Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all his friends (and enemies) are the brain-child of J.K. Rowling. Exclusive ownership belongs to JKR, Arthur A. Levine Books and Scholastic Inc. Grace Millgrove and all additional characters belong to me. You belong to yourself.
A/N: I'm back with a brand-new chapter and lovely lemons to reward your patience. Enjoy!
Chapter Four – Wife of Mine
…where Severus and Grace adjust to married life…
Her marriage was doomed. Severus Snape was the most impossible man she had ever met in her life, and Grace cursed her dead uncle for putting her in this predicament with a vehemence that was quite uncharacteristic for her. She forcefully shoved another book in its proper place and moved on to the next bookshelf. Her husband was an insufferable ass. He treated her as though she was a stranger, not his wife, and that upset her immensely. They were married, yet they were living separate lives. Severus wasn't making any effort to change this situation, and he purposefully ignored every attempt of hers to strike up any kind of rapport. He barely talked to her, and when he did, it was nothing more than polite small talk, where he inquired after her well-being or her progress at work. Most commonly, however, he simply retreated into his own little world, where he would spend his evenings reading quietly by the fireplace until he was certain she was fast asleep. They were still sharing a bed, but Severus had not touched her again since that disastrous night when he took her virginity. He was probably disgusted and put off by her inexperience. He probably wished her to be more knowledgeable in the facts of life.
She huffed again, and placed another book with more force than necessary. The book ruffled its pages and gave a loud sound of protest, but quickly settled down. Grace never noticed. She was too busy lamenting her fate that had settled her with a man like Severus Snape. She turned another corner and bumped into the man who kept haunting her thoughts. Grace startled and a strangled gasp escaped her lips.
"Severus!"
He slightly inclined his head. "Grace."
She inwardly cringed. He had just said her name, but he had managed to suffuse it with his characteristic laconic drawl. His brows were knitted together in a dark frown. All of a sudden, she felt like a child being caught doing something forbidden.
"Lucius knows that our marriage has been consummated and your uncle's will is untouchable," Severus informed her darkly, before she could even voice a greeting.
"Now he will come after us both."
He nodded. "That is very likely."
"I see."
Grace exhaled slowly. Her body reacted strangely whenever Severus was near. She discreetly took a step back, clutching the book she was holding to her chest.
"I-is there anything else you… wanted to tell me?" she asked him, hoping that he would just go away.
Severus stared down at her for a moment, and his frown deepened. Her severe hairdo was bothering him. He wanted to pull out the hairpins and run his fingers through that silky hair of hers, wanted to wrap it around his hands and bury his face in it. He recalled how it had had lain fanned out on the pillow beside him this morning. Severus hadn't touched her since they consummated their union. He had felt like an ogre for his lack of control that night. He hadn't wanted to hurt her, and yet he had. However, he had noticed her throwing him secretive glances since then, which kept him wondering what she was thinking. No doubt, she hated him for what he had done to her and now feared his touch. He…
"Severus?"
Her question drew him back to reality. His eyes focused on Grace, who was staring up at him with her big grey eyes. He quickly shook his head to clear his mind and broke eye contact.
"As a matter of fact," he began, pretending to inspect the bookshelf next to him, "I also am in need of a book. I am looking for Truth Sera – Fact or Fiction? It was written by…"
"Honoria Hapless in 1889." Grace nodded knowingly. She turned on her heels. "Follow me."
He stared after her, duly impressed. Grace had been working in the library at Hogwarts for only a short time, but Madam Pince was already finding her indispensable. Grace was a natural born librarian. Her love of books and remarkable memory were added bonuses. Severus followed her slowly, watching the gentle sway of her hips as she made her way through the stacks. Her dress accentuated her nicely rounded derriere, and he felt a familiar pull in his loins. He suddenly had to fight the unexpected urge to drag his wife further into the stacks and have his wicked way with her. Severus frowned again. This wasn't like him. What was happening to him?
"Here we are."
He returned to reality. Grace had stopped and was now running her hand along the book spines, looking for the book he required. Severus watched her fingers move gracefully from book to book and wondered how it would feel to have those same fingers slowly explore his body. He gave himself a mental nudge. He really had to stop thinking like this. It was as though his wife had bewitched him. Ever since that fateful night, she had occupied his thoughts and invaded his dreams. What was this woman doing to him?
Grace was still looking for the book, never noticing her husband's smoldering gaze. Her eyes were scanning the upper shelves. Suddenly, she spotted the book high above.
"Ah, yes," she murmured, more to herself than to Severus. Of course, it had to be on the very top shelf.
She pulled a ladder into place and quickly climbed up the rungs before he could act. She grasped the book and tugged at it, but it wouldn't budge. She shifted for better balance and tried again. Out of reflex, Severus stepped closer and reached out to steady the ladder, but in the dimly lit space he miscalculated the distance, and his hand landed on his wife's ankle. Grace had just given the book a rather mighty tug, freeing it from the two books it had been wedged between, when she felt her husband's hand on her leg. A spark of electricity shot through her body. She lost her balance and missed a rung. Before she knew what was happening, Grace had stepped into thin air and felt herself fall. However, she never hit the ground. Two strong arms caught her and pulled her against a solid body.
Severus released her slowly, letting her slide down his body until her feet touched the ground. When he was certain that she could stand without help, he let his hands drop away and took a step back.
"Th-thank you," Grace stammered and nervously adjusted her spectacles.
Her large grey eyes were shining with gratitude and admiration. It disconcerted him, and he determinedly looked away.
"Don't mention it," Severus ground out more gruffly than he'd intended.
"Well…" Grace wasn't sure how to proceed from this awkward situation. She quickly thrust the book at him, taking care that their hands would not touch. "Here you are. Truth Sera – Fact or Fiction? by Honoria Hapless. I'll record it in the ledger."
He took the book from her and regarded her for a moment with his usual intense inscrutable gaze.
"Was there anything else, Severus?"
He opened his mouth as though he wanted to say something, but then changed his mind and slowly shook his head.
"Alright, I guess, I will see you tonight, then."
She stepped aside to move past him, but his hand shot out to hold her back.
"Grace," he said quietly, "there is… one thing…"
Severus broke off, collecting his thoughts. He wasn't sure how to say what he needed to say.
"Yes?"
"Minerva will announce the annual Yule ball at dinner tonight. We both will be expected to attend…"
He broke off again, watching her intently for any signs of upset.
"And?" Grace asked him curiously.
Severus frowned. His wife seemed quite calm. Apparently, she had no objections to attend the ball with him. He had not expected that.
Grace was confused. Her husband was behaving rather oddly. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, wondering as to his ulterior motives. Maybe he was worried that she would embarrass him. She had never given him reason to do so, though. Still…
"Are you worried about my dancing abilities?" she asked him, when he remained silent. "I may have lived at Thornhill for half my life, but I assure you, I was properly trained in the social graces. Nigel and I attended several dances during our engagement."
Nigel again! Severus exhaled slowly, trying to remain calm. He resented being constantly compared to that saint of a man, who had never done anything wrong, who had been handsome, and who had always behaved properly and civilly towards others. Well, whether she liked it or not, Grace was married to him now, and she'd better get used to it. His frown deepened.
"I was merely wondering whether you had brought any dress robes," he clarified tersely. "Otherwise, we might have to arrange for a trip to Thornhill to supplement your wardrobe."
Grace stared at him, incredulous at what she'd just heard. At a moment's notice, Severus had turned from disagreeable git to thoughtful husband. He had actually considered her needs. She shook her head. She didn't understand him one bit.
"No, I have a dress," she assured him, watching him closely. "And, don't worry. I won't disappoint you."
"I wasn't worried about that."
"No?" she queried doubtfully.
"No," he told her firmly. He fixed her with his intense dark eyes. "You could never disappoint me."
Before she could respond to his cryptic remark, Severus turned abruptly on his heels and swiftly strode off. Grace stared after him with mixed feelings. No, she really didn't understand her husband one bit. She had taken him up on his initial offer to inquire about his person. He was considered a disagreeable recluse by many, and while they were happy to give examples of his anti-social behavior, none would verify his involvement in any intentional cruelties. He barely talked to her, yet he seemed to be genuinely concerned about her comfort and that her needs were met. It didn't make sense.
Suddenly, she had a revelation. Could it be that Severus wasn't interacting with her, because he simply didn't know how? Because he was afraid? Could it be that he didn't touch her, because he regretted the way they had come together that first night? Could it be that he wasn't, as she had thought, repulsed by her plain looks and inexperience, but rather that he was worried about hurting her again? Could it be that he might actually – in some little way – care for her?
Grace straightened, determination shining from her eyes. Maybe it was time she gave her husband a little nudge.
---
"Good evening, cousin."
Grace would have recognized the silky voice and that lazy arrogant drawl anywhere.
"Lucius," she hissed, unable to hide her shock. "What are you doing here?"
He reached past her and dipped a delicately crafted silver goblet in the fountain dispensing pumpkin punch. Grace looked helplessly over her shoulder, trying to make out her husband in the crowd beyond the dancing couples. He had escorted her to the refreshments table, but had been called away by Minerva who had claimed to require his services. And now, when she needed him, he was nowhere to be seen. She regarded the man standing next to her out of the corner of her eye. Lucius Malfoy was as handsome as ever, dressed in emerald-green dress robes, his white-blond hair tied neatly in the nape of his neck.
"My dear cousin, how nice to see you, too." His perfectly sculpted lips pulled into an easy smile, but his eyes were as cold as ice.
He took a dainty sip of punch.
"What are you doing here?" Grace demanded again.
"But, my dear, can it be you don't know? I am one of the school governors, and have, thus, been invited."
"I… see."
"Besides, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to congratulate you and Severus in person."
"Congratulate us?"
He regarded her coldly, his mouth twisted into an evil smile. "Why, yes. After all, you are truly married now."
"Oh, don't be vulgar, Lucius."
He regarded her for a moment, before leaning towards her until their faces were mere inches apart. To any onlooker they seemed to be having an intimate conversation. Only Grace could see the malicious expression in his eyes.
"You have denied me my inheritance," he said coldly. "I will not give up until I have what is rightfully mine. Severus wasn't able to hide you from me here, nor will he be able to protect you from my wrath."
"It's over, Lucius. Your claim is null and void. Accept it and move on with your life. Now, please go and bother somebody else."
"How ever were you able to bear his touch, I wonder?"
"Not that it is any of your business, Lucius, but I enjoy my husband's attentions."
"Well, well, cousin…" Lucius raised an elegant eyebrow and smiled amusedly. "I dare say…"
Grace squirmed under his mocking scrutiny. "Please, Lucius… just go."
"You heard my wife, Lucius," a low voice sounded behind him. "Leave her be."
Malfoy swirled around and came face to face with Severus.
"Ah, Severus, my old friend."
"We were never friends, Lucius."
Lucius shrugged gracefully. It wasn't as though he really cared one way or the other.
"What do you want, Lucius?"
"Can't I simply say hello to my cousin?"
Severus stepped closer and pushed his face into Malfoy's. "You are upsetting my wife, Lucius," he said quietly, yet his voice carried a sharp edge. "I don't like it when she's upset."
Lucius' eyebrows shot up in surprise. "My, my," he mocked, "I don't think I've ever seen you so… passionate… about anything, or anyone."
"You were threatening her, Lucius."
"Was I?" Malfoy turned to Grace for confirmation, but she just regarded him with a mixture of disgust and defiance.
"My wife asked you to leave," Severus repeated, his voice dangerously low. "Why are you still polluting her air?"
"Well, I see that you two are made for each other – a perfect match." Lucius adjusted his dress robes and prepared to leave. "I would have never thought it, but Grace seems to have some use, after all. She has that matronly disposition and should prove a fertile breeder. Isn't it fortuitous that being a squib isn't hereditary…?"
Severus' hands shot out and grabbed Lucius by the front of his robes, pulling him closer until his hooked nose was mere inches from Lucius' elegant one.
"I've had enough of you, Malfoy," he ground out warningly. "You've threatened and insulted my wife once too often. Cousin or no cousin, if I ever see you sniffing around her again, you will rue the day you were born. I may no longer be a Death Eater, but I have forgotten nothing. You would do well to remember that I am a Master of Potions and the Dark Arts, and unlike yours, my threats are not idle."
He released Lucius as quickly as he had grabbed him and stepped to Grace's side, dismissing her cousin with a dark glare.
"This isn't over." Lucius tossed away the silver goblet he was still holding and pointed a long gloved finger at Severus. "Mark my words."
He turned abruptly and strode away, his dress robes fluttering angrily behind him, drawing curious glances from the crowd.
Grace heaved a sigh of relief. Severus purposefully ignored the ogling students and whispering teachers and turned to his wife. He placed a hand comfortingly on her arm.
"Are you alright?" he asked her.
She looked into his worried eyes and the concern she saw in them touched her deeply. She nodded slowly and presented him with a tiny smile. "I can breathe easier… now that he's gone."
His frown intensified. "I should have wrung his neck for what he said to you."
Grace placed her hand over his. "You were wonderful," she told him, her eyes shining with shy admiration.
Severus met her gaze and forgot to breathe. His wife was truly beautiful tonight. She was wearing a dark green velvet dress that accentuated her slight frame and womanly curves. Her hair was done up in a flattering do instead of her usual severe bun, and it softened her features considerably. And her eyes… Her eyes were sparkling with excitement and admiration – and something else he couldn't quite put his finger on.
He had watched her from across the Great Hall – just as he had watched her during the last few weeks. Grace really carried herself with elegant poise. She was the complete opposite of the jittery clumsy woman he had thought her to be when they first met. But looking at her now, one would not suspect her to be a squib, he had realized. Yes, his wife had turned out to be a rather pleasant surprise. Her plain unassuming person was hiding a multi-faceted complex character underneath. Moreover, he had found her to be a woman who was gentle and considerate without being subservient or simple-minded. She even put up with his moods without screeching at him like a banshee. Yes, his marriage had turned out much better than he could have imagined.
And then Severus had seen that snake, Malfoy, approach Grace at the refreshments table. The air had crackled with adolescent hormones as he fought his way through the crowd of writhing bodies, his eyes never leaving his wife. He hadn't dared imagine what her cousin was plotting now. He knew how easily someone like Lucius Malfoy could slip something into her punch, and the mere thought that something – or someone – might harm Grace had made him ill. It had squeezed his heart painfully and made his stomach lurch. It was then that Severus had realized that he had come to care for his wife in the few weeks they had spent together. This insight had spurred him on. He had pushed two more students out of his way and was finally able to hear their exchange. He had arrived just in time to hear his wife tell Lucius that she enjoyed his attentions.
Severus regarded his wife, who was still looking up at him with pride shining from her eyes. Could it be that she did not see him as the ogre he thought himself to be? Could it be that she had told Lucius the truth when she said she liked his attentions? She certainly feared him no longer. Maybe it was time they had a talk.
"Come." He took her arm. "I'll take you back to our chambers."
Grace shook her head and pulled back. "No," she told him determinedly. "Let's stay. This is a celebration, and I feel like dancing. Will you dance with me?"
Her innocent question twisted his insides, and Severus knew he couldn't refuse her. He offered her his arm. "I am at your service."
---
"I feel wonderful!" Grace declared tipsily and twirled around, her arms stretched out.
The sudden movement caused her to lose her balance and she stumbled – straight into her husband's arms. Severus caught her effortlessly.
"This evening was simply… wonderful," she told him, breathing a cloud of pumpkin liqueur in his face.
Severus cursed under his breath. Grace had been a little unsteady on her legs towards the end of the evening when they returned to their quarters, but he had thought she'd merely tired herself out. Now he knew differently. Somebody had spiked the punch! No wonder such a considerable number of students had been so out of control. He would have to let Minerva know. The culprits would have to be caught and brought to justice. Severus clenched his teeth. He would also let Poppy know, so she could keep her foulest hangover remedy at hand.
"Hello…" Grace smiled up at him as he carried her to their bedroom. She brought her hand to his cheek and cupped his face. "My husband," she said in a dreamy voice. "My handsome brave husband…"
He wrinkled his nose as another wave of alcohol wafted towards him. "Merlin's Beard!" he ground out. "Grace, you're drunk."
She wagged her finger in front of his face. "No, I'm not," she informed him slowly. Her speech was only slightly slurred. "I only had pumpkin punch. One cannot get drunk from pumpkin punch, Severus."
"Yes, one can – if pumpkin liqueur was added to the punch."
He placed her gently on the bed, and she looked up at him, her eyes wide. "There was alcohol in the punch?" she asked incredulously.
Severus straightened, keeping a straight face. "Yes, indeed."
Grace hiccupped and covered her mouth with one hand. "Oh, no," she gasped shocked. "I am drunk."
"No matter." He left the room for a moment, but quickly returned with a goblet from which faint wisps of steam were rising. He held it under her nose.
"Here, drink this," he ordered her gently.
Grace stared suspiciously into the steaming liquid and sniffed cautiously. She looked at him again.
"This doesn't look very appetizing," she complained.
Severus met her eyes indifferently. "It's not meant to be appetizing," he informed her tersely. "It's meant to cure you."
She sniffed again, and her stomach lurched. "Severus, I don't think I can drink this."
He pushed the goblet into her hands. "Drink it," he told her impatiently, "or suffer the consequences. But don't ask me for a headache remedy tomorrow morning."
Severus strode from the room and left Grace contemplating the steaming goblet she was holding. He went to his office from where he contacted the headmistress and Madam Pomfrey about the spiked punch. Once he was done and had been reassured that the culprits would be caught and punished, he checked the antique clock on the wall. Twenty minutes had passed. He fervently hoped that Grace had done his bidding and taken the potion.
When he reentered their bedroom, Grace was already in bed. He studied her features and found her eyes to be clearer than when he had left her, and her cheeks had lost their feverish pink tint. Severus approached the bed, saw that the goblet was empty, and nodded slightly. Grace followed her husband's gaze and grimaced.
"It tasted awful," she informed him pertly.
He was unperturbed. "But it worked."
She grimaced again, but only because she had to resist the urge to stick out her tongue. "Yes, I feel better now," she ground out grudgingly.
"Good."
Severus went into the bathroom and reappeared shortly after in his usual pristine white nightshirt. He climbed into bed and lay down beside her. With an impatient wave of his hand, he extinguished all candles, leaving the room faintly illuminated by the dying embers in the fireplace. He settled back and exhaled slowly. Grace was listening to his rhythmic breathing for a while, before she broke the silence.
"Severus?" she asked hesitantly.
"Yes, Grace?"
"I'm sorry," she apologized quietly.
"What for?"
"For embarrassing you. I didn't mean to get drunk and make a fool of myself."
"You didn't," he assured her. "Nobody noticed."
"You did," she said shyly.
Severus turned onto his side and watched her silhouette. He noticed her dark hair was spread out over her pillow just the way he liked it. More than anything h he wanted to reach out and twist one of the silky tresses around his fingers. He was becoming aroused, but still he held back.
"It wasn't your fault," he reassured her. "It is very likely that a couple of impertinent seventh-years messed about with the punch. Don't worry, Grace. They will get their due."
She also turned onto her side so she could face him.
"I wasn't the only one, then?"
"No, I suspect a number of students will spend a very bad night and have a rude awakening tomorrow."
"Shouldn't you do something to help them?"
He raised an eyebrow. His wife really didn't know him, at all, if she thought he would voluntarily lift a finger to help any of those infernal adolescents.
"Madam Pomfrey is more than competent to deal with a few hangovers."
Grace nodded slightly, and they lay in silence for a while.
"Severus?" she asked again once she'd gathered up enough courage.
"Yes?"
"I meant what I said earlier."
"What are you talking about?"
"I really think you handsome, Severus."
He stiffened. "Grace," he began, but she interrupted him by placing her hand against his cheek.
"I mean it, Severus," she told him earnestly. "You are rather compelling."
He pushed her hand away and sat up. "Stop this nonsense, Grace," he admonished her. "I fear you are still under the influence. I'd better get you some more potion."
Severus moved to get out of bed, but she called him back.
"Uncle Reginald was right about you. You are a good man, and you've kept your promise to keep me safe. I count myself very lucky…"
He abruptly turned back to her and pushed his face into hers. "Is that why you always keep hovering in the background?" he asked fiercely. "Why you always remain at a distance? Is that why you shrink back from me, when I come close or why you take care not to touch me?"
Grace stared at him, incredulous at his outburst. Had they been tiptoeing around each other all this time because of some misguided sense of respect and consideration for each other's privacy?
"I stayed away, because I didn't want to disrupt your life any further than it already had been," she told him truthfully. "You were forced into this marriage…"
Severus sighed. "So were you."
She nodded. "Yes, but if you had refused, Uncle Reginald would have found someone else for me…"
"I see."
"I've had my doubts for the longest time, Severus, but now… I'm glad you didn't refuse."
He searched her eyes. "Are you?"
Grace nodded again and quickly looked away. All of a sudden, she felt shy again. Severus caught her chin and tipped it up until he could look into her eyes. What he saw in them quickened his heart rate and almost made him light-headed. He hadn't dared hope.
"Severus?"
"Yes, Grace?"
"Will you hold me?"
He didn't answer her. Instead, Severus leaned back against the headboard and took her into his arms. Grace readily moved against him and snuggled into his embrace with a content sigh.
"I know we had intended this marriage to be one of convenience," she said softly, "but that night changed everything, didn't it?"
He tightened his arms around her. "It did," he agreed.
"You know, I did tell Lucius the truth… earlier at the ball. I did enjoy your touch that night. I simply didn't expect the… well, the pain. It took me by surprise."
"Is that so?"
She nodded against his chest.
"I see."
"There wouldn't be any more pain, if… well, if we… you know… would there?"
Her innocent question touched him, and he rubbed one hand comfortingly along her arm. "No," he informed her quietly, "there wouldn't be any pain."
"Good."
Grace tipped up her head and kissed the line of her husband's jaw. Severus' hand stilled on her arm.
"Grace," he asked disconcertedly, "what are you doing?"
"Shhh," she soothed him and kissed him again. "I'm seducing my husband."
Severus allowed himself a tiny smile. "Are you now?"
Her lips moved to his throat. "M-hm."
Grace placed a gentle kiss where the collar of his nightshirt hung open, and Severus groaned. He was fully aroused now, and he realized that nothing short of bedding his wife would soothe the fire burning in his veins.
"Grace?" Her name came out husky and low.
"Shhh," she whispered again and got to her knees.
Grace cupped his face with both hands and looked deep into his eyes before leaning in to kiss him properly. However, as soon as their lips touched, Severus took control. His hands moved to her arms, pulling her closer. With a low growl, he claimed her mouth and quickly ran his tongue along her lips before thrusting past them. His kiss wasn't gentle, and Grace gave a little whimper as he ruthlessly tasted her. Without breaking their kiss, Severus lifted her slightly and draped her over his legs, keeping his hands on her hips. Grace didn't resist him, and moved her hands to the back of his neck where she twisted his hair around her fingers.
Severus tightened his grip on her hips and pulled her closer still. It pleased him tremendously that his wife did not pull back once she realized she was straddling his burgeoning arousal. Instead, she collapsed against him in complete surrender. He repositioned her again, and Grace gave a surprised gasp as she felt herself slide over him. With nimble fingers, Severus hiked up her nightgown and undid the ties of her bloomers. He slid one hand between her legs and found her hot and slick. Whether she knew it or not, his wife was ready for him. He pulled his mouth away from hers and looked at her. Grace's lips were pink and swollen from his fierce kiss, but her eyes were shining with excitement and passion. Her unrestrained response to him encouraged him to forge ahead. Once again, he moved her over his arousal, and Grace whimpered again. To his surprise, she kept moving against him, instinctively rubbing herself on him.
"Grace?" Severus groaned.
She froze mid-movement, remaining poised above him. He tried to ignore the sweet torment of their bodies' intimate contact, two layers of thin fabric being the only barrier to their ultimate joining.
"Yes, Severus?" she asked, slightly out of breath.
"If you keep this up, I won't be able to hold back any longer."
Grace sat back and blushed embarrassedly. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. A wife should be hot for her husband."
Her eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Really."
"Then why…?"
"I simply wanted to warn you."
"Warn me?" Her confusion intensified. "Of what?"
"I didn't want to shock you when I did this…"
Severus quickly took hold of her and flipped her onto her back. With one quick move of his hands he divested her of her bloomers and hiked up her nightgown over her hips, exposing her flat stomach. Like he had that first night, he placed his hand on her abdomen. Her hips jerked involuntarily up, meeting his touch. Yes, she was ready, and so was he. There would be more opportunities for more leisurely exploration in the future, he thought. But now, they both were consumed by a fire which required immediate quenching. Severus loosened his own undergarments and freed himself. He parted her thighs with an impatient nudge of his knee and settled between them. All the emotions he had suppressed for the last several years and his pent-up desires from the last few weeks were breaking through with overwhelming power. He would not go slowly.
Grace saw the determined expression in her husband's eyes and instinctively knew she had nothing to fear from him. However, she involuntarily braced herself when she felt his arousal pushing against her entrance. Severus guided himself into her wetness and leaned over her, so he could look at his wife.
"Don't worry," he whispered.
Grace nodded and relaxed slightly. This simple surrender removed the last of obstacles that had stood in his way of bedding her. Severus surged forward, burying himself in her tight hot passage. He groaned and brought his mouth down to hers. He kissed her passionately, his tongue thrusting past her lips in rhythm with the thrusting of his hips. After her initial gasp of surprise, Grace quickly adjusted to this new unusual, yet pleasant sensation, and met him stroke for stroke.
Severus couldn't believe how different this experience was from their disastrous first night together. Her enthusiastic response spurred him on, and he increased the pace. Beneath him, his wife was moaning softly and writhing restlessly as the fire in her belly intensified and the sweet pain began to build up in her loins. He could feel the passionate heat of her body as she clung to him. Never in his wildest dreams could Severus have imagined that the meek and shy squib, who had sought him out at Spinner's End those months ago, would be such a passionate and uninhibited woman.
With every thrust, Grace felt as though she was being transported to another dimension. This time was definitely more enjoyable for her. Gone were the insecurities that had made their first night so awkward. Also gone were the feminine barriers of her virginity, which had caused all the pain and discomfort during their first joining. Now, she could revel in the glorious feeling of Severus moving within her, of him touching the very core of her. Grace never thought sensations like the ones she was experiencing were humanly possible. It was as though her husband was using his body to weave a magical web of pleasure over her – over them. She matched his rhythm, meeting his every thrust, in a frantic race to reach whatever lay behind that veil of passion, whatever the tension in her body was building up to.
Suddenly, Severus stiffened above her and gave a mighty shudder. With a groan he pushed into her, burying himself to the hilt. For a moment, he remained motionless, his body trembling slightly in the after-effects of his climax. Grace could feel his hot seed filling her in violent spurts and realized he had found his fulfillment. She felt slightly disappointed, because her body was throbbing with a yearning for something she did not really know. Just when she thought that her husband would withdraw and move to his side of the bed, he surprised her. Severus began to drive into her again, and brought one hand to the place where their bodies joined. He teased the tiny nub between her legs, until she was writhing uncontrollably and her world finally exploded in a myriad of fireworks. Only then did he roll off her and collapsed next to her, panting heavily. Grace was near unconscious with the waves of delicious pleasure that flowed through her body, relaxing her limbs to the point of numb uselessness.
Severus surprised her one last time that night. He gathered her into his arms and draped her over his body. Grace placed her ear over his heart and listened to its resonant beats. Soon her breathing slowed and she drifted off to sleep. He watched the woman lying in his arms. Grace had surprised him with her enthusiastic response to him. He could still see her face glow with sheer pleasure when she climaxed. Pride and contentment swelled his chest. Yes, she had taken him completely by surprise and overwhelmed him – this wife of his. For the first time in many years, Severus Snape was unconditionally happy.
A/N #2: Just a little more to come.
Potions Master's Bride © 2006 by MMHG
