A/N: The world of Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling. I am just having fun
playing with her characters. This story is rated R for a reason. You have
been warned.
Chapter Nine
"What's wrong then, love?" Severus asked as he moved over to her, concern etched into his face. He conjured up a chair and sat down holding her hand and gazing at her worried beyond belief.
"I feel fine now; Poppy gave me a potion to help." Hermione smiled slightly at him but he noticed that there was something still wrong; he could see it in her eyes.
"A potion to help with what?" Severus asked as he looked around for a discarded vial. "Which potion was it?"
"Severus." She said catching his full attention again.
"Tell me, love. What is wrong?"
Hermione had tears in her eyes and Severus pulled her into a sitting position and hugged her tightly as he felt a pang in his throat and stomach, something must be seriously wrong. "Severus, I'm pregnant." She said in a small voice. There was a moment, a long moment of utter stillness as he held her. It seemed as though Severus was holding his breath and was completely motionless, his brain working at ten to the dozen.
Pregnant?
"Severus, I'm sorry." She said as tears fell down her cheeks leaving track marks and wetting Severus' shoulder where they landed.
"What ever for, Hermione?" He asked pulling back so he could look her in the eyes.
"I was using the anti-menstruation potion and I did not tell you. I had no idea it would cause the contraceptive potion to be rendered useless." She sniffed and pulled away from him even more so. "Severus. I will not abort it, so if you do not want the baby then tell me now and we can. end. our relationship. I will not hold it against you." She said even more quietly and looked utterly devastated and completely lost.
"Hermione. I do not want you to abort. I'm just shocked but do not misconstrue my feelings in any way." Severus said, looking her directly in the eyes for emphasis and holding her gaze. "I know we've never talked about having a family but know this, I want this baby, I love you and we will be parents! Of course now we simply must marry as soon as we can for I will not have this child born to unmarried parents."
"Oh, Severus. I love you so much!" Hermione said as a huge grin erupted on her face and she brushed her tears away. She embraced him tightly, kissing him soundly on the lips. He kissed her back, his tongue running along her bottom lip asking for entrance, which she happily obliged to. Their tongues began duelling as they slowly kissed one another. Severus sat on the edge of her bed and she pulled him down towards her, pressing her chest to his as much as she could.
"Ah-hem." There was a noise of someone clearing their throat rather loudly and Hermione and Severus broke free quickly turning to look at the intruder, it was Poppy. "You two, this is a hospital. I cannot permit you to continue your celebrations here. Hermione you are discharged. Now, congratulations to the pair of you and have a very merry Christmas. I am leaving now for my son's." With that they all left the hospital wing and Poppy locked and warded the doors.
"Thank you, Poppy, and have a good Christmas." Hermione told her as she held Severus' hand in the corridor outside of the hospital wing.
"Merry Christmas, Poppy." Severus told her and her look of shock was priceless. She had never heard Severus Snape once wish anyone a Merry Christmas for as long as she had known him. Wonders would never cease.
"Hermione, love. We need to talk." Severus said moving closely to her and looking her in the eyes again.
"I agree but not right now, Severus. Talk later. I have other things. more pressing urges on my mind right now." She said smiling at him with a glint in her eye and moving to press her body closely to his again.
"Then. your place or mine?" He asked grinning seductively at her.
"How about the Astronomy Tower? No students are here and the castle is almost deserted." She said mischievously, he chuckled and let her lead the way.
~~*~~
They pushed the door open to the tower and both laughed as they pulled each other into the room, carefully locking and warding the door behind them.
"I love you, Professor Granger." Severus told her as he kissed her lightly on the nose.
"I love you too, Professor Snape." She said kissing him back on the lips and running her fingers through his hair as both of their heart rates began to race.
Hermione removed Severus' outer robe and laid it down on the floor, she then placed her own on top of it and applied a cushioning charm. They quickly moved as they divested each other of all their clothing before finally lying down on top of their robes, breathing deeply and holding each other close side by side.
"Hermione, is this comfortable for you?" He asked her as his erection slowly began to scream for attention.
"Yes, Severus, more than satisfactory. I want you and nothing else matters." She replied as she pulled him on top of her and kissed him deeply. She had missed him so much these past few weeks and was determined to make love to him as thoroughly as she could.
They kissed each other for a long time, duelling their tongues for control while exploring each others body with their hands reacquainting themselves with one another. Severus kissed down her jaw, moving down her neck stopping long enough to leave his mark on her neck before continuing down to her collar bones and finally onto her right nipple, which he proceeded to suck and lick gently.
Hermione ran her fingers through his hair again as Severus placed his right thigh up against her clitoris and she rubbed herself against it, working herself into more of a frenzy. His hand moved to caress her right breast as he moved his mouth onto her left one and sucked at her nipple, bringing it to a hard nub as he had her other.
Severus removed his thigh and settled down on top of her as her legs wrapped themselves around his hips and she pulled him towards her forcefully. He entered her quickly, gazing into her eyes intently as his erection filled her completely.
"I love you, Hermione." Severus whispered as he thrust in and out of her building up his pace and moving more quickly and forcefully. Hermione quickly rolled over and pushed Severus down onto his back as she sat upon him, his erection still throbbing inside her. She began to rock her hips and he placed his hands onto her hips guiding her movements as they built up a steady rhythm again before Severus rolled Hermione back onto her back as they both vied for control. Finally reaching a point of climax they both shouted each others names before collapsing into a tangle of arms and legs completely exhausted.
They settled into a passionate kiss that was searing with the excitement gained from the knowledge that they were going to be parents before curling up in each others arms and falling asleep quickly in the after glow of their love making.
Severus woke up first as the chill in the tower room became more pronounced. Still holding Hermione close to him he grasped his wand and muttered a warming charm to keep the room at a suitable temperature. Severus then began to place light kisses on Hermione's face and moving slightly he was able to continue placing them as he moved down her body slowly. As he reached her lower abdomen she began to stir and slowly opened her eyes as he brought two fingers to her entrance and lightly pushed them inside, stroking gently.
"Severus, my love, this is a very pleasant way to wake up." She said as she stretched her body and came to full orientation. She realised that they were still in the Astronomy Tower and night was falling as she looked up at the charmed ceiling and saw the stars begin to twinkle against the darkening blue sky.
Severus moved his head down a little more and began to kiss her clitoris, slowly licking and rubbing it with his tongue as his fingers continued to push in and out of her entrance.
"Ohhh. that feels sooo good, Severus. I don't want you to ever stop. I could stay like this for eternity." Hermione breathed out as Severus continued to work her with his mouth. Severus inwardly smiled at her and he felt his erection growing impatient again. He moved his mouth back up her body and sucked on both of her nipples before finally claiming her mouth again for another searing kiss.
"I do not want to stop doing this to you, Hermione but I won't last much longer and I want to be inside you when I come, love." He spoke softly against her lips.
"I want you behind me, Severus." Hermione told him breathlessly and she rolled over onto her front and rose up onto her hands and knees offering her self to him. Severus rose up onto his knees and moved in behind her placing his hands on her hips he entered he slowly, getting himself comfortable before he started to pound into her with carefully controlled frenzy. He moved his right arm around to her abdomen, pulling her back towards him as he pounded into her from behind. He used his left hand to caress her clitoris from the front, ensuring that when he came, she would be able to reach her orgasm too.
Hermione pulled her head back and searched for Severus' mouth, which he was only too happy to supply as he thrust several times more before releasing into her seconds after she came and stifled a scream against his lips.
This time they lay down beside one another in the fashion that spoons would stack, with Hermione in front of Severus and he cuddling her from behind. They did not go to sleep this time. They simply lay in silence for a few minutes as their heart rates decreased to normal.
"Severus."
"Yes, my love?" He asked kissing her on the back of her neck.
"I love you." She smiled and giggled slightly.
"I love you too."
She giggled again having wanted to say something else entirely. "Seriously, I."
"Oh? That wasn't serious?" He asked raising his eyebrow in mock anger as she turned her head in order to see him a little better.
"Of course it was, I just meant to say something else, that's all."
"Oh, and what might that be then?"
"Would you prefer a son or a daughter?" He moved his hand to her abdomen where the baby was growing and smiled.
"I don't prefer one over the other, love. I would like one of each though." This caused her to raise her eyebrow. Severus Snape the family man?
"I would as well. perhaps more." The stars were out in full force tonight as they both looked up and lapsed into silence.
~~*~~
They woke as the early morning light filled the Astronomy Tower and the sound of birds echoed from the Forbidden Forest across the school grounds. The day promised to be another crisp, December, weak-sun filled day. Perhaps they would both go for a stroll later?
Hermione and Severus both sat up from the floor and stretched slightly. "Good morning, love. Sleep well?" Severus asked as he placed a kiss on her shoulder and then one on her lips as she turned to look at him.
"Quite well, although I don't think I'll fall asleep on the floor again, cushioning charm or not." She chuckled.
"Come on. Let's get dressed and go down to breakfast. You need to eat, after all, you are eating for two now." Severus said as he helped her up from the floor and found their clothes, which had been strewn all over the place in their haste the previous night.
Once dressed the two left the Astronomy Tower and headed down towards the Great Hall for breakfast.
Breakfast was a quiet affair since all of the students were gone as well as the bulk of the teachers. Hermione sat down at the table as Severus pulled her chair out for her before sitting down himself and they both helped themselves to a variety of breakfast foods available on the table before them. They were currently alone at the table as the other teachers would filter down whenever they were ready to, the holidays being quite lax with regards to meal times.
"Ah, good morning, Hermione and Severus." Albus Dumbledore said as he entered the hall and made his way to the table.
"Good morning, Albus." They both greeted with a smile as he sat himself down and started to pile his plate with strawberry pancakes and honey.
"I trust you are both well? You certainly look the picture of health this morning, Hermione." Albus complimented her with a knowing twinkle in his eyes.
"Yes, Poppy gave me a potion to help with the symptoms." Hermione responded.
"The symptoms of what, dear?" Albus asked.
"Hermione is pregnant, Albus." Severus told him, a proud grin emerging onto his face.
"Well, congratulations are most certainly in order." Albus said ginning from ear to ear and lifting his tea cup in a silent toast.
"Thank you, Albus." Hermione smiled as Severus squeezed her hand.
"And when is the baby due?"
"In about six month's time. So I will at least be available for teaching until after the exams." Hermione told him.
"Oh, don't you worry about that. I actually have wanted to tell you and Lavendar that I've found a new Muggle Studies teacher so this will take some pressure off the both of you."
"Oh, that is good news, Albus. Who will it be?" Hermione asked.
"He will arrive for the start of the new term. He is Winston Saville, from the Department of Muggle Liaisons at the Ministry."
"What about the other positions, Albus? Have you managed to fill those yet?" Severus asked as he took a spoonful of porridge.
"Well, Michael Creevy is still indisposed until April but I have managed to find a new librarian. Wilhelm Blott. He is the grandson on Conrad Blott, one of the founders of Flourish and Blott's."
"But what about Penny?" Hermione asked. Penny hadn't told her she would be leaving or anything like that.
"Penny is going to take over as permanent Charms professor, that way she has more time as Head of Ravenclaw." Albus told them.
"Then what about Lavendar and Ron?" Hermione asked.
"Ron is to be the flying instructor as he was employed to do but we are also introducing some more sports to the curriculum. It doesn't seem fair to simply have Quidditch with so many of our students never having heard of the sport before they come to Hogwarts. Therefore, Ron has decided to offer a Muggle sport by the name of baseball."
"Well, this is certainly a change, Albus." Severus told him. "And what exactly is baseball?"
Hermione laughed out loud as Ron and his family came into the hall and sat down.
"Good morning." Ron and Lavendar said as they sat Emily between them in a transfigured high chair so that she could reach the table.
"What's funny, Hermione?" Ron asked.
"Severus asking what baseball is." She replied.
"Oh," Ron chuckled. "Well, it's a Muggle sport I got interested in after many years of visiting America with my young Quidditch team. It consists of two teams of players who either field or bat. A baseball is pitched to the batter who hits it and then tries to run round four bases before the ball reaches one of those bases and knocks the batter out of the game. It's played on the ground with a ball about three times the size of a snitch and the teams are larger than in Quidditch so more people can get involved."
"It should prove to be very interesting and a good source of entertainment for all." Albus told Severus, who still didn't seem too convinced.
"Anyway, Lavendar. Albus is telling us you will not be teaching Charms or Muggle Studies anymore, what will you be doing?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, I'm going to be a substitute teacher for those who need me and also taking it easy for a while." Hermione raised her eyebrows in question.
"We're going to have another baby, Hermione. well, twins actually." Ron told them.
Hermione smiled warmly. "Congratulations you two! Severus and I are expecting our first as well."
"Wow! Hermione that's great. Congratulations to both of you." Ron said and Lavendar echoed his comments.
"So, when are they due then?" Hermione asked.
"The middle of July." Lavendar said. "And yours?"
"The end of May." Hermione replied.
"We shall have a feast tonight in celebration I think." Albus said to them all and the evening was set.
~~*~~
The day was warming slowly but Severus and Hermione both had their thick woollen cloaks on as they strolled outside and headed for the lake. Severus took hold of Hermione's hand and interlocked her fingers with his. His hand was lovely and warm to the touch and she pushed her other hand deep down into her robe pocket to stop the chill.
"So, I guess we should talk?" Hermione said as they headed off down the rolling lawns towards a bench over looking the lake.
"Yes, we do have a great deal to discuss."
"Okay, let's start with the wedding then." Hermione suggested.
"Yes, we should agree on a date." Severus replied as he cast a warming charm on the bench and they both sat down close to one another.
"Well, you want to marry before the birth and I don't want to be looking too pregnant when we do get married so I guess it will have to be soon. I should start to show over the next month I think."
"It should be in the holidays and as the next ones are not until Easter we only have a choice really of these ones." Severus commented.
"Yes, so within the next three weeks then?" Hermione asked. Could it be done she wondered?
"Agreed." Severus said. "Now, where do you want to get married and we still need a date?"
"I thought the small church in Hogsmede. What about you?"
"I thought the same actually, love. I also thought Christmas Eve."
"Christmas Eve is only nine days away, Severus!" Hermione exclaimed; when on earth would they have time to plan everything even with this being the holidays?
"I know but I think it's a special day and at least we'd spend our Christmas as a married couple rather than living in sin." Severus said with a grin.
"But would we be ready in time? A wedding is a nightmare to organise; I remember my cousin's wedding took about a year to get sorted. And they are so expensive as well... especially the bigger ones."
"Hermione, it will be a Wizarding ceremony and far less organisation than a normal Muggle affair." He told her. "I'd prefer a small ceremony as well."
"As would I, just the bear minimum of fuss and guests. Actually most of who I'd want to invite couldn't come anyway as they are Muggles and know nothing of our world." She said a little sad at this fact.
"Are you up for a small trip?" Severus asked.
"To where?" She asked.
"Hogsmede. We should speak to the Overseer if he is available."
"Overseer? Is he like a vicar?"
"Yes, but a wizard with the power and authority to magically bond a couple in marriage. He is somewhat religious as well." Hermione nodded and they both stood up and headed off to Hogsmede.
Pushing open the door to the old church, Severus allowed Hermione to precede him through and into the cavernous room. It was fairly dim inside, the only light filtering through a huge stained glass windows and from a couple of torches ensconced on the wall near the alter. Instead of crosses showing a crucifixion on the wall Hermione saw many wizard paintings which housed the previous High Overseers such as Merlin and Morganna as well as Joan of Arc and a number Hermione did not recognise.
They stepped down the aisle between the rows of pughes and moved towards the alter when Hermione caught sight of something moving out of the corner of her eye and stopped suddenly, Severus banging into her when he hadn't noticed she'd halted.
"Good morning to you both. Professors up at the school are you not?" A man dressed in purple robes asked as he made his way towards them from the side room he had stepped out of. He was an elderly Wizard with long grey hair and long goatee beard. He did not look as old as Dumbledore however and he was slightly shorter than Severus. His eyes were blue and he moved as though he was in the prime of his life.
"Overseer." Severus bowed his head slightly in greeting. "You are correct of course, my fiancé and I both teach at Hogwarts."
"Ah, you are to be married. Yes, I see a good aura around you both, much in love I see. And to be parents as well." The Overseer stated as he noticed a second aura surrounding Hermione's abdomen and smiled warmly at them both.
"How did you know that, Sir?" Hermione asked; she was not even beginning to show signs of pregnancy. well, other than the sickness and lethargy she had experienced, which thanks to the potion no longer existed.
"Hermione, the Overseer has the ability to see our auras and that of an unborn child." Severus told her as he moved to stand beside instead of behind her, she nodded in understanding.
"So, you wish to marry and this is your chosen place for the ceremony?" The Overseer asked.
"Yes. We thought we should marry soon and this being the school holidays, it is the perfect time of year." Severus told him.
"Yes, one of the most magical times as well." The Overseer said as he motioned for them to approach the front rows of seats and sit down. "Do you have a date in mind?"
"We thought perhaps Christmas Eve?" Hermione said with a hopeful look on her face.
"Hmmm." The Overseer began as he stood up and paced slightly as he thought. "Will it be the full Wizarding ceremony?"
"Oh, yes. It has to be. I am from an old pure blooded family, Overseer." Severus told him.
"What does this full ceremony entail exactly and how long does it take?" Hermione asked having no idea since she'd only attended Muggle ceremonies before.
"Well, you need a full council of elders to be present in order for the bonding to work. The council consists of an Overseer to preside over the ceremony, a representative from the High Wizengamot, two heads of the respective households and a total of four close friends of the two being married. They chant a special verse from the Book of Merlin whilst the Overseer binds the hands of the couple with the sacred ribbons." The Overseer told them both. "The ceremony lasts for about an hour in total. The problem is just being able to pull together your council of elders as this is up to yourselves who you will have attend. Also, the close friends must have been steadfast since childhood, any old friend will not do. You should already know from your hearts who you want to attend. If they are passed on then you can summon them in spirit form for the hour."
"So, can we have the ceremony here on Christmas Eve then?" Hermione asked beginning to get excited.
"Oh, most certainly." The Overseer told them. "And do you want me to preside over the ceremony for you or do you have someone else in mind?"
"No, we would be happy if you could perform the ceremony, Overseer." Severus told him, and he nodded in acceptance.
"Then if there is nothing else I will leave you to look around if you like." The Overseer bowed and left the main hall for his side room again.
"So, the date is set, the ceremony is to be carried out here and we have an Overseer." Severus began.
"What time will the ceremony be, Severus?" Hermione asked him.
"The usual time, love." She looked at him confused her cousin had been married at 11am and her friend at 2 pm so there was no normal time as far as she knew. "Eleven at night love. The ceremony lasts one hour so that by the very start of the new day we will be married."
"Oh, right." Hermione said, grinning sheepishly.
"Shall we head back to school? We still need to sort out our Council, and I believe we have more things to discuss."
They got back up, left the church and headed off for Hogwarts.
Chapter Nine
"What's wrong then, love?" Severus asked as he moved over to her, concern etched into his face. He conjured up a chair and sat down holding her hand and gazing at her worried beyond belief.
"I feel fine now; Poppy gave me a potion to help." Hermione smiled slightly at him but he noticed that there was something still wrong; he could see it in her eyes.
"A potion to help with what?" Severus asked as he looked around for a discarded vial. "Which potion was it?"
"Severus." She said catching his full attention again.
"Tell me, love. What is wrong?"
Hermione had tears in her eyes and Severus pulled her into a sitting position and hugged her tightly as he felt a pang in his throat and stomach, something must be seriously wrong. "Severus, I'm pregnant." She said in a small voice. There was a moment, a long moment of utter stillness as he held her. It seemed as though Severus was holding his breath and was completely motionless, his brain working at ten to the dozen.
Pregnant?
"Severus, I'm sorry." She said as tears fell down her cheeks leaving track marks and wetting Severus' shoulder where they landed.
"What ever for, Hermione?" He asked pulling back so he could look her in the eyes.
"I was using the anti-menstruation potion and I did not tell you. I had no idea it would cause the contraceptive potion to be rendered useless." She sniffed and pulled away from him even more so. "Severus. I will not abort it, so if you do not want the baby then tell me now and we can. end. our relationship. I will not hold it against you." She said even more quietly and looked utterly devastated and completely lost.
"Hermione. I do not want you to abort. I'm just shocked but do not misconstrue my feelings in any way." Severus said, looking her directly in the eyes for emphasis and holding her gaze. "I know we've never talked about having a family but know this, I want this baby, I love you and we will be parents! Of course now we simply must marry as soon as we can for I will not have this child born to unmarried parents."
"Oh, Severus. I love you so much!" Hermione said as a huge grin erupted on her face and she brushed her tears away. She embraced him tightly, kissing him soundly on the lips. He kissed her back, his tongue running along her bottom lip asking for entrance, which she happily obliged to. Their tongues began duelling as they slowly kissed one another. Severus sat on the edge of her bed and she pulled him down towards her, pressing her chest to his as much as she could.
"Ah-hem." There was a noise of someone clearing their throat rather loudly and Hermione and Severus broke free quickly turning to look at the intruder, it was Poppy. "You two, this is a hospital. I cannot permit you to continue your celebrations here. Hermione you are discharged. Now, congratulations to the pair of you and have a very merry Christmas. I am leaving now for my son's." With that they all left the hospital wing and Poppy locked and warded the doors.
"Thank you, Poppy, and have a good Christmas." Hermione told her as she held Severus' hand in the corridor outside of the hospital wing.
"Merry Christmas, Poppy." Severus told her and her look of shock was priceless. She had never heard Severus Snape once wish anyone a Merry Christmas for as long as she had known him. Wonders would never cease.
"Hermione, love. We need to talk." Severus said moving closely to her and looking her in the eyes again.
"I agree but not right now, Severus. Talk later. I have other things. more pressing urges on my mind right now." She said smiling at him with a glint in her eye and moving to press her body closely to his again.
"Then. your place or mine?" He asked grinning seductively at her.
"How about the Astronomy Tower? No students are here and the castle is almost deserted." She said mischievously, he chuckled and let her lead the way.
~~*~~
They pushed the door open to the tower and both laughed as they pulled each other into the room, carefully locking and warding the door behind them.
"I love you, Professor Granger." Severus told her as he kissed her lightly on the nose.
"I love you too, Professor Snape." She said kissing him back on the lips and running her fingers through his hair as both of their heart rates began to race.
Hermione removed Severus' outer robe and laid it down on the floor, she then placed her own on top of it and applied a cushioning charm. They quickly moved as they divested each other of all their clothing before finally lying down on top of their robes, breathing deeply and holding each other close side by side.
"Hermione, is this comfortable for you?" He asked her as his erection slowly began to scream for attention.
"Yes, Severus, more than satisfactory. I want you and nothing else matters." She replied as she pulled him on top of her and kissed him deeply. She had missed him so much these past few weeks and was determined to make love to him as thoroughly as she could.
They kissed each other for a long time, duelling their tongues for control while exploring each others body with their hands reacquainting themselves with one another. Severus kissed down her jaw, moving down her neck stopping long enough to leave his mark on her neck before continuing down to her collar bones and finally onto her right nipple, which he proceeded to suck and lick gently.
Hermione ran her fingers through his hair again as Severus placed his right thigh up against her clitoris and she rubbed herself against it, working herself into more of a frenzy. His hand moved to caress her right breast as he moved his mouth onto her left one and sucked at her nipple, bringing it to a hard nub as he had her other.
Severus removed his thigh and settled down on top of her as her legs wrapped themselves around his hips and she pulled him towards her forcefully. He entered her quickly, gazing into her eyes intently as his erection filled her completely.
"I love you, Hermione." Severus whispered as he thrust in and out of her building up his pace and moving more quickly and forcefully. Hermione quickly rolled over and pushed Severus down onto his back as she sat upon him, his erection still throbbing inside her. She began to rock her hips and he placed his hands onto her hips guiding her movements as they built up a steady rhythm again before Severus rolled Hermione back onto her back as they both vied for control. Finally reaching a point of climax they both shouted each others names before collapsing into a tangle of arms and legs completely exhausted.
They settled into a passionate kiss that was searing with the excitement gained from the knowledge that they were going to be parents before curling up in each others arms and falling asleep quickly in the after glow of their love making.
Severus woke up first as the chill in the tower room became more pronounced. Still holding Hermione close to him he grasped his wand and muttered a warming charm to keep the room at a suitable temperature. Severus then began to place light kisses on Hermione's face and moving slightly he was able to continue placing them as he moved down her body slowly. As he reached her lower abdomen she began to stir and slowly opened her eyes as he brought two fingers to her entrance and lightly pushed them inside, stroking gently.
"Severus, my love, this is a very pleasant way to wake up." She said as she stretched her body and came to full orientation. She realised that they were still in the Astronomy Tower and night was falling as she looked up at the charmed ceiling and saw the stars begin to twinkle against the darkening blue sky.
Severus moved his head down a little more and began to kiss her clitoris, slowly licking and rubbing it with his tongue as his fingers continued to push in and out of her entrance.
"Ohhh. that feels sooo good, Severus. I don't want you to ever stop. I could stay like this for eternity." Hermione breathed out as Severus continued to work her with his mouth. Severus inwardly smiled at her and he felt his erection growing impatient again. He moved his mouth back up her body and sucked on both of her nipples before finally claiming her mouth again for another searing kiss.
"I do not want to stop doing this to you, Hermione but I won't last much longer and I want to be inside you when I come, love." He spoke softly against her lips.
"I want you behind me, Severus." Hermione told him breathlessly and she rolled over onto her front and rose up onto her hands and knees offering her self to him. Severus rose up onto his knees and moved in behind her placing his hands on her hips he entered he slowly, getting himself comfortable before he started to pound into her with carefully controlled frenzy. He moved his right arm around to her abdomen, pulling her back towards him as he pounded into her from behind. He used his left hand to caress her clitoris from the front, ensuring that when he came, she would be able to reach her orgasm too.
Hermione pulled her head back and searched for Severus' mouth, which he was only too happy to supply as he thrust several times more before releasing into her seconds after she came and stifled a scream against his lips.
This time they lay down beside one another in the fashion that spoons would stack, with Hermione in front of Severus and he cuddling her from behind. They did not go to sleep this time. They simply lay in silence for a few minutes as their heart rates decreased to normal.
"Severus."
"Yes, my love?" He asked kissing her on the back of her neck.
"I love you." She smiled and giggled slightly.
"I love you too."
She giggled again having wanted to say something else entirely. "Seriously, I."
"Oh? That wasn't serious?" He asked raising his eyebrow in mock anger as she turned her head in order to see him a little better.
"Of course it was, I just meant to say something else, that's all."
"Oh, and what might that be then?"
"Would you prefer a son or a daughter?" He moved his hand to her abdomen where the baby was growing and smiled.
"I don't prefer one over the other, love. I would like one of each though." This caused her to raise her eyebrow. Severus Snape the family man?
"I would as well. perhaps more." The stars were out in full force tonight as they both looked up and lapsed into silence.
~~*~~
They woke as the early morning light filled the Astronomy Tower and the sound of birds echoed from the Forbidden Forest across the school grounds. The day promised to be another crisp, December, weak-sun filled day. Perhaps they would both go for a stroll later?
Hermione and Severus both sat up from the floor and stretched slightly. "Good morning, love. Sleep well?" Severus asked as he placed a kiss on her shoulder and then one on her lips as she turned to look at him.
"Quite well, although I don't think I'll fall asleep on the floor again, cushioning charm or not." She chuckled.
"Come on. Let's get dressed and go down to breakfast. You need to eat, after all, you are eating for two now." Severus said as he helped her up from the floor and found their clothes, which had been strewn all over the place in their haste the previous night.
Once dressed the two left the Astronomy Tower and headed down towards the Great Hall for breakfast.
Breakfast was a quiet affair since all of the students were gone as well as the bulk of the teachers. Hermione sat down at the table as Severus pulled her chair out for her before sitting down himself and they both helped themselves to a variety of breakfast foods available on the table before them. They were currently alone at the table as the other teachers would filter down whenever they were ready to, the holidays being quite lax with regards to meal times.
"Ah, good morning, Hermione and Severus." Albus Dumbledore said as he entered the hall and made his way to the table.
"Good morning, Albus." They both greeted with a smile as he sat himself down and started to pile his plate with strawberry pancakes and honey.
"I trust you are both well? You certainly look the picture of health this morning, Hermione." Albus complimented her with a knowing twinkle in his eyes.
"Yes, Poppy gave me a potion to help with the symptoms." Hermione responded.
"The symptoms of what, dear?" Albus asked.
"Hermione is pregnant, Albus." Severus told him, a proud grin emerging onto his face.
"Well, congratulations are most certainly in order." Albus said ginning from ear to ear and lifting his tea cup in a silent toast.
"Thank you, Albus." Hermione smiled as Severus squeezed her hand.
"And when is the baby due?"
"In about six month's time. So I will at least be available for teaching until after the exams." Hermione told him.
"Oh, don't you worry about that. I actually have wanted to tell you and Lavendar that I've found a new Muggle Studies teacher so this will take some pressure off the both of you."
"Oh, that is good news, Albus. Who will it be?" Hermione asked.
"He will arrive for the start of the new term. He is Winston Saville, from the Department of Muggle Liaisons at the Ministry."
"What about the other positions, Albus? Have you managed to fill those yet?" Severus asked as he took a spoonful of porridge.
"Well, Michael Creevy is still indisposed until April but I have managed to find a new librarian. Wilhelm Blott. He is the grandson on Conrad Blott, one of the founders of Flourish and Blott's."
"But what about Penny?" Hermione asked. Penny hadn't told her she would be leaving or anything like that.
"Penny is going to take over as permanent Charms professor, that way she has more time as Head of Ravenclaw." Albus told them.
"Then what about Lavendar and Ron?" Hermione asked.
"Ron is to be the flying instructor as he was employed to do but we are also introducing some more sports to the curriculum. It doesn't seem fair to simply have Quidditch with so many of our students never having heard of the sport before they come to Hogwarts. Therefore, Ron has decided to offer a Muggle sport by the name of baseball."
"Well, this is certainly a change, Albus." Severus told him. "And what exactly is baseball?"
Hermione laughed out loud as Ron and his family came into the hall and sat down.
"Good morning." Ron and Lavendar said as they sat Emily between them in a transfigured high chair so that she could reach the table.
"What's funny, Hermione?" Ron asked.
"Severus asking what baseball is." She replied.
"Oh," Ron chuckled. "Well, it's a Muggle sport I got interested in after many years of visiting America with my young Quidditch team. It consists of two teams of players who either field or bat. A baseball is pitched to the batter who hits it and then tries to run round four bases before the ball reaches one of those bases and knocks the batter out of the game. It's played on the ground with a ball about three times the size of a snitch and the teams are larger than in Quidditch so more people can get involved."
"It should prove to be very interesting and a good source of entertainment for all." Albus told Severus, who still didn't seem too convinced.
"Anyway, Lavendar. Albus is telling us you will not be teaching Charms or Muggle Studies anymore, what will you be doing?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, I'm going to be a substitute teacher for those who need me and also taking it easy for a while." Hermione raised her eyebrows in question.
"We're going to have another baby, Hermione. well, twins actually." Ron told them.
Hermione smiled warmly. "Congratulations you two! Severus and I are expecting our first as well."
"Wow! Hermione that's great. Congratulations to both of you." Ron said and Lavendar echoed his comments.
"So, when are they due then?" Hermione asked.
"The middle of July." Lavendar said. "And yours?"
"The end of May." Hermione replied.
"We shall have a feast tonight in celebration I think." Albus said to them all and the evening was set.
~~*~~
The day was warming slowly but Severus and Hermione both had their thick woollen cloaks on as they strolled outside and headed for the lake. Severus took hold of Hermione's hand and interlocked her fingers with his. His hand was lovely and warm to the touch and she pushed her other hand deep down into her robe pocket to stop the chill.
"So, I guess we should talk?" Hermione said as they headed off down the rolling lawns towards a bench over looking the lake.
"Yes, we do have a great deal to discuss."
"Okay, let's start with the wedding then." Hermione suggested.
"Yes, we should agree on a date." Severus replied as he cast a warming charm on the bench and they both sat down close to one another.
"Well, you want to marry before the birth and I don't want to be looking too pregnant when we do get married so I guess it will have to be soon. I should start to show over the next month I think."
"It should be in the holidays and as the next ones are not until Easter we only have a choice really of these ones." Severus commented.
"Yes, so within the next three weeks then?" Hermione asked. Could it be done she wondered?
"Agreed." Severus said. "Now, where do you want to get married and we still need a date?"
"I thought the small church in Hogsmede. What about you?"
"I thought the same actually, love. I also thought Christmas Eve."
"Christmas Eve is only nine days away, Severus!" Hermione exclaimed; when on earth would they have time to plan everything even with this being the holidays?
"I know but I think it's a special day and at least we'd spend our Christmas as a married couple rather than living in sin." Severus said with a grin.
"But would we be ready in time? A wedding is a nightmare to organise; I remember my cousin's wedding took about a year to get sorted. And they are so expensive as well... especially the bigger ones."
"Hermione, it will be a Wizarding ceremony and far less organisation than a normal Muggle affair." He told her. "I'd prefer a small ceremony as well."
"As would I, just the bear minimum of fuss and guests. Actually most of who I'd want to invite couldn't come anyway as they are Muggles and know nothing of our world." She said a little sad at this fact.
"Are you up for a small trip?" Severus asked.
"To where?" She asked.
"Hogsmede. We should speak to the Overseer if he is available."
"Overseer? Is he like a vicar?"
"Yes, but a wizard with the power and authority to magically bond a couple in marriage. He is somewhat religious as well." Hermione nodded and they both stood up and headed off to Hogsmede.
Pushing open the door to the old church, Severus allowed Hermione to precede him through and into the cavernous room. It was fairly dim inside, the only light filtering through a huge stained glass windows and from a couple of torches ensconced on the wall near the alter. Instead of crosses showing a crucifixion on the wall Hermione saw many wizard paintings which housed the previous High Overseers such as Merlin and Morganna as well as Joan of Arc and a number Hermione did not recognise.
They stepped down the aisle between the rows of pughes and moved towards the alter when Hermione caught sight of something moving out of the corner of her eye and stopped suddenly, Severus banging into her when he hadn't noticed she'd halted.
"Good morning to you both. Professors up at the school are you not?" A man dressed in purple robes asked as he made his way towards them from the side room he had stepped out of. He was an elderly Wizard with long grey hair and long goatee beard. He did not look as old as Dumbledore however and he was slightly shorter than Severus. His eyes were blue and he moved as though he was in the prime of his life.
"Overseer." Severus bowed his head slightly in greeting. "You are correct of course, my fiancé and I both teach at Hogwarts."
"Ah, you are to be married. Yes, I see a good aura around you both, much in love I see. And to be parents as well." The Overseer stated as he noticed a second aura surrounding Hermione's abdomen and smiled warmly at them both.
"How did you know that, Sir?" Hermione asked; she was not even beginning to show signs of pregnancy. well, other than the sickness and lethargy she had experienced, which thanks to the potion no longer existed.
"Hermione, the Overseer has the ability to see our auras and that of an unborn child." Severus told her as he moved to stand beside instead of behind her, she nodded in understanding.
"So, you wish to marry and this is your chosen place for the ceremony?" The Overseer asked.
"Yes. We thought we should marry soon and this being the school holidays, it is the perfect time of year." Severus told him.
"Yes, one of the most magical times as well." The Overseer said as he motioned for them to approach the front rows of seats and sit down. "Do you have a date in mind?"
"We thought perhaps Christmas Eve?" Hermione said with a hopeful look on her face.
"Hmmm." The Overseer began as he stood up and paced slightly as he thought. "Will it be the full Wizarding ceremony?"
"Oh, yes. It has to be. I am from an old pure blooded family, Overseer." Severus told him.
"What does this full ceremony entail exactly and how long does it take?" Hermione asked having no idea since she'd only attended Muggle ceremonies before.
"Well, you need a full council of elders to be present in order for the bonding to work. The council consists of an Overseer to preside over the ceremony, a representative from the High Wizengamot, two heads of the respective households and a total of four close friends of the two being married. They chant a special verse from the Book of Merlin whilst the Overseer binds the hands of the couple with the sacred ribbons." The Overseer told them both. "The ceremony lasts for about an hour in total. The problem is just being able to pull together your council of elders as this is up to yourselves who you will have attend. Also, the close friends must have been steadfast since childhood, any old friend will not do. You should already know from your hearts who you want to attend. If they are passed on then you can summon them in spirit form for the hour."
"So, can we have the ceremony here on Christmas Eve then?" Hermione asked beginning to get excited.
"Oh, most certainly." The Overseer told them. "And do you want me to preside over the ceremony for you or do you have someone else in mind?"
"No, we would be happy if you could perform the ceremony, Overseer." Severus told him, and he nodded in acceptance.
"Then if there is nothing else I will leave you to look around if you like." The Overseer bowed and left the main hall for his side room again.
"So, the date is set, the ceremony is to be carried out here and we have an Overseer." Severus began.
"What time will the ceremony be, Severus?" Hermione asked him.
"The usual time, love." She looked at him confused her cousin had been married at 11am and her friend at 2 pm so there was no normal time as far as she knew. "Eleven at night love. The ceremony lasts one hour so that by the very start of the new day we will be married."
"Oh, right." Hermione said, grinning sheepishly.
"Shall we head back to school? We still need to sort out our Council, and I believe we have more things to discuss."
They got back up, left the church and headed off for Hogwarts.