A/N: This is for the prompt 'sitting by the fire' on the newyearcntdown comm on LJ, the 'up to 50 pairings' challenge, and the NOTP in the every kind of pairing challenge
Hermione was curled up in front of the fire reading the new edition of Hogwarts, A History, waiting for her husband to return from work.
It was the last week before Christmas and his apothecary was extremely busy.
Somehow she had managed to save Severus' life after Nagini's brutal attack, and insisted that she help nurse him better. He reluctantly agreed since he was unable to look after himself properly.
They got to know each other rather well and conversed on many different subjects. It had been refreshing for the both of them to have a conversation with someone who was just as intelligent as themselves. During this time they developed feeling for each other.
Hermione smiled at the memory of hem confessing their love.
"I'm not sure you understand, Hermione. You have to look at other ways of working with ingredients or how you brew potions otherwise they might not become a effective as they could be. Severus said passionately.
"I love you," Hermione said.
Both of their eyes went wide as the words slipped out.
Silence descended for a moment before he replied, "I love you too."
Four years had passed since then and they were as happy as ever. The only thing missing was a baby and even that would arrive in only a few months time. Hermione couldn't wait to tell him on Christmas Day.