Author's note: I had to have some fun torturing Severus later in this chapter. Hope you enjoy it!
Thank you to all of my readers and reviewers!
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and the characters from the books in the series are copyright JK Rowling. They are not being used for profit, only for personal enjoyment.
*****
Chapter 34 ~ End of Term
By the time Remus and Elizabeth returned with Samuel that evening, Severus and Hermione had straightened themselves out to look presentable. Hermione knew that, after last night, Remus had probably suspected that she had once again become intimate with Severus... but she didn't want to make it obvious to her mother. Not that her mother would be upset... after all, Hermione had already borne Severus a son... but she knew it would be uncomfortable for all of them if her mother walked in on them half dressed and dishevelled.
It probably hadn't made a difference, anyway. When they arrived, Remus looked at them with a bemused expression on his face, as Elizabeth tried to cover a nervous smile.
"Well?" Elizabeth asked as she crossed the room and handed Samuel to Severus.
Hermione's eyes grew wide, "Well WHAT, Mum?"
Elizabeth laughed and reached out for Hermione's hand, "Let me see it then."
"So you DID know what Severus was up to?" she scoffed as her mother appraised her ring.
"Mmm-hmm... I told you, he asked us this afternoon to take Samuel for the evening... I managed to get him to tell me why," she looked up to Hermione and smiled, "It's beautiful, Hermione."
Hermione beamed, "It is, isn't it?" she replied as she inched closer to Severus to look lovingly at her sleeping son.
Remus cleared his throat, "Well then... I suppose I should be getting you home now..." he turned to Elizabeth and smiled.
"Yes, it is getting late," she turned to Hermione and hugged her good night before she walked out the door with Remus.
After they were gone, Severus turned to Hermione and sighed regretfully, "It IS getting late. And the students return tomorrow," he scowled.
Hermione pouted seductively, "You aren't leaving, are you?"
"As I said, the students..."
"Return tomorrow," she smiled as she took Samuel from his arms, "It's not tomorrow, yet," she called over her shoulder as she carried Samuel into the nursery.
When she returned, she said, "Wait here," as she walked away and into her bathroom. When she returned, she was wearing nothing but her dressing gown, which was tied loosely at the waist, allowing it to remain partially open and exposing most of her tender flesh. She had a bottle in her hand, and she held it up for Severus to see.
"What is that for?" he eyed the bottle of lotion.
"You."
"Me?"
"I think you need a nice massage tonight, so you will be nice and relaxed for the students tomorrow."
"Indeed?" he asked as Hermione began to undress him. When she had stripped him of all but his shorts, she pushed him back onto the bed and began to firmly massage his back.
"That smells good... do I smell... vanilla?"
"Mmm... yes, I didn't want to use a floral scented lotion. What would the students think if they returned to find you smelling like roses? They might think you've gone soft."
"Thank you for sparing me," Severus scoffed, "Besides, I don't like flowers..."
"Really? Then whose idea was it to scatter rose-petals all over the tower tonight?" she asked as her fingers kneaded his shoulders.
"Albus..." Severus groaned as he buried his head into his pillows.
"I should have known..." she laughed, "the candles, too?"
"No," he murmured, "That was all me... I love the way you look in the firelight. Candlelight works just as well."
She leaned in to kiss the back of his neck as her touch became more gentle on his lower back, "It was perfect. Thank you, Severus." Her fingers wandered lower and lower, her robe slipping slowly off her shoulders until it exposed her entire torso. She leaned in and pressed her warm flesh to his back, still massaging him gently as she convinced Severus to spend one more night in her bed.
*****
The students returned, and classes resumed that week. Once again, Severus and Hermione began working diligently on her research. Hermione also decided to continue her apprenticeship in Potions next year. She truly did enjoy brewing potions, and found her research exhilirating. Furthermore, she was determined to complete her studies no matter what happened in the future. She knew she could do it, as long as Severus was by her side.
Now that her mother lived close by, she had volunteered to help with Samuel during Hermione's study hours. Some nights, she would venture to the castle, and occasionally, Remus would stop by to pick up Samuel and take him to visit Elizabeth at the cottage. It worked out well for Ginny, who gladly would have continued to help out, but needed all the time she could spare to study for her N.E.W.T.s.
The weeks began to fly by, and soon, Severus was preoccupied preparing for end of year exams. They didn't get to spend nearly as much time together as they would have liked to during the last few weeks of the term. They would meet discreetly in the classroom and in the corridors for stolen kisses and intimate embraces between his classes. Only once were they caught by a student. To Hermione's relief, and Severus' chagrin, that student was Ginny Weasley. By now, Ginny had gotten to know Severus well enough that the idea of them together did not affect her much. She just giggled and walked away, calling over her shoulder, "Ten points from Slytherin, Professor Snape."
Hermione laughed as she continued to kiss Severus, "If she were on the receiving end of this, she would have rewarded you points instead of taking them away."
Severus scowled as he feigned a shudder, "Thank you for that mental image, Hermione. Please, obliviate me now."
Even though they had tried to remain discreet, five months of living in close quarters and accompanying each other to most meals each day had eventually fueled many rumors. Hermione would hear hushed whispers as she passed students in the corridors. She doubted that Severus had ever heard them... the students wouldn't dare gossip about him in his presence. She sighed and realized that it would probably be wise to go public with their relationship. Everybody seemed to know, anyway... and those that didn't would find out soon enough, as the wedding was only weeks away.
"Absolutely not, Hermione! My private affairs are none of their business!" Severus would scowl every time they broached the subject.
It was the only thing that they had argued about since their reconciliation over the holiday. He was adamant about keeping his private life private. Hermione insisted that going public would stop the rumors from getting ugly. In the end, it was Albus who convinced them to let him announce their engagement... but not until the end of term feast. Severus was satisfied with that, as the students would be leaving the day after the feast, and he wouldn't have to deal with whatever their reactions would lead to. For the time being, he was determined to keep his students on task by preparing them for their exams. It would be much easier for him if he could pretend to remain oblivious to their knowledge of his love life.
Before they knew it, exams had come and gone, the school year was over, and it was time for the end of year feast. Severus was even more reluctant than usual to enjoy the festivities, but he had to be there to represent his House. Albus had invited Elizabeth to join them, and she sat by Remus' side, holding Samuel.
After their meal, they sat back and listened to Albus make his end of year announcements. For the first time in many years, Gryffindor hadn't won the house cup. Without their star seeker, and an inexperienced Keeper, they had lost the Quidditch Cup as well. It was Slytherin who took both honors that night. As Hermione saw Severus smirking in satisfaction towards Professor McGonagall, she leaned in and whispered, "And who did you snog in the corridors to earn THAT many points?" Severus nearly choked on his pumpkin juice.
As the applause for Slytherin died down, Albus clapped his hands to get the students' attention once more.
Hermione could sense Severus squirming in his seat, though he tried not to make it obvious. She knew that he was not looking forward to, in his own words "making a spectacle of himself" in front of the entire school. She put her hand on his thigh and squeezed him in reassurance. "Placing your hand THERE is doing nothing to calm me, Hermione."
"Oh! Sorry," she smirked as she moved her hand and gently reached for his hand to squeeze it gently.
Hermione turned to look at Albus, as Severus concentrated on looking at his plate, trying not to scowl. He had tried to tune it all out, and so only heard the end of the announcement, "...Thus, it is my pleasure to announce the engagement of Professor Severus Snape, to Miss Hermione Granger."
The students sat in stunned silence for moment before the Slytherins began whooping and applauding for their Head of House. The Gryffindors, many of whom were Hermione's old friends, overcame their astonishment and rose to their feet to heartily applaud them as well. Before long, the entire hall had erupted into cheers and whistles among the round of fierce applause. It soon became obvious by the catcalls and the stamping of feet that the students would not settle down until the couple kissed.
Hermione turned to Severus and flashed him a radiant smile, squeezing his hand as she met his eyes. Severus hesitated for a moment, but knew that if he wanted this debacle to be over with, he had no choice. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet, reaching up to caress her cheek as he leaned in and hesitantly captured her lips with his own. The cheers only got louder as Hermione leaned in to deepen the kiss, and to his surprise, Severus got caught up in the moment as well. They had become oblivious to the atmosphere around them, not pulling away from each other until they heard a gentle, "ahem" behind them. Hermione blushed as she broke away from Severus, who was looking quite flushed himself. They turned to look at the staff, only to see Minerva trying to hide a satisfied smirk as she leaned over to Albus, "You owe me ten galleons," they heard her whisper.
"Ten galleons?" a bemused Hermione asked.
"Tell me, what exactly were you betting on?" Severus scowled at her.
"You," Minerva chuckled.
"Me?"
"Whether you'd have the nerve to kiss her, like THAT, in front of the students," Albus replied.
"Albus thought you'd give her a peck on the cheek... but I knew you had it in you," Minerva smirked, "Easiest money I've ever made," she continued as she rose to her feet and kissed him on the cheek, bringing on another round of catcalls from the students.
"Alas! I've lost another ten galleons!" Albus shook his head in mock disappointment.
Severus whirled towards him, "Now what?" he scoffed.
"I bet Minerva that SHE wouldn't kiss YOU in front of the students," the Headmaster chuckled.
Severus shook his head and didn't even bother to reply as he returned his attention to Hermione. He was more than ready to get out of there, but there was a line of students forming to step up and congratulate them. He sighed as he slumped back into his chair... it was mostly Hermione's friends who had come forward, so he would let her handle this on her own. Only a few dared to reach across the table and shake his hand... for though some of them had begun to warm up to the Potions Master since the war, there was still an undercurrent of fear in his presence.
As the line dwindled down, Severus sighed and rose to his feet and grabbed Hermione's arm, "Don't you think it's time to go?"
"Why?"
Severus had already planned his excuse, "Samuel..."
Hermione cut him off, "Is perfectly fine. He looks quite content with my mother and Remus."
Severus growled as Hermione laughed, "Fine. Fine, let's go!" He left her to say her final goodbyes as he walked to the other end of the table to retrieve their son. By the time he had returned, the students were dispersing. Severus grabbed Hermione's arm and directed her to the side passage out of the hall. Before they emerged into the corridor, Hermione turned to him and backed him to the wall. She leaned in over their son, pulling Severus' head down to kiss him tenderly.
"That wasn't so bad, was it?"
He scowled, "Obviously not for you. I, however, do not intend to ever make a spectacle of myself in front of a large crowd ever again!"
Hermione laughed, "I'm afraid you've got no choice.."
"Ha! And how do you intend to convince me to do otherwise?"
"If you can not bear to kiss me in public, then I'm afraid that we can not have any guests at our wedding," she pouted.
"Oh," he frowned, "Would that be so bad?"
Hermione gasped as she whirled away, "Severus Snape! You'd better think about what you've just said!" she called over her shoulder as she hurried along in front of him.
Severus sighed as he shook his head in resignation, and just as a smile began to tug at the corners of his mouth, he heard Hermione shriek as she exited the passageway into the corridor.
Thank you to all of my readers and reviewers!
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and the characters from the books in the series are copyright JK Rowling. They are not being used for profit, only for personal enjoyment.
*****
Chapter 34 ~ End of Term
By the time Remus and Elizabeth returned with Samuel that evening, Severus and Hermione had straightened themselves out to look presentable. Hermione knew that, after last night, Remus had probably suspected that she had once again become intimate with Severus... but she didn't want to make it obvious to her mother. Not that her mother would be upset... after all, Hermione had already borne Severus a son... but she knew it would be uncomfortable for all of them if her mother walked in on them half dressed and dishevelled.
It probably hadn't made a difference, anyway. When they arrived, Remus looked at them with a bemused expression on his face, as Elizabeth tried to cover a nervous smile.
"Well?" Elizabeth asked as she crossed the room and handed Samuel to Severus.
Hermione's eyes grew wide, "Well WHAT, Mum?"
Elizabeth laughed and reached out for Hermione's hand, "Let me see it then."
"So you DID know what Severus was up to?" she scoffed as her mother appraised her ring.
"Mmm-hmm... I told you, he asked us this afternoon to take Samuel for the evening... I managed to get him to tell me why," she looked up to Hermione and smiled, "It's beautiful, Hermione."
Hermione beamed, "It is, isn't it?" she replied as she inched closer to Severus to look lovingly at her sleeping son.
Remus cleared his throat, "Well then... I suppose I should be getting you home now..." he turned to Elizabeth and smiled.
"Yes, it is getting late," she turned to Hermione and hugged her good night before she walked out the door with Remus.
After they were gone, Severus turned to Hermione and sighed regretfully, "It IS getting late. And the students return tomorrow," he scowled.
Hermione pouted seductively, "You aren't leaving, are you?"
"As I said, the students..."
"Return tomorrow," she smiled as she took Samuel from his arms, "It's not tomorrow, yet," she called over her shoulder as she carried Samuel into the nursery.
When she returned, she said, "Wait here," as she walked away and into her bathroom. When she returned, she was wearing nothing but her dressing gown, which was tied loosely at the waist, allowing it to remain partially open and exposing most of her tender flesh. She had a bottle in her hand, and she held it up for Severus to see.
"What is that for?" he eyed the bottle of lotion.
"You."
"Me?"
"I think you need a nice massage tonight, so you will be nice and relaxed for the students tomorrow."
"Indeed?" he asked as Hermione began to undress him. When she had stripped him of all but his shorts, she pushed him back onto the bed and began to firmly massage his back.
"That smells good... do I smell... vanilla?"
"Mmm... yes, I didn't want to use a floral scented lotion. What would the students think if they returned to find you smelling like roses? They might think you've gone soft."
"Thank you for sparing me," Severus scoffed, "Besides, I don't like flowers..."
"Really? Then whose idea was it to scatter rose-petals all over the tower tonight?" she asked as her fingers kneaded his shoulders.
"Albus..." Severus groaned as he buried his head into his pillows.
"I should have known..." she laughed, "the candles, too?"
"No," he murmured, "That was all me... I love the way you look in the firelight. Candlelight works just as well."
She leaned in to kiss the back of his neck as her touch became more gentle on his lower back, "It was perfect. Thank you, Severus." Her fingers wandered lower and lower, her robe slipping slowly off her shoulders until it exposed her entire torso. She leaned in and pressed her warm flesh to his back, still massaging him gently as she convinced Severus to spend one more night in her bed.
*****
The students returned, and classes resumed that week. Once again, Severus and Hermione began working diligently on her research. Hermione also decided to continue her apprenticeship in Potions next year. She truly did enjoy brewing potions, and found her research exhilirating. Furthermore, she was determined to complete her studies no matter what happened in the future. She knew she could do it, as long as Severus was by her side.
Now that her mother lived close by, she had volunteered to help with Samuel during Hermione's study hours. Some nights, she would venture to the castle, and occasionally, Remus would stop by to pick up Samuel and take him to visit Elizabeth at the cottage. It worked out well for Ginny, who gladly would have continued to help out, but needed all the time she could spare to study for her N.E.W.T.s.
The weeks began to fly by, and soon, Severus was preoccupied preparing for end of year exams. They didn't get to spend nearly as much time together as they would have liked to during the last few weeks of the term. They would meet discreetly in the classroom and in the corridors for stolen kisses and intimate embraces between his classes. Only once were they caught by a student. To Hermione's relief, and Severus' chagrin, that student was Ginny Weasley. By now, Ginny had gotten to know Severus well enough that the idea of them together did not affect her much. She just giggled and walked away, calling over her shoulder, "Ten points from Slytherin, Professor Snape."
Hermione laughed as she continued to kiss Severus, "If she were on the receiving end of this, she would have rewarded you points instead of taking them away."
Severus scowled as he feigned a shudder, "Thank you for that mental image, Hermione. Please, obliviate me now."
Even though they had tried to remain discreet, five months of living in close quarters and accompanying each other to most meals each day had eventually fueled many rumors. Hermione would hear hushed whispers as she passed students in the corridors. She doubted that Severus had ever heard them... the students wouldn't dare gossip about him in his presence. She sighed and realized that it would probably be wise to go public with their relationship. Everybody seemed to know, anyway... and those that didn't would find out soon enough, as the wedding was only weeks away.
"Absolutely not, Hermione! My private affairs are none of their business!" Severus would scowl every time they broached the subject.
It was the only thing that they had argued about since their reconciliation over the holiday. He was adamant about keeping his private life private. Hermione insisted that going public would stop the rumors from getting ugly. In the end, it was Albus who convinced them to let him announce their engagement... but not until the end of term feast. Severus was satisfied with that, as the students would be leaving the day after the feast, and he wouldn't have to deal with whatever their reactions would lead to. For the time being, he was determined to keep his students on task by preparing them for their exams. It would be much easier for him if he could pretend to remain oblivious to their knowledge of his love life.
Before they knew it, exams had come and gone, the school year was over, and it was time for the end of year feast. Severus was even more reluctant than usual to enjoy the festivities, but he had to be there to represent his House. Albus had invited Elizabeth to join them, and she sat by Remus' side, holding Samuel.
After their meal, they sat back and listened to Albus make his end of year announcements. For the first time in many years, Gryffindor hadn't won the house cup. Without their star seeker, and an inexperienced Keeper, they had lost the Quidditch Cup as well. It was Slytherin who took both honors that night. As Hermione saw Severus smirking in satisfaction towards Professor McGonagall, she leaned in and whispered, "And who did you snog in the corridors to earn THAT many points?" Severus nearly choked on his pumpkin juice.
As the applause for Slytherin died down, Albus clapped his hands to get the students' attention once more.
Hermione could sense Severus squirming in his seat, though he tried not to make it obvious. She knew that he was not looking forward to, in his own words "making a spectacle of himself" in front of the entire school. She put her hand on his thigh and squeezed him in reassurance. "Placing your hand THERE is doing nothing to calm me, Hermione."
"Oh! Sorry," she smirked as she moved her hand and gently reached for his hand to squeeze it gently.
Hermione turned to look at Albus, as Severus concentrated on looking at his plate, trying not to scowl. He had tried to tune it all out, and so only heard the end of the announcement, "...Thus, it is my pleasure to announce the engagement of Professor Severus Snape, to Miss Hermione Granger."
The students sat in stunned silence for moment before the Slytherins began whooping and applauding for their Head of House. The Gryffindors, many of whom were Hermione's old friends, overcame their astonishment and rose to their feet to heartily applaud them as well. Before long, the entire hall had erupted into cheers and whistles among the round of fierce applause. It soon became obvious by the catcalls and the stamping of feet that the students would not settle down until the couple kissed.
Hermione turned to Severus and flashed him a radiant smile, squeezing his hand as she met his eyes. Severus hesitated for a moment, but knew that if he wanted this debacle to be over with, he had no choice. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet, reaching up to caress her cheek as he leaned in and hesitantly captured her lips with his own. The cheers only got louder as Hermione leaned in to deepen the kiss, and to his surprise, Severus got caught up in the moment as well. They had become oblivious to the atmosphere around them, not pulling away from each other until they heard a gentle, "ahem" behind them. Hermione blushed as she broke away from Severus, who was looking quite flushed himself. They turned to look at the staff, only to see Minerva trying to hide a satisfied smirk as she leaned over to Albus, "You owe me ten galleons," they heard her whisper.
"Ten galleons?" a bemused Hermione asked.
"Tell me, what exactly were you betting on?" Severus scowled at her.
"You," Minerva chuckled.
"Me?"
"Whether you'd have the nerve to kiss her, like THAT, in front of the students," Albus replied.
"Albus thought you'd give her a peck on the cheek... but I knew you had it in you," Minerva smirked, "Easiest money I've ever made," she continued as she rose to her feet and kissed him on the cheek, bringing on another round of catcalls from the students.
"Alas! I've lost another ten galleons!" Albus shook his head in mock disappointment.
Severus whirled towards him, "Now what?" he scoffed.
"I bet Minerva that SHE wouldn't kiss YOU in front of the students," the Headmaster chuckled.
Severus shook his head and didn't even bother to reply as he returned his attention to Hermione. He was more than ready to get out of there, but there was a line of students forming to step up and congratulate them. He sighed as he slumped back into his chair... it was mostly Hermione's friends who had come forward, so he would let her handle this on her own. Only a few dared to reach across the table and shake his hand... for though some of them had begun to warm up to the Potions Master since the war, there was still an undercurrent of fear in his presence.
As the line dwindled down, Severus sighed and rose to his feet and grabbed Hermione's arm, "Don't you think it's time to go?"
"Why?"
Severus had already planned his excuse, "Samuel..."
Hermione cut him off, "Is perfectly fine. He looks quite content with my mother and Remus."
Severus growled as Hermione laughed, "Fine. Fine, let's go!" He left her to say her final goodbyes as he walked to the other end of the table to retrieve their son. By the time he had returned, the students were dispersing. Severus grabbed Hermione's arm and directed her to the side passage out of the hall. Before they emerged into the corridor, Hermione turned to him and backed him to the wall. She leaned in over their son, pulling Severus' head down to kiss him tenderly.
"That wasn't so bad, was it?"
He scowled, "Obviously not for you. I, however, do not intend to ever make a spectacle of myself in front of a large crowd ever again!"
Hermione laughed, "I'm afraid you've got no choice.."
"Ha! And how do you intend to convince me to do otherwise?"
"If you can not bear to kiss me in public, then I'm afraid that we can not have any guests at our wedding," she pouted.
"Oh," he frowned, "Would that be so bad?"
Hermione gasped as she whirled away, "Severus Snape! You'd better think about what you've just said!" she called over her shoulder as she hurried along in front of him.
Severus sighed as he shook his head in resignation, and just as a smile began to tug at the corners of his mouth, he heard Hermione shriek as she exited the passageway into the corridor.
