on the floor, he wrenched the chain from his neck and tossed it onto an armchair. Then he turned back to Hermione and pounced. Grabbing her around the waist, he lifted her up and wrapped her legs around his, striding over to their bedroom and kicking the door open, ignoring the pain in his foot as he did so. Hermione grinned as she was tossed onto the bed, enjoying the rush of adrenaline that came from having Severus lose control. This was what she wanted; he'd been a little too restrained sometimes since finding out she was pregnant, and she wanted to prove to him that she wouldn't break if he was a little rough.  Then all thought was suspended as he came down on top of her and sensation took over.

~~~ 

 "Happy Valentine's Day, Severus." Hermione murmured. She was answered with a satisfied grunt.

"You know you're going to kill me one of these days."

"Rubbish. If anything, you wear me out."

"Perhaps we should slow down a bit then." he leant up on his elbows and dislodged her from her position on his chest.

"Do you want to?"

"Not really. But I don't think I can keep this pace up."

"Twice a day too much?" she smirked, knowing full well their sex life was above average.

"Let's put it this way; I don't think you'll be getting a repeat performance tonight." he flopped back against the pillows.

"Damn. I've ordered oysters for dinner." she watched as he opened one eye to look at her.

"I hate oysters."

"So do I, but I thought you might need them." she grinned, and he was pleased to see she was teasing.

"Change the order to roast lamb, and you might be able to change my mind."

"Just as well that's what I ordered, because Dobby should be just about ready to serve dinner." she sat up, wincing a bit as she swung her legs out of the bed.

"Are you all right?"

"Just a bit sore. Nothing a nice soak won't cure."

"I was too rough."

"Don't beat yourself up about it, my love. If I hadn't enjoyed it I would have stopped you. You know that." she leaned over him and kissed him. That didn't stop him feeling guilty.

"But the babies..."

"Are fine. Come on, pass me that robe and let's get something to eat. You can scrub my back later as penance, if you must." she kissed him again, and stood up.

"Are you sure you're all right?" he wrapped her in her robe and pulled on his own after putting his pyjama bottoms back on.

"I feel wonderful. Stop worrying, or you'll be sleeping on the couch tonight." she threatened playfully, flicking her tousled curls over her shoulder as she headed out of the door into the sitting room. He followed her and watched as she flicked her wand at the fireplace and summoned their dinner. Dobby had gone a little overboard with the decoration on the table; Severus could barely see his wife over the enormous vase of foliage and roses. He flicked his wand and reduced it to a single bud vase and levitated the rose he'd given her earlier in the day. She nudged his knee with her toes in thanks and smiled.

~~~

The day drew nearer to their scheduled visit to the Snape family residence. Letters had been literally flying backwards and forwards between Camille and Hermione, with the occasional postscript from Simeon. Severus was careful not to seem too eager; he had a reputation to maintain, after all. Fat lot of good that was doing him where Hermione was concerned though. She was convinced that he was just a great big teddy bear under that stiff exterior, and he was ashamed to admit that when it came to her, he was a pile of mush.

There had been no mention from Camille about Simeon's visit, and Severus wondered if his father had owned up to her after all. He knew Hermione hadn't mentioned it in her letters to his mother, and he decided to send a private note to his father. Quickly finishing the note, he made his way to the owlery to find a school owl. He should really think about getting his own if they were to keep in touch with his family.

He had arranged with Sirius again to keep an eye on his House while they were gone. It would only be a very short visit, from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon, but as Hermione had already got Simeon's approval, it would just be an introductory meeting of his brothers and mother. It quite escaped his mind that this visit was for his benefit as well as Hermione's.

He received an answer from his father the night before they were due to leave. It seemed that he hadn't told his wife of his clandestine visit, so that would make it a little more awkward. Shit. Why couldn't anything be simple when it came to families? Severus showed the letter to Hermione who frowned. She didn't like the idea that she Camille hadn't been told, but then perhaps the news of the twins would overshadow Simeon's deception. She decided it would be up to Camille to think of a suitable response when his visit to Hogwarts was revealed. She wondered how Simeon would handle it; he couldn't be that worried about it, surely?

Hermione had decided to wear a loose deep green jersey dress for the 'visit' as she called it. She wanted to make a good impression, and didn't think her usual trousers were appropriate attire for her husband's pureblood family. No use antagonising her mother-in-law, even though her letters had been nothing except friendly.  Severus settled on his usual black robes, although he was wearing black trousers and green shirt underneath. From what he remembered, Cornwall was slightly warmer than Scotland was at this time of the year. They had
decided to Apparate, rather than floo, and Poppy had assured Severus that it
was perfectly safe for Hermione to do so.

"Ready?" Severus pulled her loosely into his arms when they reached the
Apparating point just beyond the gates.
"Ready." Hermione nodded, and with a 'pop' they were gone. They disapparated outside an impressive castle on a windswept headland. The wards shuddered as they recognised a Snape and they were allowed through the gates.

"Nice place." Hermione squeezed Severus's hand.

"Not bad, is it? Bit small though." He smiled down at her as she laughed. With their cloaks billowing about them, they made their way up the steps to the double, studded doors that were swept open by magic on their approach.

"Father said they would meet us in the Library." Severus walked up the huge stone staircase in front of them and veered to the left. He pushed the tall door open at the end of the corridor and allowed Hermione to precede him.

Hermione was inside the library of her dreams. It was even bigger than Hogwarts', and took her attention away from the four people standing in front of her.  Severus nudged her gently and she flushed guiltily. Shit, what a first impression she'd made; gawking at books and ignoring her hosts.  Simeon's lips twitched in amusement at her reaction, but quickly schooled his expression to impassiveness when his perceptive wife sent an inquiring look his way.

He watched as Severus and Hermione came to a halt in front of them.

"Father. How are you?"

"Well. And you, Severus?"

"Fine, thank you. Hello, Mother." Severus turned to Camille, who moved forward towards them.

"So formal, Severus! I thought we'd moved on from that." She admonished gently and hugged him. Then she turned to Hermione.

"We meet at last." She smiled, and kissed her on both cheeks.

"Nice to meet you, Mrs Snape."

"Camille. Come and meet Saxen and Sage." She drew her into the room towards the twins.

"When are you going to tell her?" Severus said in an undertone to his father.

"As soon as you and Hermione are settled in your room."

"Lunch will be difficult then." Severus murmured. "You certainly like to make life difficult for yourself, don't you?" he watched as Hermione greeted his brothers. He frowned as Saxen took Hermione's hand and bent elegantly over it, raising it to his mouth to kiss. Sage went one step further and kissed her cheek.

"So, Severus, have you discussed an heir with Hermione?" Simeon asked, noting how his youngest son's eyes followed his young wife.

"Yes."

"And?" he waited impatiently.

"You'll have to wait and see." Severus enjoyed keeping his father in suspense.

"Hmmph. You're as bad as she is."

"Severus, I'm stealing Hermione away to my sitting room. Stay and talk to your father and brothers." Camille commanded and guided Hermione out of the library. Hermione cast one look longingly at the books covering the walls, and then closed the door after her.

"Congratulations, Severus." Sage moved forward and cautiously hugged him.

"Thank you, Sage."

"I almost envy you." Saxen said.

"Coming from you, I'll take that as a compliment." Even as a teenager, Severus knew Saxen would never settle down.

"No comment from you, Father?" Sage cocked an eyebrow at Simeon.

"Severus already knows my feelings." He said. Both Saxen and Sage were surprised. Was there something else going on here thy didn't know about? Obviously there was.

"Tell us." Saxen demanded. Simeon made sure the door was shut properly. Then he told of his visit the previous month.

"And Mother has no idea?" Sage asked.

"None."

~~~ 

"So, Hermione, I see Simeon approves of you." Camille patted the sofa next to her. Hermione looked at her warily.

"Does he?"

"I haven't been married to him for forty-odd years without knowing he's been up to something. That's the beauty of being married to a Snape; their cunning eventually rubs off on you." Camille patted her hand. "So when did you meet?"

"He came to Hogwarts last month." Hermione admitted reluctantly. "How did you know?"

"He smelled different."

"What is it about you Snapes and your sense of smell?"

"I still know the scent of Severus, even after twenty years. You'll find out yourself when you have your own children." She was watching Hermione carefully and just caught the slight movement of her hand towards her stomach. "How far along are you? And no, I'm not a mind reader."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I just have good instincts. Well?"

"Four months."

"Does Simeon know?"

"No." Hermione paused. "I'm having twins."

"Boys, girls or one of each?"

"Boys."

"I imagine Simeon will be overjoyed that the line will continue."

"And are you?"

"I'd given up hope of ever having grandchildren. Of course I'm pleased, and I would be just as happy to have granddaughters." Camille hugged her.

"Thank you. We're hoping for a girl next time." Hermione smiled.

"You're not stopping at just the two?"

"No. Not for a few years though, barring accidents."

"Forgot his potion, did he?" Camille smiled knowingly as Hermione gasped.

"How did..?"

"You're not the only one to get carried away, Hermione. Most pureblood families only have one or two children."

"How does that explain the Weasleys?"

"They're a phenomenon all of their own, my dear."

"Does that mean Severus was an accident?" Hermione was curious.

"A happy accident. I've had a great deal of time to think over our mistakes, and I often wonder if he ever overheard something at a family gathering."

"Not a nice thing to happen."

"No, not to such a sensitive and intelligent child as Severus was." Camille's smile was sad. "I should have noticed something."

"There's not a lot you can do about it now, though, Camille." Hermione squeezed her hand in sympathy.

"No, except look forward." Camille smiled at her.

"Do you think that Simeon will have told your other sons?"

"Sage may have guessed. He always was the more intuitive of the twins."

"So how will you deal with Simeon not telling you we'd met?"

"Oh, I'll think of something." Camille had a wicked smile on her face that promised retribution for her husband.

~~~

It was at lunch that Severus and Hermione announced their news about the babies. Camille had suggested it to Hermione before they returned to the Library to find the four men having a heated argument about the latest developments over the ethical use of unicorn blood in healing potions. Both Simeon and the twins were accomplished potion makers, although not to Master level like Severus. Saxen and Simeon specialised in Transfiguration and Sage was gifted with an affinity with magical creatures.

Both Severus and Hermione felt the tension between Camille and Simeon as lunch was served, and decided to try to diffuse it by announcing their news. Camille acted suitably surprised and felt a slight malicious enjoyment over the shock on her husband's face.  She'd already expressed her anger over his visit to Hogwarts, and felt he needed to suffer further. A few days banished from their bedroom should suffice.

Sage was the one who brought up the subject of who the couple planned to invite to the birth. He was curious to know how Hermione's parents had reacted to that Wizard custom. Severus laughed as he remembered John's face, and Hermione stated she was pleased everyone would be outside, not inside as she'd first thought.  There followed a discussion about the differences in Muggle and Wizard customs, as none of Severus's family had had much contact with muggles.

All in all, the visit was not nearly as traumatic as Severus and Hermione had expected. Hermione spent a fair bit of time in the library while Severus reaffirmed his bond with his mother and brothers. Simeon also made sure Hermione was given a tour of the house and estate and extracted a promise from her that she would allow the children to spend their summers there when they were older.  Barring Saxen and Sage ever having children, Severus's offspring would eventually inherit the entire Snape fortune. It was then that Hermione realised exactly how wealthy her husband was.  He really had no need to carry on teaching; he had enough to specialise in pure research for the rest of his life. She smiled to herself; his constant muttering about having to teach dunderheads was all a big front.

"How long will Camille be angry with you?" Hermione and Simeon were strolling through the expansive gardens.

"Probably until tomorrow. She can't stay angry with me long." Simeon had a smug smile on his face.

"Confident, aren't you?"

"When you've been married as long as I have, you learn not to hold a grudge too long."

"I hope you're right." Hermione didn't like to shatter his little fantasy.

~~~ 

They arrived back at Hogwarts late on the Sunday afternoon, and were happy to report to Dumbledore of the success of the visit. It was when they had settled in front of the fire later that evening when a knock was heard on their door.

Muttering to himself about being idiot students disturbing him, Severus wrenched open the door.

"Father! What brings you here?"

"Can I come in?"

"Of course. Is everything all right?"

"Not exactly." Simeon walked stiffly into the living room.

"What's happened?" Hermione looked up from her book.  Simeon cleared his throat and looked extremely uncomfortable.

"It's your mother."

"What about her?"

"She still isn't happy with me."

"And?" Hermione had inkling about what was coming next.

"She's altered the wards."

"To your rooms?"

"To the whole estate. I've effectively been banned from my own home." Simeon frowned and then swallowed, straightening his spine further. "May I be allowed to stay for a few days?"

TBC.