Disclaimer - I own nothing in 'Potterverse', I simply borrow from J.K. Rowling and company. I don't make any money for this fanfic, either.
A huge, massive, gigantic, enormous thank you to everyone who has reviewed, added WARB to your favorites, and/or added it to your alerts. I don't think I say it enough, I love you all and I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations.
Happy belated New Year!!
As per usual, thank you to the BETA-ing boyfriend for putting up with me and this story that continues to grow in length.
Warning - Mature content. 18 and over only please. Sexual content. Last bit not work-safe.
He knew that whatever was to come was going to be an adventure, maybe not the typical kind, but a good one nonetheless.
The adventure started the next morning, going long into the evening, with long discussions of nearly everything either could come up with. Now, let's drop in on the happy couple and see how the conversation is going.
Hermione was curled up on one end of the leather sofa, her feet place in Severus' lap as he rubbed them absentmindedly. "You're going to put me to sleep doing that, you know."
He gave her a one shoulder shrug. "If you'd like to, I would not be opposed to it."
She smiled at him. "No, we still have hundreds of things to discuss."
"Such as?" he asked. "We have already decided that we are going to wait for a month or so to figure out the babies genders, that you are going to put your apprenticeship on hold as soon as it gets to be too much. Not to mention once again having lunch with Mr. and Mrs. Potter. You also sent word to your mother and father."
Severus had yet to meet her parents, but Hermione didn't seem to mind that, which made him a little nervous. She had explained that, after the war, Arthur Weasley had a team of Aurors find her parents, make up a lie to get them back to Britain, and allowed Hermione to explain everything once they lifted the memory charm. They had been shocked, but thrilled to have their daughter back. Hermione had been writing back and forth with them and, according to their letters, were beyond happy about their little girl getting married and having twins, even if it was so soon. Because of work, and life in general, there wouldn't really be a time to meet them other than on the day they had to give her up.
"We didn't talk about where to live, the wedding, or anything like that," she pointed out, giving a moan of approval as he moved his hands to massage her ankles.
"All right, well, my house at Spinner's End is no place for you, let alone two children, so we'll just have to purchase a new one for summers and holidays. I'm sure Minerva won't mind having the two running around, as I'm sure she'll insist on being 'Grandma'. As for the wedding," he said thoughtfully, "it is up to you as to whether or not you wish to have it before or after the babies are born."
Hermione stared at him incredulously for a moment. "Purchase a house?" she finally asked, disregarding everything else.
"Yes," he said simply.
"Where?"
"Anywhere you'd like. It had better be a large one, for I'm sure we'll be having more than just those two," he said. "If it's still for sale, there was this one just outside of Godric's Hollow that my mother used to practically fall over herself anytime we passed by it. I believe it's a three story house, brick as I recall. It was up for sale about six months ago, but I had no need for it other than for the memories of driving past it with my mother. But now," he said with a smile, "I have a wonderful reason to purchase it."
"But won't that be a bit expensive, Severus, a three story house?" she asked with some trepidation.
"Quite expensive, actually, but don't worry about it."
"Don't worry about it?" she asked. "What do you mean 'don't worry about it'?"
Severus gave a light chuckle. "What I am is saying is that I have more money than I know what to do with, Hermione, and I would like to use it for our family."
Hermione couldn't help but smile along with him when he said 'family'. "I hate to ask, but I know that a teacher's salary isn't exactly high…."
Severus smiled at her again. "Love, you don't have to worry about asking anything at all. We're getting married and having children together, you have the right to ask. But, to answer your semi-asked question, I have more than a hundred patented potions, which I still to this day make quite a bit on. I was given a lump of money from the Ministry of Magic, I would assume to keep me from going to any kind of press with my stories, not that I would have in the first place. And lastly, I lived an extremely simple life, not needing money for much at all, so I would still have a decent amount even without all of the above."
"Oh, well… that's good," Hermione said, unsure what else to say.
"I would like to buy a house for us, Hermione, if you would accept," he said quietly, staring into her eyes.
"If you're sure," she replied.
Severus smiled widely. "Absolutely. I'll look into it tomorrow. On to other things; what about the wedding? When would you like to have it?"
Hermione mulled this over for a moment. "Well, I don't want to get married halfway through because I'm going to look like a balloon. But I don't want to have our kids without being married. I mean, I think I could handle it if you think it's much too quickly."
"I told you yesterday, Hermione, all that I want is your happiness," he said sincerely, not looking away from her eyes. "I could wait to get married if you wanted, but you don't. I would not have asked you to marry me if that is not what I wanted, no matter when it actually happened. If you wanted to get married tomorrow, we would get married tomorrow."
"Really?" she asked, her eyebrows raised.
"Well maybe not tomorrow, as we have nowhere to have a wedding, nor do you have the grand white wedding dress, or invitations sent out to everyone," he mused.
"You've put a bit of thought into this, haven't you?" Hermione asked with a laugh.
"It's a possibility," he said seriously. "Have you put any thought into it?"
"Yes," she said with a smile.
"Would you care to express what you had in mind?" he asked.
"I suppose," she said, laughing. "I don't want a huge wedding, but I think that the location would prevent me from keeping it small."
"Where did you want to have it?" he asked curiously, wiggling her toes this way and that.
"Well, I'd like to do it here at Hogwarts," she said slowly. "Our relationship started here, you proposed to me here, we created our children here, it only makes sense we marry here as well."
Severus considered this for a moment. "I would have to agree in your reasoning. I know Minerva, as well as the rest of the staff, will be delighted. Would you like to set the date, then? Now that we have the location, all we need is the date, the invitations, and the dress."
"Don't forget the food and decorations," she said.
"Love, I know you are opposed to how many elves are in the kitchens and on the grounds of Hogwarts, but I assure you that they would be more than happy to take care of that," he said. "They really do enjoy themselves whilst decorating. They refuse any kind of help when decorating for any holidays or the Yule Ball, for example."
Hermione bit the inside of her cheek, thinking this over for awhile. "Can I tell them what I'd like or should I just trust them?"
"I'm sure they would not mind input, but I know it will be well taken care of," he said with a smile.
"Now," she said, "all we have to do is come up with a date."
"Correct," he agreed with a grin. "Would you like a December or January wedding, love?"
"Probably December, but I don't want it to be Christmas-y," she said with a cringe. "I love Christmas, but if we're having a wedding, I want a wedding."
"Agreed," he said. "Any idea on an exact date?"
"None."
"Well then," he said with a laugh, "let's just grab a calendar, blindfold you, and have you point to a day."
Hermione laughed. "I do like the idea of the blindfold," she said, her voice an octave lower than normal.
"Those hormones really are kicking in, hm?" he asked. She made a face at him before lightly kicking him in the stomach with her foot that he was still rubbing. "Easy, tiger."
"Don't you make fun of my hormones, Severus Snape," she said with a glare, but he knew she was just messing with him.
"I vow to try my hardest to leave your hormones out of my joking repertoire," he said seriously, causing her to giggle.
"Thank you. Now," she said seriously, "let's pick that date."
"Well, you want a December wedding, but not too, as you put it, Christmas-y," he said with a chuckle. "What about December tenth? It gives us about two weeks to set up, but it's still just over two weeks until Christmas."
"December tenth," Hermione said slowly, testing the way it sounded. Severus knew it was good when she gave him that 100 watt smile he loved so much. "Sounds perfect."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying being with each other. Hermione stared at him lovingly, watching him as he focused his attention on her foot. She noticed as one of his hands absently scratched his leg, but he paused mid-scratch, his fingertips lingering over the pocket of his trousers. He glanced up at her, his hand on her foot stilling.
"What's wrong, Severus?" she asked, her eyebrows coming together.
He looked at her for a moment before replying. "I wrote you letter, to accompany the necklace I gave you."
Hermione tilted her head to the side slightly, looking confused. "When did you write it?" she asked.
"The day I bought the necklace," he said, his face unreadable. "I found it two weeks ago when I was organizing my desk. I was looking for the right time to give it you, if you wanted to read it. I thought, seeing now as we have a date set, I feel as though I am keeping something from you, by not giving it to you."
She watched Severus as he cleared his throat, looking a little nervous. "Do you want me to have it?" she asked after a moment.
"I would," he said slowly, looking unsure. "I do not want you to be upset, so I was worried about giving it to you."
"It might make me a little sad, remembering it all," she said quietly. "But I would like to read it, Severus."
He looked at her for awhile longer before reaching into his pocket and withdrawing a folded piece of parchment. He stared into her eyes for a moment before hesitantly holding it out to her. She took it just as slowly before carefully unfolding it. Her eyes were watering before she even began reading.
Dear Miss Hermione Granger,
How to start to thank you, I am unsure. You literally saved my life, and I have nothing to give you in return. Certainly you've noticed the box in which this is attached to, but what is inside the box is more a token of my cowardice in not being able to tell you what I have to say personally than anything. I am, for lack of a better word, terrified to speak with you. I am well aware that this might make the both of us uncomfortable, but I would like for you to know how thankful I am. When I walked to meet Voldemort that night, I was quite sure I was going to die. But alas, here I sit, writing to you, and I can't help but admit I feel a bit awkward, knowing you will be reading this whenever I see fit to give it to you.
I do not recall you saving my life, and for that I apologize, for I can only guess it was a difficult task. However, you succeeded. By that I find myself unsurprised. If I were to be told my life would one day be placed in your hands, I would be exceptionally content with that. You are brilliant and a quick thinker, your mind working in ways I have rarely seen. I assure you if any of this is read by your friends or teachers, and it gets back to me, you will have detention until the day one of us dies. I do not wish to be cruel, but I would appreciate if you would keep this to yourself, for my sake. I know I have no right to ask favors of you, but it is a request I am making nonetheless, for I know you will understand my ratiocinations.
Miss Granger, I apologize, deeply and regrettably, for the way I have treated you over the years. You were targeted by default because you were Harry Potter's best friend. I can't promise to be any better to you this year, for I am a man of habit and I have a tendency to blurt out terrible things to people who do not deserve them. I stand by what I said about books not teaching you everything, but I could not imagine grouping you with the twits that you have had to suffer with since your first year. Your mental capacities are astonishing and I am proud to have you as a student, no matter the things I say otherwise.
I apologize for getting a bit off track with this letter, I have a tendency to do that as well. I must admit that I did not ask how you managed to save my life, for selfish reasons. At the time, I was so angry that I had lived, and you had been the reason. I am not trying to say I was committing suicide, it was just that I had come to terms with the fact that I was going to die. I had everything in order, my life sealed and taken care of. You did something for me that was much harder than dealing with death; you forced me to live.
It has been over twenty years that I have not lived under the reign of some form of master, whether it be Voldemort or Dumbledore, and I was unsure as to whether or not I'd know how to make my own life work. I have become accustomed to just following orders and living for a cause, whether it be for the Dark or Light. You have forced me to be my own person, make my own choices daily. You have forced me to stop and think about who I really am as a person, and I hated you. I did not want to owe you, Miss Granger, to feel as though I was trapped under the good deed you did for me.
As I sit today, however, writing this to you, I am nothing but thankful. I have no words in my repertoire large enough to express the gratitude I have towards you. I am a touch worried that when I see you again things will be more difficult for me, coping wise. I have thought long and hard about you and what you've done, and I do not think I will ever be able to look at you the same. I apologize if this letter has unnerved you in any way, or caused any kind of remembrance that would cause you mental pain of any sort. I am not requesting a reply, but if you have one, I would gladly except it. For reasons that are obvious, I would care not to speak about this in person, unless of course it is in private, which may look inappropriate; but I have not lost my ability to rebel against certain rules.
If I do not hear from you, or get a chance to speak with you, I wish you a good term. Perhaps if I become a bit too harsh with you, kindly speak with me after class. I cannot guarantee I will be accepting of it at first, but I will most assuredly feel guilty about it later, more than likely resulting in me being more conscientious. One last time, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, and I sincerely hope that someday you will not regret the decision you made in saving my life. I am forever in your debt, Hermione.
Sincerely,
Professor Severus T. Snape
Severus watched as tears slid silently down Hermione's face as she read, feeling his chest tighten in worry. He was unsure how she would react to the letter and began to fidget a little as she continued to read. At long last, Hermione hiccupped a small sob and looked at him, her hand covering her mouth. Her eyebrows creased with almost a sad look. They stared at each other for a long time, Hermione's tears making tracks along her cheeks. He didn't move to brush them away, although he longed to; something had him rooted to his seat, unable to look away from her watery eyes that were trained on his.
Suddenly, Hermione brushed her face and stood abruptly. Severus made to stand also, but she put her hand on his shoulder, silently telling him to stay put. He relaxed in to the couch again, turning to see her walk into his office. He fought the urge to follow her; he trusted her completely, but he tended to worry, especially now that she was pregnant with his children. He couldn't help but allow a smile to cross his face as he thought about the babies growing inside his bride-to-be's stomach.
He was lost in thought about the babies, so he was surprised to find a piece of parchment being held just in front of his face almost a full half an hour later. He followed the hand holding the parchment to her arm, her body, and finally to her face. Hermione's eyes were still puffy and moisture still there, but her cheeks were dry. He breathed a small sigh of relief as he took the parchment. She took her seat before gesturing to the paper. Severus looked at her quizzically, but when he received no answer, he unfolded the parchment to find writing. He began to read.
My Dearest Severus,
I cannot express to you how unnecessary your thanks are. I can't write to you as I would have then, because so many things have changed. But I do believe I would have replied, for you know me, I can't help it. I feel like a twit, writing the way I am after reading your beautifully written letter. Even two years later, I have a feeling that I would brush away your thanks, telling you that none were needed. I must admit, however, that I don't think that me writing this now would be as different then, now that I think on it. I'm sorry this makes no sense, I'm tired and a little upset. Don't worry, it isn't your fault.
I love that you told me how you were forced to be yourself because, even though I didn't know it then, you are a wonderful, caring, loving, brilliant man, Severus. Even before reading this, I noticed a change in you in my seventh year. You were kinder, not nice, but kinder, or at least you tried. You seemed to catch yourself before you said something too rude, choosing to be silent rather than cruel. I wanted to talk with you so badly that year, to know if you were all right, even though I saw you nearly every day.
Severus, I am so sorry that most of your life was lived by simply just your body rather than your mind. What I mean is that I hate that you had to swallow who you are and be commanded around like a puppet. I know that you'll probably reprimand me for saying it, but I find you a braver man for it. You knew what you had to do, and you did it for the good of the wizarding world. I know you'll say that wasn't your intention when you joined Voldemort, but it was your intention in the end, and that's all that matters to me.
You are possibly the best person I have ever or will ever know, so I cannot apologize for causing you to find yourself and live for you rather than for everyone. I take only a small credit to who you are now, and that's more than enough for me. I could never regret the choices I made when in regards to you, Severus. You have given me as much as I have given you, I can assure you that. That day I not only saved you, but I saved myself as well. I don't think I could have lived with myself leaving you there.
You can repay me, Severus, by being a good husband and a loving father. I'm not asking you to stay with me, if one day you no longer want to be married, but I do ask you to be there, for our children, no matter what. I do not doubt that you will be an amazing father, but it's a request I must make, and I can promise you the same. I swear to you that I will be the best wife and mother possible. I don't ever want there to be a time when we call it quits, but if there ever is, just know that I will never stop loving you. You, Severus, are my heart and I cannot help but feel as though I the luckiest girl in the world.
I know I got completely off topic, but my hormones are kicking in, I think. I love you, Severus Snape, and I hope we can get through anything, no matter what, especially since we've already been through so much. I know that day that I saved you will forever be by far the best thing I will ever do, apart from marrying and having children with you. Now I am going to give you this, and when you're ready, I think I could use a long hot shower.
All my love,
Mrs. Hermione Snape
P.S. I know the wedding is few weeks away, but I love the name change already. I love you.
Hermione watched as Severus read her letter, his eyes scanning back and forth across the page like a typewriter. Ever so slowly, she watched as moisture filled his eyes, but it never spilled over. He finished after what seemed like only ten seconds, meeting her eyes, a smile on his face. He stood, folding the paper and putting into his pocket before offering her a hand. She smiled back and grasped his hand, allowing him to help her up. Even before she could get proper footing, he crushed her to him in a desperate embrace, his arms locking around her back, holding her as closely as possible. Hermione slid her arms around him, holding him just as tightly. They stayed like that for an immeasurable time, rocking slightly as they clung to one another.
"Hermione," he whispered into her sweet smelling hair, "may I ask you something?"
"Anything," she whispered in return.
"Would it be acceptable to write our own vows?" he asked.
"Is that what you would like?" she asked, nuzzling her face against his chest.
He smiled a little. "I may not like expressing my feelings to everyone… however, this is our wedding day and I would like to write our own vows, if you would not mind."
She smiled, inhaling his manly scent. "I love the idea, Sev," she said honestly. "Do you have an idea on length?"
He couldn't help put chuckle. "Well, for the sake of our guests, perhaps we should keep it less than a page." He laughed as Hermione snorted. "So ladylike."
She swatted his bum playfully before pulling back to kiss him fondly on the mouth. He deepened the kiss, his hand getting lost in the mess of her hair. "Perhaps," she said lowly, pulling away from him, "we should take that shower I mentioned, Severus."
He groaned when she purred out his name, drawing her shirt over her head as she walked backwards to the bathroom. He followed her in, removing his shirt as well. Once in the bathroom, he reached into the large standing shower and turned on the water before returning to aid in the removal of his soon-to-be-wife's clothing. Hermione moaned as his hands skimmed her nipples on the way to her pants, deftly undoing them before bringing them, as well as her knickers, to the floor.
Hermione smirked devilishly as Severus' head fell back when she placed her hand on his obvious erection through his trousers. Their breathing turned to pants as Severus reciprocated her touches, trailing his fingers slowly along the insides of her bare thighs as her hand pressed more firmly against him. When it became too much, Hermione anxiously undid the button and zipper to his pants, almost violently shoving his boxers with his pants down his legs. He stepped out of them and crushed her mouth with his.
Hermione's tongue shot out to meet his, battling for dominance. Without warning, Severus stooped down and grabbed her legs, hoisting her up so she could wrap them around him. He very carefully stepped into the massive shower, putting her back under one of the many heads spraying hot water. She moaned as his lips viciously took her neck, biting and sucking the sensitive skin. She ground her hips into his, begging for friction, causing his hands to grasp her round bottom.
"Please," she moaned, rotating against him.
"As you wish," he panted.
With both of them beneath the spray, he braced her back against the chilly tiled wall. He looked into her eyes as he backed away a bit, positioning himself at her soaked entrance. His mouth found hers as he penetrated her to the hilt, her moans mixing with his as he became completely sheathed inside her tight cavern. He paused for a moment, taking in the pure feel of her slick walls contracting around him. When he paused, Hermione allowed the feeling of being filled so completely, his large member stretching her walls, to take her over.
"I love you," he whispered against her shoulder, where his lips were currently doing maddening things to her skin.
"I love you, too," she moaned as he brought her up before sliding her back down.
She used her legs around his hips as leverage, guiding herself up and down, moaning as he filled her again and again. After a few moments, Severus paused again, pressing her more firmly against the wall. "I am not as young as I once was, love," he whispered, sounding almost embarrassed.
"You're perfect," she said before nipping his ear. "See that bar of soap?" He nodded. "Turn it into a chair." He pulled back, looking at her a little oddly, but did as she asked. Her legs locked harder around him, causing his to groan as he went more deeply inside her. She appraised the chair, and saw it was more than large enough for her plan. "Now, sit down."
Severus immediately got the idea and, still buried deeply inside her, carefully lowered them onto to the white chair. Hermione's knees fell to either side of him, straddling him. The spray continued to fall upon them as Hermione rotated her hips, causing Severus to groan loudly. She grasped his shoulders, using them to propel herself up before impaling herself again. She went slowly, relishing in the feel of his erection coming almost completely out before hitting bottom.
His hands went to her hips, helping her slow movements. He met her as best he could from the odd angle. Hermione leaned back a little and he took advantage of her exposed breasts, his mouth slowly drawing in a hardened nipple. He smirked as she moaned and began pumping herself faster, rotating her hips every time she came down. Severus' hand came up to give attention to her neglected nipple. He pulsed inside her as her walls convulsed around him, and he nearly lost it right there.
Severus' hand made a hurried trail down her stomach to the little bundle of nerves between her nether-lips, his thumb working it in hard circles. Hermione arched, moaning his name loudly. "Come for me, love," he said, still not releasing her nipple.
Hermione obeyed the command, her orgasm ripping through her body as she made fast shallow thrusts, throwing him into his own release, him spilling deeply inside her. His hand slowed on her, letting her ride hers out to the fullest, until she eventually stopped quivering. Her soaked torso fell into his and he wrapped her tightly in an embrace, leaving small kisses on her bare shoulder, making her shiver at the sensation. Severus nuzzled his face into her wet hair as she sighed contently against him, resting her cheek on his shoulder.
"Would you like me to wash you?" he asked quietly, his fingers tracing small circles on her lower back.
"Mmm," she hummed in approval, feeling suddenly very tired.
"Lean back," he said.
She obliged him, letting the spray fully soak her hair. His long fingers slid into her hair, moving it this way and that, making sure it all got wet. He leaned over for the shampoo just as she was sitting back up. He squirted some into his hand and set the bottle back down. His clean hand went to her ribs, pulling her towards him again. She rested her forehead on his shoulder as he slowly massaged the shampoo into her tangled hair, running his finger through it deftly, the tangles and curls making way easily for him.
He massaged her scalp lightly, making sure her hair was fully saturated before guiding her back under the spray. They continued on like this with the conditioner and soap. Only when he reached her hips with the washcloth did he realize they were still joined; he slowly, carefully, lifted her up and she whimpered at the loss, even though it had been quite a bit of time. He couldn't help but smile. He turned her in his lap, her back resting against his chest as he washed her front slowly, taking time to enjoy her against him. It wasn't until he was fully done that he realized she had fallen asleep against him, her breathing slow and heavy.
He shifted her to one side and proceeded to wash his hair and body, ever mindful of the sleeping woman on his lap. He chuckled as her head drooped to one side and she smacked her lips a few times before slumbering peacefully once more. Once he was done, he murmured a few spells, eventually resulting in no more water, as well as a dry Severus and Hermione. He charmed her hair into a loose ponytail before heaving himself, with her in his arms, out of the chair. He carried her through the bathroom and into the bedroom, gently laying her naked body on top of the covers. He walked around the other side of the bed before climbing in, tugging the covers from underneath her, only to re-cover her.
In her sleep, Hermione turned and draped herself across him. He couldn't help but smile and slide his arm underneath her pillows in order to wrap it around her. Her head nuzzled up to his chest and he held her closely, closing his eyes and relishing at the feel of her warm naked body against his. He sighed happily, drifting off into an exhausted sleep, his other hand unconsciously ghosting over her stomach.
A/N: Oh my goodness I am so so so so so sorry about this being over 5,000 (!!!!!!) words, I just couldn't stop! The only way, in my mind, that I could have lessened it would have left it off on a cliffy and I promised there would be no more of those. I keep my promises. So, hopefully you don't hate me too much. Review please!!! They're like an author's drug. It helps me write, truly it does.