***Not my characters, just taking them where my mind wants them to go****
Thanks to my yayas for reading & revising to catch my mistakes & for being brutally honest
"I love you guys," Hermione said muffled in Ginny's long tomato red hair.
Back in Hermione's quarters at Hogwarts, she thought about all of the news they received at dinner. Ron was dating Lavender. Harry and Ginny were getting married soon. She was consumed in her thoughts while she disrobed and stepped into a hot sudsy bath. A small smile played on her lips as she thought of Severus. They had a date the next night. She was going to his quarters and cook dinner for him. She often teased Severus that he wasn't in love with her, just her cooking.
Truth of the matter was Hermione had become a little insecure about herself since she finished her seventh year. The stress of school work and Voldemort kept her relatively thin, not to mention, she was always holed up in the library or her room studying and rarely ate. The summer after her seventh year, she went to visit her Aunt Edith in America for a few months. San Antonio Texas to be more exact. During her stay, she learned how to cook. She didn't just learn how to cook; she learned how to cook the Southern way. Her Aunt Edith was a witch, but she cooked the muggle way, unlike Molly Weasley. Aunt Edith moved to America shortly after she finished Hogwarts, met a nice young Texas wizard and settled down. The only drawback to learning how to cook these wonderful dishes was they were so fattening and so bad for you, she felt as if her waistline expanded by just smelling the dishes. She ran a wet hand over her now rounded belly. Severus rather liked her with this new rounded figure. He said it made her look more like a woman rather than a child.
Hermione slowly got out of the bath tub and wrapped her red robe around her body. She pulled her hair up in a messy bun and continued her nightly routine. She decided half way through brushing her teeth, she'd Floo Severus for a little bit. She missed him terribly that day. She pulled on the green silk pajamas Severus had given her and brushed her hair and pulled it back in a neat ponytail. She grabbed a handful of Floo powder, threw it in the fire and said "Severus!" as she sat back onto the comfortable armchair next to the fireplace.
Severus's head appeared in the fireplace a second later. "Hermione! I've missed you. How was the trip to the Burrow, my love?" He asked of her trying not to show the pleasure in his eyes seeing her wearing the pajamas he gave her. He thought she looked so beautiful sitting there with her legs tucked up under her. Hermione was the most beautiful woman he'd ever laid eyes on. Her beauty wasn't shockingly stunning but more of a natural beauty. She looked like an angel sitting there in her silk pajamas, ponytail and freshly scrubbed skin. Severus felt a tightening in his pants, but he tried his best to ignore it. He had a busy day to prepare for tomorrow. As much as he wanted Hermione right at that moment, he had to control himself. If he gave in to his desires that night, he'd have a hard time getting things prepared. Hermione noticed the anxious look in his eyes. "What's wrong Sev?" she asked coyly. "You know what's wrong, Hermione. You know exactly what's wrong," he breathed. "Come fix it then. Unless you don't want to," she challenged. "I can't love. I've got things to tend to early in the morning and all day. I won't be free until you get to my quarters tomorrow." He said trying with all his might to stand his ground. He found it so hard. The green silk rising and falling with each breath she took was ever so inviting. He imagined lying on top of her feeling each breath she took under his muscular torso. He wanted to run his finger along the soft mounds of silk where her breasts were. "Are you sure you're too busy, Sev?" Hermione wheedled. "Hermione you're making it hard for me to keep from Flooing the rest of my body over there and taking you," Severus growled. Hermione smiled sweetly at him, "Me? I'm not doing anything" she cooed. She knew exactly what she was doing. "Hermione, I love you, but you're impossible sometimes you know that?" he asked her. "That's why you find me so irresistible, Sev" she said with a smile. "I'll see you at 7 tomorrow, then? Not a minute sooner!" Severus said suspiciously. "Alright, I suppose so," Hermione said sensing defeat. "I love you Hermione. I'll see you tomorrow then." Severus said and with a snap, his head disappeared from Hermione's fire place.
She got up with a sigh of exasperation and went to her bed. She climbed in slowly and settled herself down between the warm comforts of her sheets. She was glad she asked Winky to change her sheets, because if she still had the silk sheets on her bed, she would be sliding around like a piece of butter in a hot skillet. She had not changed her views of elfish welfare, as she still had S.P.E.W pins and other paraphernalia around her sitting room. Dumbledore told her this was one of the ways of life here at Hogwarts. He assured her the Hogwarts house elves were treated fairly, paid well, and given time off as well as choices. She wouldn't use the services of the house elf unless Dumbledore assured her of these important factors. He even had Winky and Dobby, the two house elves who were assigned to her quarters, talk to Hermione about how happy they were here. Dobby had always loved serving Hogwarts and especially liked Harry Potter and his friends. Winky on the other hand, had a hard time adjusting to the fact her family gave her the boot in their fourth year. Winky battled with a 12 butterbeer a day habit and often passed out in front of the fireplace down in the kitchens. Butterbeer is non alcoholic for a human, but for a house elf, it's as strong as Ogden's Fire Whiskey. It took Winky 3 years to become adjusted to her new life at Hogwarts and to realize she was not shamed when Barty Crouch Sr gave her clothes some years ago. She now realizes he was a bad man, even though she won't openly admit it, as that would be against the code of the house elf.
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Severus got up early the next morning. He swooped down to Greenhouse 2 to begin his first task of the day. He wanted to gather flowers for the night that spelled Hermione's name. This was going to be a daunting task indeed. "Good morning Geri," Severus said as Professor Sprout held the door open for him. Professor Germaine Sprout was a squat little witch. She usually had dirt covering her robes, under her nails, streaking her face, and on occasion you could find a dirt clod in her hair. "Good morning Severus. We were going to make a floral arrangement today weren't we?" she replied absent mindedly to him trying to brush the dirt off of her robes. "Yes," he said trying to refrain from making a disdainful face, "we need flowers that begin with each letter of Hermione's name." "Very well. Let's go see what we've got shall we?" He followed her deeper into the stifling greenhouse. "This hydrangea is beautiful, will this do?" Geri asked of him. "Yes that's fine. If you don't mind, I'll trust your judgment. I've got quite a lot to do and I'm sure you can work faster without consulting me." Severus said to her. Professor Sprout nodded and went off on her mission as Severus sat down on a bench.
Thirty minutes later, she emerged with a beautiful arrangement. "Here you go Severus. There is Hydrangea, red roses, irises, orchids, narcissus, a double portion of eucharis lily because I couldn't find two different flowers that start with an 'E'. Well, at least none that were very pretty. I also added mimosa instead of monkshood. I'm sure you're aware monkshood means beware, as well as chivalry, so I took it upon myself to add the mimosa instead." Geri said timidly. Severus took the huge arrangement from her carefully. "Yes, I'm aware of their meanings. This will do beautifully. Thank you so much Geri," Snape said graciously as he made his way back to his quarters in the dungeons via a back way to avoid being seen.
Through out the rest of the day, Severus made preparations. He used the Scourgify charm in every room of his dungeon to ensure everything was in its proper place. He made his way to Dumbledore's office later that afternoon. Dumbledore's office was the only place in Hogwarts you could Apparate. This was a secret only trusted staff that has been at Hogwarts for years knew of. Hermione didn't even know this little tidbit of information. Severus smiled when he imagined the expression she was going to have when she learned of this. It came in rather handy over the years. He wondered why nobody questioned how Dumbledore could come and go so quickly all those times over the years. He knocked on the door and entered. "Professor Dumbledore, I need to use the Apparating point today," he told Dumbledore. "Yes, I was waiting for you," Dumbledore answered, his blue eyes twinkling. "May I?" Severus said approaching the spot in the room. "Be my guest, Severus," Dumbledore said motioning to the Apparation point. With a loud crack Severus was gone.
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Severus Snape reappeared with a loud crack in the middle of Diagon Alley. He made his way through all of the shopping witches and wizards. He stopped in front of Crescent Moon Jewelers. The sign above the door was bewitched with a charm that made the crescent moon sparkle like diamonds. It had been in operation since 1650. His family has used this jeweler exclusively since the day they opened. He entered the small shop. "Severus Snape!" the small shop keeper behind the counter exclaimed. "How do you do Mr. Moon?" Severus asked shaking his hand. Mr. Moon had worked in the shop since before Severus was born. "Very well. What can I do for you today?" Mr. Moon asked. "I'm looking for a ring," Severus began. "We've got some beautiful silver wizards' rings. I think you'd find..." Mr. Moon began until he was interrupted by Snape. "An engagement ring, Mr. Moon" Severus said hating to interrupt the old man. A twinkle, much like Dumbledore's, appeared in Mr. Moon's hazel eyes. "You've met a young lady, Severus," Mr. Moon said with a smile, "Very well. Come with me then." He led Severus to a case glittering with beautiful rings. "I'd like something with a platinum band, alternating emeralds and rubies along the band with an oval cut diamond in a slightly raised setting in the center. I don't want the diamond too high, because she won't wear it very often if it's intrusive," Severus said. He knew Hermione liked simplicity. He thought the rubies and emeralds would by symbolic of their joining. Severus knew his jewelry. Mr. Moon screwed up his wrinkled face and said, "We don't have anything like that in stock, I'm afraid. By when do you need it?" "Tonight," Severus said beginning to get nervous. Mr. Moon bit his bottom lip and thought a minute. "I could work on it myself and get it made within an hour if you'd like?" Mr. Moon went on, "I've got the jewels you want. I just need to know how many carats the diamond should be." "Show me what you've got," Severus said moving towards the counter with loose diamonds. "In an oval cut, I've got these," he said laying out a black velvet mat and placing each diamond carefully on top. "What quality is this one?" Severus asked pointing at one in particular. "That is an excellent diamond, if I may say so myself. This is 1.10 carats and an E1. Excellent cut, clarity and all of that," Mr. Moon said eyeing the diamond with great pride as if it were one of his children. "That one will do. You say you can have it finished in one hour?" Severus asked. "Yes. One hour. No sooner than that," Mr. Moon said and hurried off to the back room to tend to his craft.
Severus went up to Madam Malkin's shop to see about a new robe. He felt as if he should look nice that night. He purchased a very pretty emerald green evening robe. An evening robe differed from dress robes by the cut and materials used. The evening robe was nicer than a day robe, yet casual enough to keep from looking too formal. Snape never wore any sort of robe except black. He felt as if the emerald green robe would be a nice change. He considered taking out his black contacts for the evening as well. He only wore those because he was light sensitive and they filtered out much of the light. He kept his classroom dark so he didn't need them in class, but he felt more comfortable with them on. They were almost like a shield from the students. If the eyes are the window to the soul, he didn't want them knowing he had a soul. He liked it much better when students feared him. Yes, he would take them out tonight and reveal his soul to Hermione.
He made his way back to Crescent Moon to pick up the ring. Mr. Moon emerged from the back room looking triumphant. "This is the most beautiful ring I have ever laid eyes on, Severus. You truly are an artist," Mr. Moon said smiling, "Would you like to see the finished product?" "Of course," Severus said thinking it was a rather stupid question. Mr. Moon opened the velvet box and Snape's breath caught in his throat. Mr. Moon was right. It was the most beautiful ring he'd ever laid eyes on. He felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. It was going to look beautiful on Hermione's finger. "Thank you, Mr. Moon," Severus said dropping money bag containing the payment into the jeweler's hand. He dropped the velvet box in his pocket and went outside to Apparate back to Hogwarts. With a loud snap, Severus Snape disappeared from Diagon Alley.
When Severus appeared in Dumbledore's office, Dumbledore was waiting for him. "Did you get the ring, Severus?" Dumbledore asked. Knowing full well Dumbledore just knows things without being told, he shouldn't feel dumbstruck, yet he did. "Uh...Yes I did Professor. Would you care to see it?" Severus asked him reaching into his pocket. "No Severus, that's alright. I'll be seeing it soon enough. You have talked to her parents first correct?" Dumbledore ventured. Truth of the matter was Severus had forgotten to do that. The custom may have Dissapated from muggle families, but in the Wizarding World, it was still a very strong custom. "Would it be terribly awful if I waited until afterwards?" he asked Dumbledore. "I'm afraid it would. You have met them already, haven't you?" Dumbledore asked. "Yes, Hermione took me home to her parents several months back. We got on very well," Severus said, "They're linked to the Floo Network because of Hermione. Would it be alright if I used your fireplace to Floo them and ask?" "Of course I don't mind. I should remind you though, you've got two hours until Hermione is due in your quarters," he said with that famous twinkle. Severus went to Dumbledore's fireplace and grabbed some Floo powder out of the jar and threw it into the fire, "The Granger's!"
A moment later his head appeared in the Granger's fireplace. "Hermione? Is that you?" Emma Granger said while coming into the living room. "Severus! How are you dear?" she asked seeing his head in her fireplace. "Fine and how are you Emma?" Severus replied. "Good, good. Robert! Come in here! Severus is in the fireplace!" she yelled to her husband. Mr. Granger came into the living room adjusting his glasses. "Severus, old chap, how are you?" Robert asked jovially. "Very well, Robert. Thank you for asking. Listen, I've come to talk to you," Severus began. He could feel his palms begin to sweat. "Is Hermione alright?" Emma asked sounding worried. "She's fine, Emma. I wanted to ask you for Hermione's hand in marriage. I love her very much and I can't bear to live without her in my life," he said rapidly out of nervousness. Emma kind of...fell onto the ottoman in a daze. Robert stood there surveying Severus. "You realize this wasn't necessary, Severus," Robert began, "but I appreciate it. The Wizarding world has very noble standards and customs that one can only respect. Before I answer your question, I'd like you to answer a few of mine first. Will you make sure my only daughter is happy and well taken care of?" "Yes sir. I would do anything for Hermione. I want her to be blissfully happy and not have to worry about anything," Severus said genuinely. "Will you treat my daughter the way she ought to be treated?" Robert asked. "Of course, sir. I only want the best for Hermione, as you do as well," Severus said. Robert looked towards Emma who was dabbing at her eyes with her apron. She gave Robert a nod and he turned back to the fireplace, "Welcome to the family, Severus." Severus grinned and thanked the Grangers. "This means so much to me. I can't thank you enough. I wish I could stay longer, but I've got preparations to finish for tonight. I'm sure we will be visiting soon. Thank you again." Severus gushed. "Good bye, Severus. Good luck," Robert said with a wave. Snape disappeared from the Granger's fireplace.
"All well?" Dumbledore asked? "It went very well. If you'll excuse me, I must finish preparing," Snape said with a smile. He excused himself from Dumbledore's office and went to his quarters in the dungeons. The lasting charm he had put on the floral arrangement earlier was holding up beautifully. The flowers looked prettier than when Geri brought them to him. Severus took off his robes and put them in the laundry basket and went to take a shower. He scrubbed his hair vigorously and proceeded to shave in the shower. He normally didn't use a pouf in the shower, but Hermione was always gushing about how much she loved hers, he had to try it. She was right. Snape looked like a snowman because of all the hot suds covering his body. He rinsed off and put a towel around his middle. He surveyed his body in the mirror. Within the past 2 years he had bulked up. Severus Snape was no longer tall and scrawny. He began working out after Voldemort's defeat and was rather built now. He had gained at least fifty pounds in pure muscle mass, yet he wasn't grotesquely muscular, but he was definitely big. His once greasy hair was now silky and shiny. Severus had grown it out and it was now past his shoulders. With courageous determination, Snape removed his black contact lenses and put them in their cases. His green eyes were astounding against his snow white complexion and black hair. He grabbed his wand from the counter and pointed it at his head. Laughing at his reflection, he said a charm that Hermione had taught him to dry his hair. He brushed his teeth and hair and went to put on his new emerald robe. "Damn," he muttered under his breath. Grabbing the robe he just took off out of the basket, he pulled the velvet box out of that pocket. "I can't believe I almost did that," Severus said beginning to feel sick to his stomach. He placed the box in his pocket and walked through out his quarters. Everything was in order and Hermione should be arriving any minute.
Hermione stepped out of her hot steamy bath. She smelled like summer strawberries. Grabbing for her red bath robe, she caught a glimpse of herself. Some days she felt so disgusted with herself and could not see anything pretty about her and other days when she looked in the mirror, she thought she was rather pretty. Today was one of the pretty days. Hermione smiled as she wrapped the robe around her wet curvaceous body. She used her hair drying charm and began applying hair potion. Severus liked her hair down, yet he also liked it swept up with a few wisps framing her face. "What am I going to wear?" Hermione asked herself. She couldn't decide how to do her hair unless she knew what she was wearing. Half of her closet was robes and the other half was muggle clothes. Normally, Hermione lived in her robes, yet sometimes she liked wearing her muggle clothes. She decided she would wear a pretty robe over some muggle clothes and take her robe off if she felt like it. Hermione chose a pair of flare legged gray pants and a white button down shirt. Getting down on her hands and knees to search for her black boots with the three inch heel, she found the pearl necklace Severus gave her for Easter. He had put it in a plastic egg and let her find it in his quarters. "Why the hell is my pearl necklace down here?" Hermione asked herself. She couldn't believe she left it there. She put the pearl necklace on and went back to the bathroom to fix her hair and makeup. Hermione decided to do her hair up with the wisps like Severus liked. She applied her makeup with diligence and care. Normally she didn't care about wearing makeup, but she did like to look her best for Severus. Hermione pulled on her white lace thong panties, white lace bra, pants and shirt. She decided to leave her shirt unbuttoned to where her bra peeked out a little. She chose a pretty deep purple evening robe. Giving herself a once over in the mirror, she realized she hadn't done anything about her nails. Hermione grabbed her wand and did a charm that gave her an instant manicure. Her nails were done in a French manicure. "I think that's everything," muttering to herself as she gave herself another once over. She pulled on her boots and started off to Severus's quarters thinking they were simply having a night in.
She knocked on the door to Severus's quarters. "Come in, Hermione," Severus said opening the door, "You look beautiful." "You do too, Severus. I love that color on you. A very nice change from your usual black robes," she said sitting down on the couch. "I'd like to take a rain check on you preparing dinner, if you don't mind, Hermione," he said sitting down next to her. "Why? Wait a minute. Your eyes. They're green. What the...?" Hermione trailed off. "These are my eyes. I have green eyes. I'm very light sensitive so I wear the black contacts to filter the light out," he explained to her. "They're beautiful, Sev," said Hermione entranced in the change. "Thank you. I'm working with Madam Pomfrey on a potion I can take so I won't need them anymore for light sensitivity. I'd still wear black contacts during classes and when I'd be around students, of course. I wouldn't have to wear the special black contacts though," Severus told her. "Why? Why would you hide your eyes if you didn't need your contacts?" she said quite perplexed. "It's complicated to explain. It will probably sound stupid to you, but I don't want students to realize I'm a person and I've got a soul. It makes things easier in class to be honest with you," he said sheepishly. "It's not stupid Sev. I don't understand it, but that doesn't make it stupid. It's your choice. Either way, I feel quite special you decided to reveal your soul to me," she ventured. "You're very welcome. I love you, Hermione. I don't want to keep any secrets from you. Would you like me to send down for dinner and wine?" he asked her. "You heard my tummy growling?" she asked laughing. "A little," he said wrapping an arm around her waist and guiding her into the dining area. She saw the floral arrangement immediately. "Severus, this is beautiful," Hermione said. "I had Professor Sprout arrange it. I had her use flowers that began with a letter of your name. See, we've got hydrangea, eucharis lily, red roses, mimosa, iris, orchids and narcissa," he told her indicating each flower. "Sev that is so sweet of you. Thank you. This is so thoughtful," said Hermione kissing him lightly on the lips. She took off her robe revealing her stunning outfit underneath. "You look even more beautiful without that robe on," Severus said bringing her close to his body. She smiled up at him and wondered what was in store for tonight.
Dobby appeared interrupting the moment. "Excuse Dobby sir and miss. Dobby is not wanting to interrupt, but Dobby has brought up your dinner plates," he said indicating the table. "Hi Dobby," Hermione said smiling at him. "Hello good miss. Dobby is going to get Winky and we is going to tidy up miss's room," Dobby said sensing he was lingering too long. "Don't worry about it too much, Dobby. I left you and Winky some treacle fudge," Hermione said winking to the house elf. "Thank you, miss," Dobby said and with a pop he was gone. "You're very kind to Dobby, Hermione," Severus said to her smiling. "I think if they're going to be doing things for me, I'm going to leave treats for them. I can't knit them anything they can wear, but I can leave them treats like fudge and cookies," she replied sitting down at the table. Severus sat down across from Hermione and put his napkin in his lap. "I really do like that green on you Sev. It really makes your real eyes look brilliant," she said putting her napkin in her lap. The dinner salad appeared on their plates, Hermione's with ranch dressing and Severus's with Italian. Their wine glasses filled with ice cubes and water. They ate their salads in silence except to comment on how good it was. After they both finished their salads the plates were cleaned and their glasses were empty and dry. Seconds later, they both had Halibut Steak Saute with raspberry sauce and steamed vegetables on their plates and their glasses were filled with white wine. Severus pushed his food around nervously. "What's wrong, Sev?" Hermione asked him after taking a sip of wine. "Nothing. Listen, we need to talk," Severus said nervously. "Oh. I see," Hermione said suddenly feeling awkward, "Well, I understand. It's alright. I'll just go." Hermione started to get up out of her seat. "What? No! Hermione, sit down. Where are you going?" Severus asked flustered. "You're breaking up with me aren't you? If you are, just go on and get it over with. Don't drag it out," her voice breaking as she tried to fight back tears. "What? I don't want to break up with you! I wasn't going to break up with you! I just wanted to tell you how much I love you. You're beautiful. You make my heart sing. When I'm with you, everything just feels right. I feel like my heart is about to burst with love and joy," Severus said getting out of his chair and going to kneel beside her. He wiped a lone tear from her cheek and kissed her hand. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Hermione, will you marry me?" Severus asked pulling the box from his pocket and offering it to her. She looked as if Severus had sprouted a unicorn horn in the middle of his forehead. It took her a few minutes to realize what he was asking. She took the box with shaky hands and opened it. She drew in a sharp breath and put her hand over her mouth. "Severus!! My God!! This ring is beautiful!" She took it out of the box with shaky hands. Severus took it from her and slipped it on her left hand's ring finger. He took her hand in both of his and kissed it. "So will you marry me Hermione Granger? Will you make me the happiest man on the face of the earth?" Severus asked her. "Y..Yes! Yes, Sev!" she exclaimed. She hugged him tight and kissed him. She started crying again, but from happiness this time. "I wasn't going to propose until dessert, but I had to act fast, otherwise you would have walked out because of a misunderstanding," Severus explained wiping her tears. She laughed and kissed him again. "I'm sorry Sev. I'm sorry to spoil your plan," she said. "It's alright baby," he ventured. She kissed Severus for what seemed like an eternity. He slowly got up, trying to ignore the heat coursing through out his body. He sat back down in his chair and tapped the dinner plate so the fish and wine disappeared. Creme brulee and champagne emerged in its place. He raised his champagne glass and she did too. "To us," Severus said. Hermione smiled, "To us." He wanted to take her to his bed so badly. Hermione delicately licked a bit of champagne off her lips and Severus couldn't take anymore. "BED! NOW!" Severus growled as he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder.
"I love you Severus," Hermione said as she lay back onto a pillow completely exhausted. "I love you too, Hermione," Severus said taking in her beauty. Her long dark hair lay around her. She was flushed yet had a beautiful glow around her. Her eyes were slowly closing and a small smile played on her lips. He ran a finger along her soft skin. She looked absolutely beautiful nude wearing nothing but the pearl necklace he gave her and her ring. Her left hand was lying on her tummy. Severus couldn't believe this beautiful creature was going to be his wife.
****4th installment should be coming soon. this really drained me so I need some time to recollect my thoughts*****
SSJ
Thanks to my yayas for reading & revising to catch my mistakes & for being brutally honest
"I love you guys," Hermione said muffled in Ginny's long tomato red hair.
Back in Hermione's quarters at Hogwarts, she thought about all of the news they received at dinner. Ron was dating Lavender. Harry and Ginny were getting married soon. She was consumed in her thoughts while she disrobed and stepped into a hot sudsy bath. A small smile played on her lips as she thought of Severus. They had a date the next night. She was going to his quarters and cook dinner for him. She often teased Severus that he wasn't in love with her, just her cooking.
Truth of the matter was Hermione had become a little insecure about herself since she finished her seventh year. The stress of school work and Voldemort kept her relatively thin, not to mention, she was always holed up in the library or her room studying and rarely ate. The summer after her seventh year, she went to visit her Aunt Edith in America for a few months. San Antonio Texas to be more exact. During her stay, she learned how to cook. She didn't just learn how to cook; she learned how to cook the Southern way. Her Aunt Edith was a witch, but she cooked the muggle way, unlike Molly Weasley. Aunt Edith moved to America shortly after she finished Hogwarts, met a nice young Texas wizard and settled down. The only drawback to learning how to cook these wonderful dishes was they were so fattening and so bad for you, she felt as if her waistline expanded by just smelling the dishes. She ran a wet hand over her now rounded belly. Severus rather liked her with this new rounded figure. He said it made her look more like a woman rather than a child.
Hermione slowly got out of the bath tub and wrapped her red robe around her body. She pulled her hair up in a messy bun and continued her nightly routine. She decided half way through brushing her teeth, she'd Floo Severus for a little bit. She missed him terribly that day. She pulled on the green silk pajamas Severus had given her and brushed her hair and pulled it back in a neat ponytail. She grabbed a handful of Floo powder, threw it in the fire and said "Severus!" as she sat back onto the comfortable armchair next to the fireplace.
Severus's head appeared in the fireplace a second later. "Hermione! I've missed you. How was the trip to the Burrow, my love?" He asked of her trying not to show the pleasure in his eyes seeing her wearing the pajamas he gave her. He thought she looked so beautiful sitting there with her legs tucked up under her. Hermione was the most beautiful woman he'd ever laid eyes on. Her beauty wasn't shockingly stunning but more of a natural beauty. She looked like an angel sitting there in her silk pajamas, ponytail and freshly scrubbed skin. Severus felt a tightening in his pants, but he tried his best to ignore it. He had a busy day to prepare for tomorrow. As much as he wanted Hermione right at that moment, he had to control himself. If he gave in to his desires that night, he'd have a hard time getting things prepared. Hermione noticed the anxious look in his eyes. "What's wrong Sev?" she asked coyly. "You know what's wrong, Hermione. You know exactly what's wrong," he breathed. "Come fix it then. Unless you don't want to," she challenged. "I can't love. I've got things to tend to early in the morning and all day. I won't be free until you get to my quarters tomorrow." He said trying with all his might to stand his ground. He found it so hard. The green silk rising and falling with each breath she took was ever so inviting. He imagined lying on top of her feeling each breath she took under his muscular torso. He wanted to run his finger along the soft mounds of silk where her breasts were. "Are you sure you're too busy, Sev?" Hermione wheedled. "Hermione you're making it hard for me to keep from Flooing the rest of my body over there and taking you," Severus growled. Hermione smiled sweetly at him, "Me? I'm not doing anything" she cooed. She knew exactly what she was doing. "Hermione, I love you, but you're impossible sometimes you know that?" he asked her. "That's why you find me so irresistible, Sev" she said with a smile. "I'll see you at 7 tomorrow, then? Not a minute sooner!" Severus said suspiciously. "Alright, I suppose so," Hermione said sensing defeat. "I love you Hermione. I'll see you tomorrow then." Severus said and with a snap, his head disappeared from Hermione's fire place.
She got up with a sigh of exasperation and went to her bed. She climbed in slowly and settled herself down between the warm comforts of her sheets. She was glad she asked Winky to change her sheets, because if she still had the silk sheets on her bed, she would be sliding around like a piece of butter in a hot skillet. She had not changed her views of elfish welfare, as she still had S.P.E.W pins and other paraphernalia around her sitting room. Dumbledore told her this was one of the ways of life here at Hogwarts. He assured her the Hogwarts house elves were treated fairly, paid well, and given time off as well as choices. She wouldn't use the services of the house elf unless Dumbledore assured her of these important factors. He even had Winky and Dobby, the two house elves who were assigned to her quarters, talk to Hermione about how happy they were here. Dobby had always loved serving Hogwarts and especially liked Harry Potter and his friends. Winky on the other hand, had a hard time adjusting to the fact her family gave her the boot in their fourth year. Winky battled with a 12 butterbeer a day habit and often passed out in front of the fireplace down in the kitchens. Butterbeer is non alcoholic for a human, but for a house elf, it's as strong as Ogden's Fire Whiskey. It took Winky 3 years to become adjusted to her new life at Hogwarts and to realize she was not shamed when Barty Crouch Sr gave her clothes some years ago. She now realizes he was a bad man, even though she won't openly admit it, as that would be against the code of the house elf.
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Severus got up early the next morning. He swooped down to Greenhouse 2 to begin his first task of the day. He wanted to gather flowers for the night that spelled Hermione's name. This was going to be a daunting task indeed. "Good morning Geri," Severus said as Professor Sprout held the door open for him. Professor Germaine Sprout was a squat little witch. She usually had dirt covering her robes, under her nails, streaking her face, and on occasion you could find a dirt clod in her hair. "Good morning Severus. We were going to make a floral arrangement today weren't we?" she replied absent mindedly to him trying to brush the dirt off of her robes. "Yes," he said trying to refrain from making a disdainful face, "we need flowers that begin with each letter of Hermione's name." "Very well. Let's go see what we've got shall we?" He followed her deeper into the stifling greenhouse. "This hydrangea is beautiful, will this do?" Geri asked of him. "Yes that's fine. If you don't mind, I'll trust your judgment. I've got quite a lot to do and I'm sure you can work faster without consulting me." Severus said to her. Professor Sprout nodded and went off on her mission as Severus sat down on a bench.
Thirty minutes later, she emerged with a beautiful arrangement. "Here you go Severus. There is Hydrangea, red roses, irises, orchids, narcissus, a double portion of eucharis lily because I couldn't find two different flowers that start with an 'E'. Well, at least none that were very pretty. I also added mimosa instead of monkshood. I'm sure you're aware monkshood means beware, as well as chivalry, so I took it upon myself to add the mimosa instead." Geri said timidly. Severus took the huge arrangement from her carefully. "Yes, I'm aware of their meanings. This will do beautifully. Thank you so much Geri," Snape said graciously as he made his way back to his quarters in the dungeons via a back way to avoid being seen.
Through out the rest of the day, Severus made preparations. He used the Scourgify charm in every room of his dungeon to ensure everything was in its proper place. He made his way to Dumbledore's office later that afternoon. Dumbledore's office was the only place in Hogwarts you could Apparate. This was a secret only trusted staff that has been at Hogwarts for years knew of. Hermione didn't even know this little tidbit of information. Severus smiled when he imagined the expression she was going to have when she learned of this. It came in rather handy over the years. He wondered why nobody questioned how Dumbledore could come and go so quickly all those times over the years. He knocked on the door and entered. "Professor Dumbledore, I need to use the Apparating point today," he told Dumbledore. "Yes, I was waiting for you," Dumbledore answered, his blue eyes twinkling. "May I?" Severus said approaching the spot in the room. "Be my guest, Severus," Dumbledore said motioning to the Apparation point. With a loud crack Severus was gone.
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Severus Snape reappeared with a loud crack in the middle of Diagon Alley. He made his way through all of the shopping witches and wizards. He stopped in front of Crescent Moon Jewelers. The sign above the door was bewitched with a charm that made the crescent moon sparkle like diamonds. It had been in operation since 1650. His family has used this jeweler exclusively since the day they opened. He entered the small shop. "Severus Snape!" the small shop keeper behind the counter exclaimed. "How do you do Mr. Moon?" Severus asked shaking his hand. Mr. Moon had worked in the shop since before Severus was born. "Very well. What can I do for you today?" Mr. Moon asked. "I'm looking for a ring," Severus began. "We've got some beautiful silver wizards' rings. I think you'd find..." Mr. Moon began until he was interrupted by Snape. "An engagement ring, Mr. Moon" Severus said hating to interrupt the old man. A twinkle, much like Dumbledore's, appeared in Mr. Moon's hazel eyes. "You've met a young lady, Severus," Mr. Moon said with a smile, "Very well. Come with me then." He led Severus to a case glittering with beautiful rings. "I'd like something with a platinum band, alternating emeralds and rubies along the band with an oval cut diamond in a slightly raised setting in the center. I don't want the diamond too high, because she won't wear it very often if it's intrusive," Severus said. He knew Hermione liked simplicity. He thought the rubies and emeralds would by symbolic of their joining. Severus knew his jewelry. Mr. Moon screwed up his wrinkled face and said, "We don't have anything like that in stock, I'm afraid. By when do you need it?" "Tonight," Severus said beginning to get nervous. Mr. Moon bit his bottom lip and thought a minute. "I could work on it myself and get it made within an hour if you'd like?" Mr. Moon went on, "I've got the jewels you want. I just need to know how many carats the diamond should be." "Show me what you've got," Severus said moving towards the counter with loose diamonds. "In an oval cut, I've got these," he said laying out a black velvet mat and placing each diamond carefully on top. "What quality is this one?" Severus asked pointing at one in particular. "That is an excellent diamond, if I may say so myself. This is 1.10 carats and an E1. Excellent cut, clarity and all of that," Mr. Moon said eyeing the diamond with great pride as if it were one of his children. "That one will do. You say you can have it finished in one hour?" Severus asked. "Yes. One hour. No sooner than that," Mr. Moon said and hurried off to the back room to tend to his craft.
Severus went up to Madam Malkin's shop to see about a new robe. He felt as if he should look nice that night. He purchased a very pretty emerald green evening robe. An evening robe differed from dress robes by the cut and materials used. The evening robe was nicer than a day robe, yet casual enough to keep from looking too formal. Snape never wore any sort of robe except black. He felt as if the emerald green robe would be a nice change. He considered taking out his black contacts for the evening as well. He only wore those because he was light sensitive and they filtered out much of the light. He kept his classroom dark so he didn't need them in class, but he felt more comfortable with them on. They were almost like a shield from the students. If the eyes are the window to the soul, he didn't want them knowing he had a soul. He liked it much better when students feared him. Yes, he would take them out tonight and reveal his soul to Hermione.
He made his way back to Crescent Moon to pick up the ring. Mr. Moon emerged from the back room looking triumphant. "This is the most beautiful ring I have ever laid eyes on, Severus. You truly are an artist," Mr. Moon said smiling, "Would you like to see the finished product?" "Of course," Severus said thinking it was a rather stupid question. Mr. Moon opened the velvet box and Snape's breath caught in his throat. Mr. Moon was right. It was the most beautiful ring he'd ever laid eyes on. He felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. It was going to look beautiful on Hermione's finger. "Thank you, Mr. Moon," Severus said dropping money bag containing the payment into the jeweler's hand. He dropped the velvet box in his pocket and went outside to Apparate back to Hogwarts. With a loud snap, Severus Snape disappeared from Diagon Alley.
When Severus appeared in Dumbledore's office, Dumbledore was waiting for him. "Did you get the ring, Severus?" Dumbledore asked. Knowing full well Dumbledore just knows things without being told, he shouldn't feel dumbstruck, yet he did. "Uh...Yes I did Professor. Would you care to see it?" Severus asked him reaching into his pocket. "No Severus, that's alright. I'll be seeing it soon enough. You have talked to her parents first correct?" Dumbledore ventured. Truth of the matter was Severus had forgotten to do that. The custom may have Dissapated from muggle families, but in the Wizarding World, it was still a very strong custom. "Would it be terribly awful if I waited until afterwards?" he asked Dumbledore. "I'm afraid it would. You have met them already, haven't you?" Dumbledore asked. "Yes, Hermione took me home to her parents several months back. We got on very well," Severus said, "They're linked to the Floo Network because of Hermione. Would it be alright if I used your fireplace to Floo them and ask?" "Of course I don't mind. I should remind you though, you've got two hours until Hermione is due in your quarters," he said with that famous twinkle. Severus went to Dumbledore's fireplace and grabbed some Floo powder out of the jar and threw it into the fire, "The Granger's!"
A moment later his head appeared in the Granger's fireplace. "Hermione? Is that you?" Emma Granger said while coming into the living room. "Severus! How are you dear?" she asked seeing his head in her fireplace. "Fine and how are you Emma?" Severus replied. "Good, good. Robert! Come in here! Severus is in the fireplace!" she yelled to her husband. Mr. Granger came into the living room adjusting his glasses. "Severus, old chap, how are you?" Robert asked jovially. "Very well, Robert. Thank you for asking. Listen, I've come to talk to you," Severus began. He could feel his palms begin to sweat. "Is Hermione alright?" Emma asked sounding worried. "She's fine, Emma. I wanted to ask you for Hermione's hand in marriage. I love her very much and I can't bear to live without her in my life," he said rapidly out of nervousness. Emma kind of...fell onto the ottoman in a daze. Robert stood there surveying Severus. "You realize this wasn't necessary, Severus," Robert began, "but I appreciate it. The Wizarding world has very noble standards and customs that one can only respect. Before I answer your question, I'd like you to answer a few of mine first. Will you make sure my only daughter is happy and well taken care of?" "Yes sir. I would do anything for Hermione. I want her to be blissfully happy and not have to worry about anything," Severus said genuinely. "Will you treat my daughter the way she ought to be treated?" Robert asked. "Of course, sir. I only want the best for Hermione, as you do as well," Severus said. Robert looked towards Emma who was dabbing at her eyes with her apron. She gave Robert a nod and he turned back to the fireplace, "Welcome to the family, Severus." Severus grinned and thanked the Grangers. "This means so much to me. I can't thank you enough. I wish I could stay longer, but I've got preparations to finish for tonight. I'm sure we will be visiting soon. Thank you again." Severus gushed. "Good bye, Severus. Good luck," Robert said with a wave. Snape disappeared from the Granger's fireplace.
"All well?" Dumbledore asked? "It went very well. If you'll excuse me, I must finish preparing," Snape said with a smile. He excused himself from Dumbledore's office and went to his quarters in the dungeons. The lasting charm he had put on the floral arrangement earlier was holding up beautifully. The flowers looked prettier than when Geri brought them to him. Severus took off his robes and put them in the laundry basket and went to take a shower. He scrubbed his hair vigorously and proceeded to shave in the shower. He normally didn't use a pouf in the shower, but Hermione was always gushing about how much she loved hers, he had to try it. She was right. Snape looked like a snowman because of all the hot suds covering his body. He rinsed off and put a towel around his middle. He surveyed his body in the mirror. Within the past 2 years he had bulked up. Severus Snape was no longer tall and scrawny. He began working out after Voldemort's defeat and was rather built now. He had gained at least fifty pounds in pure muscle mass, yet he wasn't grotesquely muscular, but he was definitely big. His once greasy hair was now silky and shiny. Severus had grown it out and it was now past his shoulders. With courageous determination, Snape removed his black contact lenses and put them in their cases. His green eyes were astounding against his snow white complexion and black hair. He grabbed his wand from the counter and pointed it at his head. Laughing at his reflection, he said a charm that Hermione had taught him to dry his hair. He brushed his teeth and hair and went to put on his new emerald robe. "Damn," he muttered under his breath. Grabbing the robe he just took off out of the basket, he pulled the velvet box out of that pocket. "I can't believe I almost did that," Severus said beginning to feel sick to his stomach. He placed the box in his pocket and walked through out his quarters. Everything was in order and Hermione should be arriving any minute.
Hermione stepped out of her hot steamy bath. She smelled like summer strawberries. Grabbing for her red bath robe, she caught a glimpse of herself. Some days she felt so disgusted with herself and could not see anything pretty about her and other days when she looked in the mirror, she thought she was rather pretty. Today was one of the pretty days. Hermione smiled as she wrapped the robe around her wet curvaceous body. She used her hair drying charm and began applying hair potion. Severus liked her hair down, yet he also liked it swept up with a few wisps framing her face. "What am I going to wear?" Hermione asked herself. She couldn't decide how to do her hair unless she knew what she was wearing. Half of her closet was robes and the other half was muggle clothes. Normally, Hermione lived in her robes, yet sometimes she liked wearing her muggle clothes. She decided she would wear a pretty robe over some muggle clothes and take her robe off if she felt like it. Hermione chose a pair of flare legged gray pants and a white button down shirt. Getting down on her hands and knees to search for her black boots with the three inch heel, she found the pearl necklace Severus gave her for Easter. He had put it in a plastic egg and let her find it in his quarters. "Why the hell is my pearl necklace down here?" Hermione asked herself. She couldn't believe she left it there. She put the pearl necklace on and went back to the bathroom to fix her hair and makeup. Hermione decided to do her hair up with the wisps like Severus liked. She applied her makeup with diligence and care. Normally she didn't care about wearing makeup, but she did like to look her best for Severus. Hermione pulled on her white lace thong panties, white lace bra, pants and shirt. She decided to leave her shirt unbuttoned to where her bra peeked out a little. She chose a pretty deep purple evening robe. Giving herself a once over in the mirror, she realized she hadn't done anything about her nails. Hermione grabbed her wand and did a charm that gave her an instant manicure. Her nails were done in a French manicure. "I think that's everything," muttering to herself as she gave herself another once over. She pulled on her boots and started off to Severus's quarters thinking they were simply having a night in.
She knocked on the door to Severus's quarters. "Come in, Hermione," Severus said opening the door, "You look beautiful." "You do too, Severus. I love that color on you. A very nice change from your usual black robes," she said sitting down on the couch. "I'd like to take a rain check on you preparing dinner, if you don't mind, Hermione," he said sitting down next to her. "Why? Wait a minute. Your eyes. They're green. What the...?" Hermione trailed off. "These are my eyes. I have green eyes. I'm very light sensitive so I wear the black contacts to filter the light out," he explained to her. "They're beautiful, Sev," said Hermione entranced in the change. "Thank you. I'm working with Madam Pomfrey on a potion I can take so I won't need them anymore for light sensitivity. I'd still wear black contacts during classes and when I'd be around students, of course. I wouldn't have to wear the special black contacts though," Severus told her. "Why? Why would you hide your eyes if you didn't need your contacts?" she said quite perplexed. "It's complicated to explain. It will probably sound stupid to you, but I don't want students to realize I'm a person and I've got a soul. It makes things easier in class to be honest with you," he said sheepishly. "It's not stupid Sev. I don't understand it, but that doesn't make it stupid. It's your choice. Either way, I feel quite special you decided to reveal your soul to me," she ventured. "You're very welcome. I love you, Hermione. I don't want to keep any secrets from you. Would you like me to send down for dinner and wine?" he asked her. "You heard my tummy growling?" she asked laughing. "A little," he said wrapping an arm around her waist and guiding her into the dining area. She saw the floral arrangement immediately. "Severus, this is beautiful," Hermione said. "I had Professor Sprout arrange it. I had her use flowers that began with a letter of your name. See, we've got hydrangea, eucharis lily, red roses, mimosa, iris, orchids and narcissa," he told her indicating each flower. "Sev that is so sweet of you. Thank you. This is so thoughtful," said Hermione kissing him lightly on the lips. She took off her robe revealing her stunning outfit underneath. "You look even more beautiful without that robe on," Severus said bringing her close to his body. She smiled up at him and wondered what was in store for tonight.
Dobby appeared interrupting the moment. "Excuse Dobby sir and miss. Dobby is not wanting to interrupt, but Dobby has brought up your dinner plates," he said indicating the table. "Hi Dobby," Hermione said smiling at him. "Hello good miss. Dobby is going to get Winky and we is going to tidy up miss's room," Dobby said sensing he was lingering too long. "Don't worry about it too much, Dobby. I left you and Winky some treacle fudge," Hermione said winking to the house elf. "Thank you, miss," Dobby said and with a pop he was gone. "You're very kind to Dobby, Hermione," Severus said to her smiling. "I think if they're going to be doing things for me, I'm going to leave treats for them. I can't knit them anything they can wear, but I can leave them treats like fudge and cookies," she replied sitting down at the table. Severus sat down across from Hermione and put his napkin in his lap. "I really do like that green on you Sev. It really makes your real eyes look brilliant," she said putting her napkin in her lap. The dinner salad appeared on their plates, Hermione's with ranch dressing and Severus's with Italian. Their wine glasses filled with ice cubes and water. They ate their salads in silence except to comment on how good it was. After they both finished their salads the plates were cleaned and their glasses were empty and dry. Seconds later, they both had Halibut Steak Saute with raspberry sauce and steamed vegetables on their plates and their glasses were filled with white wine. Severus pushed his food around nervously. "What's wrong, Sev?" Hermione asked him after taking a sip of wine. "Nothing. Listen, we need to talk," Severus said nervously. "Oh. I see," Hermione said suddenly feeling awkward, "Well, I understand. It's alright. I'll just go." Hermione started to get up out of her seat. "What? No! Hermione, sit down. Where are you going?" Severus asked flustered. "You're breaking up with me aren't you? If you are, just go on and get it over with. Don't drag it out," her voice breaking as she tried to fight back tears. "What? I don't want to break up with you! I wasn't going to break up with you! I just wanted to tell you how much I love you. You're beautiful. You make my heart sing. When I'm with you, everything just feels right. I feel like my heart is about to burst with love and joy," Severus said getting out of his chair and going to kneel beside her. He wiped a lone tear from her cheek and kissed her hand. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Hermione, will you marry me?" Severus asked pulling the box from his pocket and offering it to her. She looked as if Severus had sprouted a unicorn horn in the middle of his forehead. It took her a few minutes to realize what he was asking. She took the box with shaky hands and opened it. She drew in a sharp breath and put her hand over her mouth. "Severus!! My God!! This ring is beautiful!" She took it out of the box with shaky hands. Severus took it from her and slipped it on her left hand's ring finger. He took her hand in both of his and kissed it. "So will you marry me Hermione Granger? Will you make me the happiest man on the face of the earth?" Severus asked her. "Y..Yes! Yes, Sev!" she exclaimed. She hugged him tight and kissed him. She started crying again, but from happiness this time. "I wasn't going to propose until dessert, but I had to act fast, otherwise you would have walked out because of a misunderstanding," Severus explained wiping her tears. She laughed and kissed him again. "I'm sorry Sev. I'm sorry to spoil your plan," she said. "It's alright baby," he ventured. She kissed Severus for what seemed like an eternity. He slowly got up, trying to ignore the heat coursing through out his body. He sat back down in his chair and tapped the dinner plate so the fish and wine disappeared. Creme brulee and champagne emerged in its place. He raised his champagne glass and she did too. "To us," Severus said. Hermione smiled, "To us." He wanted to take her to his bed so badly. Hermione delicately licked a bit of champagne off her lips and Severus couldn't take anymore. "BED! NOW!" Severus growled as he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder.
"I love you Severus," Hermione said as she lay back onto a pillow completely exhausted. "I love you too, Hermione," Severus said taking in her beauty. Her long dark hair lay around her. She was flushed yet had a beautiful glow around her. Her eyes were slowly closing and a small smile played on her lips. He ran a finger along her soft skin. She looked absolutely beautiful nude wearing nothing but the pearl necklace he gave her and her ring. Her left hand was lying on her tummy. Severus couldn't believe this beautiful creature was going to be his wife.
****4th installment should be coming soon. this really drained me so I need some time to recollect my thoughts*****
SSJ
