Hey hey, I've finally found a chance to update. I've been really busy, working my local high school's band camp. Fun, but frustrating. Well, here it is! Please read and review!!
Ch. 9- The Effect of Pink Hearts on Silver Serpents
Severus Snape was all too aware that Valentine's Day was nearly upon him. He dreaded it, but not the way he had before Hermione. No, he dreaded it now because he did have Hermione, and he was head-over-heels in love with her. He was scared, not that he'd admit it to anybody, because he was seriously considering asking Hermione to marry him.
Hermione, too, was nervous. She didn't feel comfortable with the coming holiday. She and Severus weren't exactly a normal couple; she wasn't sure how to treat it. All she really knew was that she loved Severus with all of her heart, and wished that they could be together, well, forever, as corny as it sounded. And being able to stop hiding would be a perk as well.
On Valentine's Day there would be a half day of classes and a ball in the evening. All years would be allowed to attend. Hermione was going only because she was required to as Head Girl.
The evening before Valentine's Day, Hermione was in Severus's quarters, curled up in her favorite chair. In her lap was a Transfiguration book and a roll of parchment. She had told Severus that she was working on her essay for that class, but in reality, she was penning her first love letter and Valentine's Day card.
She was pretty certain that he wouldn't like flowery words or poetry, and anyway, she wasn't into that type of thing. She paused in her writing to gaze at Severus, soaking in the sight of him.
His hair was soft and shiny as he'd just washed it. It seemed to grease a little overnight and slaving over a hot cauldron did the rest of it. The light from the fire threw his face into sharp relief. What she had told him before was true; he was not what most would call a handsome man. But he did have a strong face; his nose, while a little overlarge, reminded her of the Roman Caesars.
She finally finished the letter and signed it with an extra flourish. She would seal and send it tomorrow so that he would get it in private. She just hoped that he wouldn't run away screaming.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Like Harry had once described it to her, when something you were anxious about is approaching, time moves fast and slow in turns. One moment she was going to her first class, the next it was lunch time.
Before she went to eat, she hiked up to the owlery. Looking at the school owls, she chose a handsome black one with white wing tips. She called him down and tied the now sealed letter to his leg. From the outside, it looked like a normal letter, not the Valentine it was; still, there was no use taking chances. "Try to give this to him in private, if you can," she instructed the owl.
It hooted reassuringly before it took off. Hermione sent a heartfelt prayer behind it, that everything wouldn't blowup in her face, and then left to eat lunch and get ready for the Ball.
Severus received the letter just before his next class was due to start, so he put it in his pocket for later. He planned to read it after this last class, but was distracted by a visit from Dumbledore and was left with little time to prepare to chaperone the Ball.
He showered and dressed in a set of black dress robes trimmed in silver braid. He entered the Great Hall early, with the rest of the teachers. Because of this, he was there to witness Hermione's entrance. To tell himself the truth, Severus was watching for her. His eyes hadn't left the doorway since he'd arrived.
She came through the door flanked by her two best friends. She was dressed in the darkest red silk. The dress had thin straps and a cut that discreetly showed off her breasts, which were bigger than normal due to her pregnancy. It had a high bodice that, while it didn't hide her belly, it did make it appear to be smaller. She had a gauzy shawl draped across her shoulders.
Severus's breath caught in his throat and his heart skipped a beat. She was absolutely the most beautiful vision that he had ever seen in his life. He barely managed to tear his gaze from her before someone noticed his preoccupation with the Head Girl.
Hermione's eyes scanned the Hall for Severus the moment she entered. She found him just as he was looking away. At least I had his attention momentarily, and then, He does clean up well, she admitted to herself. His hair was clean and he had pulled it back into a ponytail. Without it hanging in his face, he looked much more distinguished.
Hermione sat at one of the many small tables around the Hall, Ron on one side and Harry on the other. On Harry's other side was Ginny, who was his date for the night. They had finally hooked up recently, discovering that each had feelings for the other. It was obvious to all that the two were deeply in love.
Hermione was jealous of them, but only in the sense that they could be a couple in public. Oh, she wished so hard that her relationship with Severus could be that way, but knew that that would have to wait.
They ordered their food and ate, also carrying on conversations with their friends. All of the Gryffindors knew that both Ron and Hermione were here separately. They noticed Hermione scanning the room, but couldn't figure out who she was looking for.
Harry and Ron exchanged a quick glance of amusement. If only their classmates knew the truth. They would probably die of shock.
When everyone had finished eating, Dumbledore cleared the center of the room for dancing. He had booked some wizarding band that seemed to be popular, though Hermione really had no idea.
The end of the dance approached. Throughout the ball, Hermione and Severus made sure to avoid each other, because they knew that their affections would be obvious to everyone.
Finally the lead singer announced the last dance, saying, "This last one is for you to dance with the love of your life."
As her eyes once again sought out Severus, Hermione saw Draco quietly drawing Kori Zambini into the hall to dance in private. She spotted Severus standing in the shadows of a doorway leading to the gardens outside. She discreetly made her way over out him.
Severus held out his hand, and when she took it, he led her into a private section of the garden. "May I have this dance, my love?" he requested.
"Yes," she whispered and sighed with contentment as he took her into his arms. This was the only place she ever wanted to be, slowly swaying under the stars, with no one to judge or condemn them. The dance ended all too quickly, in her opinion.
Still keeping hold of one of her hands, Severus pulled Hermione to sit down on a nearby bench. Hermione smiled at him and was pleased to detect a hitch in his breathing.
Severus was suddenly nervous. He reached forward and tucked a stray curl behind her ear. "I love you," she told him, rubbing her cheek against his hand.
With those words, he found his voice. "And I love you. I never believed that I would ever say that to anyone beyond my sister, and the last time that happened was many years ago." He paused here to gather his thoughts. "I love you, and your unborn child or children, more than anything. I would have it so that we are together as a family." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. "Hermione Granger, you are my life, my light, my redemption. I do not deserve to have you or your children in my life, but that is what I want more than anything. Will you do me that honor of becoming my wife?" With those words he opened the box to reveal a ring.
Hermione's eyes filled with tears of joy. At the look of uncertainty on his face, she threw her arms around him. "Yes, you silly goose, of course I'll marry you," she cried happily.
"Oh, thank Merlin, I don't know what I would have done if you'd said no," Severus said, burying his face in her shoulder for a minute, then claiming her lips in a passionate kiss.
She responded ardently. Soon they were in the middle of a major snogging session. But when Hermione began to try and unbutton his robes, Severus pulled back, placing his hands over hers to still them. "No," he panted. "No more than this until the babies are born and we are married." She opened her mouth to protest but he cut her off. "Please, luv, can we do this my way? I don't want to hurt the babies or your reputation."
Hermione peered into his eyes and saw that this meant a lot to him. "As you wish, luv," she acquiesced. She glanced down at the ring box that was now set on the bench.
Severus followed her gaze and took the ring out. He gently slid it onto her finger. Hermione held up her hand to admire it. The band was really two bands, one silver and one gold, intertwined. There were five stones in all. Surrounding the single diamond in the center were a ruby and an emerald on each side. The stones were not big or gaudy; they were elegant and tasteful.
"It is beautiful," she gushed.
"I'm glad you like it. I spent a lot of time picking it out," he told her.
Hermione suddenly seemed to remember something. "Did you read my letter?" she asked.
"I got a letter, but I never had a chance to read it," Severus replied. "It was from you?"
"A Valentine of sorts, is all. You don't really need to read it now, I was just trying to convince you to stay with me forever."
"I'm already going to do that." He looked at her uncertainly. "I cannot marry you until you are fully graduated, not without losing my job."
She nodded in understanding before pressing her lips to his, making him groan. He kissed her thoroughly before drawing back and pulling her to her feet. "We need to get you inside before you get a cold."
She tucked her hand into the crook of his arm as they made their way carefully to the door. Hermione stuck her head in first, and there was no one inside, so they entered together. Still being cautionary, they kept to the shadows. They moved on into the hallway and when Severus would have led her to the stairs going upward, Hermione tugged him towards the one leading down to the dungeons.
"What are you doing, Hermione?" Severus questioned softly.
"I want to go down to your quarters."
"Hermione." His voice was full of reproach.
"It's not like that. I respect your decision on that," she told him. "It's purely selfish; it's easier to go down one flight of stairs than to go up four."
Severus laughed and conceded, going towards his quarters. A set of her clothes were still down there, as well as a nightgown, all left over from her stay when he was "ill." He was nearly 100% better again, with the fading bruises on his torso the only evidence of his near-death experience.
They were nearly to his quarters when they heard a sound. Severus put a finger to his lips and carefully made his way over to where he thought it had come from. "It's just me, Severus," Draco poked his head out of a niche. "I want you to meet somebody."
Hermione recognized the voice and walked out of her hiding spot in the shadows. "Hullo, Draco," she said, and seeing someone behind him, she added, "Hey, Kori."
Kori Zambini's eyes grew wide upon seeing Hermione with her arm around the Potions Professor's waist. "Hi," she managed to squeak out.
Severus sighed. "Everyone, let us go to my rooms before we're seen," he semi-growled, ushering them in.
Hermione eyed the couch longingly but gestured the couple to sit there, taking her regular chair. Severus remained standing and asked, "Anyone want a drink?"
Everyone shook their heads, so Severus took a seat. "Well, Draco, you were saying . . ." he left it as an open-ended question.
"Yes, well." Draco cleared is throat. "This is Kori Lavinia Zambini. She's . . . well, I've promised to wait for her until she's out of school." Severus's eyes filled with understanding. "Kori, Severus is my Godfather."
It was Kori's turn to nod. She finally found her voice. "It's nice to formally meet you, sir."
"Since my Godson has made his intentions clear, you may call me Severus in private."
She nodded uncertainly. "May I be so bold as to ask why you are here, Hermione?" Kori asked hesitantly.
Hermione's head jerked up. She had been leaning down trying to unfasten her sandals, but it was proving quite difficult. "Me? Well, I . . ." She looked first to Draco.
"You can trust her," he told her.
Next she looked at Severus, who gave her reluctant permission with a wave of his hand. "I'm his fiancé."
Kori's jaw dropped, but Draco leapt up and whooped. He pounded Severus on the shoulder in congratulations. "When did this happen? Let me see the ring," he demanded.
Hermione held out her hand. "Just tonight," she told him happily.
Draco took a look at the ring and whistled. "I like. Sev, you have good taste."
"Don't call me Sev again and I'll let you live to marry the young miss here," Severus growled half-heartedly.
Kori must have gone fishing and found her voice, though it was softer than before. "Congratulations. When is the wedding?"
"We've not set a date yet," Hermione said. "And please don't tell anyone, Kori."
"I won't, I promise. I won't even tell Ginny, and she's my best friend next to Draco."
"A Gryffindor and a Slytherin," Severus drawled.
"What of it?" Kori snapped.
Severus held p his hands defensively. "No problem there. If you think about it, Hermione is a Gryffindor and I'm a Slytherin."
"Oh," was the reply. "I forgot that."
Draco held out a hand to Kori. "I think we'd better be going. Leave these lovebirds some time to themselves."
Hermione blushed and both she and Severus glared at him. He merely laughed. "I'll see you later, Severus. You too, Hermione," Draco added. He leaned down and kissed Hermione on the cheek. "I'm happy for you," he whispered.
"I'm happy for you," she replied, running her thumb over the scar that had started their friendship.
Draco and Kori finished their goodbyes and left, leaving Hermione and Severus alone. Hermione heaved herself out of the chair into a laying position on the couch. She had been feeling fat and ungainly for awhile now. Standing, she couldn't even see her feet anymore.
She fought to get her shoes off; her feet really hurt. Severus gave a small smile at her struggles and picking up her feet, sat down and set them on his lap. He carefully undid the latches and took off the sandals. "Thank you," she sighed with relief, wiggling her toes. And squealed when he tickled them. "Oh, don't, please stop," she pleaded.
Hermione continued to giggle even after he stopped. Grabbing his hands, she pulled Severus so that he was lying beside her. "I love you so very much, Severus," she said, kissing him gently.
He stroked her cheek. "I think you're getting sleepy," he told her.
"I think you're right," she murmured back.
"Come on, then. You still have a nightgown here, you can stay in one of the guest rooms."
"I'd rather stay with you," she informed him. "We've done it before, and nothing happened. I promise I'll be good."
Severus gave in because he knew she wouldn't. "Fine. Go change and get to bed. I'll be there shortly."
She kissed his cheek in thanks, and scurried into the bathroom. Her nightgown was in a cabinet with the towels. She carefully took off her beautiful red silk gown and pulled it on.
Hermione entered his bedroom through the bathroom's other door. He wasn't there yet but she crawled into his bed anyway. She was nearly asleep when she sensed him enter. When he didn't climb into bed for five minutes, she rolled over and held out a hand to him. "Come to bed, Severus, please," she said.
He was in a pair of loose fitting black pajamas. "Please?" she asked again. Acquiescing, he took her hand and slipped under the covers with her. She sighed and rolled over and he pulled her against him. "Love you," she mumbled.
"I love you, too, mine heart's own," he replied, but she was already asleep. He shifted into a more comfortable position, arms still around Hermione. He wondered briefly how long he could stand being this close to her without doing anything, but the sound of her breathing lulled him to sleep before he could think too much.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, new game. In your review (which you know you're going to leave) I want you to tell me what exactly should happen to Hermione's rapist. I already have a fate planned, but that can be subject to change if I like an idea enough. The person who gives it to me will, of course, be given credit for it.
Ch. 9- The Effect of Pink Hearts on Silver Serpents
Severus Snape was all too aware that Valentine's Day was nearly upon him. He dreaded it, but not the way he had before Hermione. No, he dreaded it now because he did have Hermione, and he was head-over-heels in love with her. He was scared, not that he'd admit it to anybody, because he was seriously considering asking Hermione to marry him.
Hermione, too, was nervous. She didn't feel comfortable with the coming holiday. She and Severus weren't exactly a normal couple; she wasn't sure how to treat it. All she really knew was that she loved Severus with all of her heart, and wished that they could be together, well, forever, as corny as it sounded. And being able to stop hiding would be a perk as well.
On Valentine's Day there would be a half day of classes and a ball in the evening. All years would be allowed to attend. Hermione was going only because she was required to as Head Girl.
The evening before Valentine's Day, Hermione was in Severus's quarters, curled up in her favorite chair. In her lap was a Transfiguration book and a roll of parchment. She had told Severus that she was working on her essay for that class, but in reality, she was penning her first love letter and Valentine's Day card.
She was pretty certain that he wouldn't like flowery words or poetry, and anyway, she wasn't into that type of thing. She paused in her writing to gaze at Severus, soaking in the sight of him.
His hair was soft and shiny as he'd just washed it. It seemed to grease a little overnight and slaving over a hot cauldron did the rest of it. The light from the fire threw his face into sharp relief. What she had told him before was true; he was not what most would call a handsome man. But he did have a strong face; his nose, while a little overlarge, reminded her of the Roman Caesars.
She finally finished the letter and signed it with an extra flourish. She would seal and send it tomorrow so that he would get it in private. She just hoped that he wouldn't run away screaming.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Like Harry had once described it to her, when something you were anxious about is approaching, time moves fast and slow in turns. One moment she was going to her first class, the next it was lunch time.
Before she went to eat, she hiked up to the owlery. Looking at the school owls, she chose a handsome black one with white wing tips. She called him down and tied the now sealed letter to his leg. From the outside, it looked like a normal letter, not the Valentine it was; still, there was no use taking chances. "Try to give this to him in private, if you can," she instructed the owl.
It hooted reassuringly before it took off. Hermione sent a heartfelt prayer behind it, that everything wouldn't blowup in her face, and then left to eat lunch and get ready for the Ball.
Severus received the letter just before his next class was due to start, so he put it in his pocket for later. He planned to read it after this last class, but was distracted by a visit from Dumbledore and was left with little time to prepare to chaperone the Ball.
He showered and dressed in a set of black dress robes trimmed in silver braid. He entered the Great Hall early, with the rest of the teachers. Because of this, he was there to witness Hermione's entrance. To tell himself the truth, Severus was watching for her. His eyes hadn't left the doorway since he'd arrived.
She came through the door flanked by her two best friends. She was dressed in the darkest red silk. The dress had thin straps and a cut that discreetly showed off her breasts, which were bigger than normal due to her pregnancy. It had a high bodice that, while it didn't hide her belly, it did make it appear to be smaller. She had a gauzy shawl draped across her shoulders.
Severus's breath caught in his throat and his heart skipped a beat. She was absolutely the most beautiful vision that he had ever seen in his life. He barely managed to tear his gaze from her before someone noticed his preoccupation with the Head Girl.
Hermione's eyes scanned the Hall for Severus the moment she entered. She found him just as he was looking away. At least I had his attention momentarily, and then, He does clean up well, she admitted to herself. His hair was clean and he had pulled it back into a ponytail. Without it hanging in his face, he looked much more distinguished.
Hermione sat at one of the many small tables around the Hall, Ron on one side and Harry on the other. On Harry's other side was Ginny, who was his date for the night. They had finally hooked up recently, discovering that each had feelings for the other. It was obvious to all that the two were deeply in love.
Hermione was jealous of them, but only in the sense that they could be a couple in public. Oh, she wished so hard that her relationship with Severus could be that way, but knew that that would have to wait.
They ordered their food and ate, also carrying on conversations with their friends. All of the Gryffindors knew that both Ron and Hermione were here separately. They noticed Hermione scanning the room, but couldn't figure out who she was looking for.
Harry and Ron exchanged a quick glance of amusement. If only their classmates knew the truth. They would probably die of shock.
When everyone had finished eating, Dumbledore cleared the center of the room for dancing. He had booked some wizarding band that seemed to be popular, though Hermione really had no idea.
The end of the dance approached. Throughout the ball, Hermione and Severus made sure to avoid each other, because they knew that their affections would be obvious to everyone.
Finally the lead singer announced the last dance, saying, "This last one is for you to dance with the love of your life."
As her eyes once again sought out Severus, Hermione saw Draco quietly drawing Kori Zambini into the hall to dance in private. She spotted Severus standing in the shadows of a doorway leading to the gardens outside. She discreetly made her way over out him.
Severus held out his hand, and when she took it, he led her into a private section of the garden. "May I have this dance, my love?" he requested.
"Yes," she whispered and sighed with contentment as he took her into his arms. This was the only place she ever wanted to be, slowly swaying under the stars, with no one to judge or condemn them. The dance ended all too quickly, in her opinion.
Still keeping hold of one of her hands, Severus pulled Hermione to sit down on a nearby bench. Hermione smiled at him and was pleased to detect a hitch in his breathing.
Severus was suddenly nervous. He reached forward and tucked a stray curl behind her ear. "I love you," she told him, rubbing her cheek against his hand.
With those words, he found his voice. "And I love you. I never believed that I would ever say that to anyone beyond my sister, and the last time that happened was many years ago." He paused here to gather his thoughts. "I love you, and your unborn child or children, more than anything. I would have it so that we are together as a family." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. "Hermione Granger, you are my life, my light, my redemption. I do not deserve to have you or your children in my life, but that is what I want more than anything. Will you do me that honor of becoming my wife?" With those words he opened the box to reveal a ring.
Hermione's eyes filled with tears of joy. At the look of uncertainty on his face, she threw her arms around him. "Yes, you silly goose, of course I'll marry you," she cried happily.
"Oh, thank Merlin, I don't know what I would have done if you'd said no," Severus said, burying his face in her shoulder for a minute, then claiming her lips in a passionate kiss.
She responded ardently. Soon they were in the middle of a major snogging session. But when Hermione began to try and unbutton his robes, Severus pulled back, placing his hands over hers to still them. "No," he panted. "No more than this until the babies are born and we are married." She opened her mouth to protest but he cut her off. "Please, luv, can we do this my way? I don't want to hurt the babies or your reputation."
Hermione peered into his eyes and saw that this meant a lot to him. "As you wish, luv," she acquiesced. She glanced down at the ring box that was now set on the bench.
Severus followed her gaze and took the ring out. He gently slid it onto her finger. Hermione held up her hand to admire it. The band was really two bands, one silver and one gold, intertwined. There were five stones in all. Surrounding the single diamond in the center were a ruby and an emerald on each side. The stones were not big or gaudy; they were elegant and tasteful.
"It is beautiful," she gushed.
"I'm glad you like it. I spent a lot of time picking it out," he told her.
Hermione suddenly seemed to remember something. "Did you read my letter?" she asked.
"I got a letter, but I never had a chance to read it," Severus replied. "It was from you?"
"A Valentine of sorts, is all. You don't really need to read it now, I was just trying to convince you to stay with me forever."
"I'm already going to do that." He looked at her uncertainly. "I cannot marry you until you are fully graduated, not without losing my job."
She nodded in understanding before pressing her lips to his, making him groan. He kissed her thoroughly before drawing back and pulling her to her feet. "We need to get you inside before you get a cold."
She tucked her hand into the crook of his arm as they made their way carefully to the door. Hermione stuck her head in first, and there was no one inside, so they entered together. Still being cautionary, they kept to the shadows. They moved on into the hallway and when Severus would have led her to the stairs going upward, Hermione tugged him towards the one leading down to the dungeons.
"What are you doing, Hermione?" Severus questioned softly.
"I want to go down to your quarters."
"Hermione." His voice was full of reproach.
"It's not like that. I respect your decision on that," she told him. "It's purely selfish; it's easier to go down one flight of stairs than to go up four."
Severus laughed and conceded, going towards his quarters. A set of her clothes were still down there, as well as a nightgown, all left over from her stay when he was "ill." He was nearly 100% better again, with the fading bruises on his torso the only evidence of his near-death experience.
They were nearly to his quarters when they heard a sound. Severus put a finger to his lips and carefully made his way over to where he thought it had come from. "It's just me, Severus," Draco poked his head out of a niche. "I want you to meet somebody."
Hermione recognized the voice and walked out of her hiding spot in the shadows. "Hullo, Draco," she said, and seeing someone behind him, she added, "Hey, Kori."
Kori Zambini's eyes grew wide upon seeing Hermione with her arm around the Potions Professor's waist. "Hi," she managed to squeak out.
Severus sighed. "Everyone, let us go to my rooms before we're seen," he semi-growled, ushering them in.
Hermione eyed the couch longingly but gestured the couple to sit there, taking her regular chair. Severus remained standing and asked, "Anyone want a drink?"
Everyone shook their heads, so Severus took a seat. "Well, Draco, you were saying . . ." he left it as an open-ended question.
"Yes, well." Draco cleared is throat. "This is Kori Lavinia Zambini. She's . . . well, I've promised to wait for her until she's out of school." Severus's eyes filled with understanding. "Kori, Severus is my Godfather."
It was Kori's turn to nod. She finally found her voice. "It's nice to formally meet you, sir."
"Since my Godson has made his intentions clear, you may call me Severus in private."
She nodded uncertainly. "May I be so bold as to ask why you are here, Hermione?" Kori asked hesitantly.
Hermione's head jerked up. She had been leaning down trying to unfasten her sandals, but it was proving quite difficult. "Me? Well, I . . ." She looked first to Draco.
"You can trust her," he told her.
Next she looked at Severus, who gave her reluctant permission with a wave of his hand. "I'm his fiancé."
Kori's jaw dropped, but Draco leapt up and whooped. He pounded Severus on the shoulder in congratulations. "When did this happen? Let me see the ring," he demanded.
Hermione held out her hand. "Just tonight," she told him happily.
Draco took a look at the ring and whistled. "I like. Sev, you have good taste."
"Don't call me Sev again and I'll let you live to marry the young miss here," Severus growled half-heartedly.
Kori must have gone fishing and found her voice, though it was softer than before. "Congratulations. When is the wedding?"
"We've not set a date yet," Hermione said. "And please don't tell anyone, Kori."
"I won't, I promise. I won't even tell Ginny, and she's my best friend next to Draco."
"A Gryffindor and a Slytherin," Severus drawled.
"What of it?" Kori snapped.
Severus held p his hands defensively. "No problem there. If you think about it, Hermione is a Gryffindor and I'm a Slytherin."
"Oh," was the reply. "I forgot that."
Draco held out a hand to Kori. "I think we'd better be going. Leave these lovebirds some time to themselves."
Hermione blushed and both she and Severus glared at him. He merely laughed. "I'll see you later, Severus. You too, Hermione," Draco added. He leaned down and kissed Hermione on the cheek. "I'm happy for you," he whispered.
"I'm happy for you," she replied, running her thumb over the scar that had started their friendship.
Draco and Kori finished their goodbyes and left, leaving Hermione and Severus alone. Hermione heaved herself out of the chair into a laying position on the couch. She had been feeling fat and ungainly for awhile now. Standing, she couldn't even see her feet anymore.
She fought to get her shoes off; her feet really hurt. Severus gave a small smile at her struggles and picking up her feet, sat down and set them on his lap. He carefully undid the latches and took off the sandals. "Thank you," she sighed with relief, wiggling her toes. And squealed when he tickled them. "Oh, don't, please stop," she pleaded.
Hermione continued to giggle even after he stopped. Grabbing his hands, she pulled Severus so that he was lying beside her. "I love you so very much, Severus," she said, kissing him gently.
He stroked her cheek. "I think you're getting sleepy," he told her.
"I think you're right," she murmured back.
"Come on, then. You still have a nightgown here, you can stay in one of the guest rooms."
"I'd rather stay with you," she informed him. "We've done it before, and nothing happened. I promise I'll be good."
Severus gave in because he knew she wouldn't. "Fine. Go change and get to bed. I'll be there shortly."
She kissed his cheek in thanks, and scurried into the bathroom. Her nightgown was in a cabinet with the towels. She carefully took off her beautiful red silk gown and pulled it on.
Hermione entered his bedroom through the bathroom's other door. He wasn't there yet but she crawled into his bed anyway. She was nearly asleep when she sensed him enter. When he didn't climb into bed for five minutes, she rolled over and held out a hand to him. "Come to bed, Severus, please," she said.
He was in a pair of loose fitting black pajamas. "Please?" she asked again. Acquiescing, he took her hand and slipped under the covers with her. She sighed and rolled over and he pulled her against him. "Love you," she mumbled.
"I love you, too, mine heart's own," he replied, but she was already asleep. He shifted into a more comfortable position, arms still around Hermione. He wondered briefly how long he could stand being this close to her without doing anything, but the sound of her breathing lulled him to sleep before he could think too much.
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Okay, new game. In your review (which you know you're going to leave) I want you to tell me what exactly should happen to Hermione's rapist. I already have a fate planned, but that can be subject to change if I like an idea enough. The person who gives it to me will, of course, be given credit for it.