Disclaimer - I still sadly own none of the characters that the wonderful J.K. Rowling has created, nor do I make any money from this fanfiction.
Wow, okay, so thank you, to all of you who have reviewed, or added WARB to their favorites and/or alert lists. We're almost done, ya'll, so just hang in there with me for a little longer, please. Hopefully this chapter will sate you enough until the next one.
Happy Valentine's Day! I hope everyone's day is filled with love and happiness!
As always, three cheers for the amazing Dave, BETA reader/boyfriend extraordinaire for putting up with me and this story.
Warning - 18 and over only, please. A little bit of sexual implications. A bit of fluff, obviously.
After nearly three hours of dancing, talking, and drinking, the party had finally died down enough to where everyone took their respected seats at the tables the house elves had set up while congratulations were being given just after the ceremony. Hermione had managed to steal away from Severus for awhile, grabbing her mom, Molly, and Ginny to help her get out of her wedding dress and into a fluffy, beautiful dress that was green with silver accents, the neck line plunging gracefully, the dress being held up by spaghetti straps. Severus gawked at her when she came walking back in, arm and arm with her mother and Molly.
He walked to her and bowed slightly, taking her hand and brushing a kiss over her knuckles as her previous companions walked away. She giggled and kissed his cheek, his arm sliding around her back, holding her against him for a quick hug. "You look stunning," he said huskily in her ear. "I cannot wait to take it off you."
Hermione gasped. "Severus," she said shyly, swatting his arm. "You're still not going to tell me where were going after this, are you?"
"No," he said, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, "it's a surprise, love, you'll just have to trust me."
"I do," she said and they both smiled widely. "I love you."
He kissed her slowly. "And I love you, Hermione."
Hermione smiled up at him, her mind whirling with possibilities. Severus, two weeks previous to the wedding, had informed her that he was taking her somewhere special for their wedding night. Hermione had immediately imagined sunny beaches and breath taking scenery; she knew deep down that it might not be what he'd want, but she took pride knowing that all he wanted was her to be happy. She had tried to get it out of him, but he was impenetrable, even when in the throws of passion, he rebuffed her breathless questions. She may be persistent and headstrong, but he was a master of secrecy; she knew it was futile, but enjoyed the smug smirk he would give her whenever she asked.
Severus reached for her hand again as they were ushered to their table, everyone anxious for the speeches. Once settled, an array of foods and drinks appeared in the place of the hors d'oeuvres. It looked like the traditional Hogwarts feasts, but, if possible, the food looked even better. There was fish, chicken, beef, pork, lamb, you name it, it was probably there. The guests, as well as Severus and Hermione, gawked a bit at first, but then dug in with enthusiasm, having worked up an appetite with all the dancing. Roughly halfway through dinner, Harry stood, tapping a fork against a crystal wine glass to get the attention of the room. After he was sure everyone was paying attention, he cleared his throat and looked to the bride and groom.
Harry smiled at them and set down his glass. "Now, I can tell everyone hundreds of stories, but I think tonight I'll take everyone back to the beginning," he said, happy to notice silence filled the pause he took. "My very first day on the Hogwarts Express, I sat in a compartment with my now-best mate, Ron, chatting about nothing in particular, when suddenly this bushy haired girl with her nose in the air opened the door like she owned the train." Severus laughed and put his arm around Hermione as she hid her face in his shoulder. "Hermione Granger, well, Snape now, is loving, caring, and all she wants is what's best for everyone, and being so young I, as well as everyone else, took it for bossy, pushy, and nosy.
"Now," Harry said, his smile growing, "after the train ride it was here, in this very Hall, that I first laid eyes on Severus Snape. I didn't speak to him, but let me tell you, he glared at me like you wouldn't believe." Everyone, including Severus, chuckled. "Hermione's my best friend and I've spent so much time with her… well, there was a few weeks out of every year I seemed to spend more time in detention with a certain professor, than with Hermione. You know, now that I think about it, maybe they are perfect for each other…. Bossy and snappy, bucktoothed and greasy…. Boy, those kids are going to be great."
Everyone paused for a moment, looking to Hermione and Severus for their reactions. You could almost hear the sigh of relief from the crowd as they both burst into laughter. "Now, a few months ago, I was told that, when the day came, I was allowed to repeat back a few things."
"Oh, no! Harry!" Hermione groaned, her face hiding in Severus' neck, who was staring, amused, at Harry.
"Oh, yes, Hermione!" he said. He looked at Ginny, who was barely containing her giggles, and she nodded. "Now, let me set the scene for everyone: It was Hermione's twenty-first birthday and Ginny, Ron, Lavender, and I took her out and got her smashed. I have never seen Hermione drink more than a glass of alcohol, but I don't think that in her twenty-one years combined could she have drank as much as she did that night. I had to Apparate her back to her apartment, and by Apparate I mean carry as well.
"So," Harry ploughed on, Severus watching him very intently while Hermione moaned in embarrassment, "we get back to her place, and she was talking about wanting someone to be in love with her and love someone back and, just as I was sitting down, she said 'I want someone to be in love with me. Someone like Severus.' Let me tell you, I thought she was completely bonkers, and when I ask if she means Severus Snape, she looks at me like I'm the one who's mental and she goes off. She starts listing a ton of things off, about how gorgeous and brilliant he is. No offense, mate, but you aren't exactly my type."
Once again the crowd, along with Severus, laughed, Hermione's face now covered by her hands. "Well, she decides she going to write him a letter, stumbles around trying to get up, right? Well, Ron tells her maybe it's not such a good idea, and she starts ranting about how she's been in love with him for ten years and then do you know what she does? She looks at me and says 'now or never, right Harry?' and I look at her and tell her I'm not sure. She looks around and says, 'see? The Chosen One has spoken!' and stumbles off into the kitchen to write him a letter. Now, we waited around, the rest of us joining her in the kitchen and we're just talking and suddenly, a large raven comes tapping at the window."
It was Severus' turn to look a little embarrassed. Harry continued, his voice growing softer. "When Hermione read that letter, I didn't know what to do because she looked so astonished, so confused, but so happy. She had tears in her eyes just from one - single - letter," he said, punctuating each of the words in just over a whisper. "She left shortly after corresponding with him a bit, and we all waited around, wondering when she'd come back, or whether or not it was simply a trap and Severus decided he needed a know-it-all to make an example out of every class." Hermione and Severus couldn't help but laugh at that.
"But seriously, you two," Harry said, looking at laughing couple, Hermione finally peeking around Severus to look at Harry, "I know it took me awhile to come around to the idea of Severus Snape being the good guy, and I still don't agree." He paused for a moment. "In my opinion, Severus Snape is not the good guy, he's the best. At least in regards of a partner for Hermione. I wish you two nothing but happiness, and it's so easy to tell how in love you are just by looking at you." Harry raised his glass again. "To the bride and groom!"
Everyone cheered loudly and drank. Severus shocked everyone by being the first to stand and turn fully towards Harry, pulling him into a bear hug. Hermione noticed her husband stiffen slightly, pull away, look Harry in the eyes and say, "Really?"
Harry grinned devilishly and nodded. Hermione looked at the two, but chose to ignore it. She met Harry halfway around Severus' seat and she hugged him tightly, telling him how amazing his speech was. He simply smiled and told her he loved her. She patted his cheek affectionately before sitting back down. Severus once again put his arm around her, leaning in so his lips were right by her ear, his other hand finding it's way to her upper thigh.
"So, love," he drawled very quietly, his voice smooth and husky, "it is indeed a shame you are not wearing any pants."
Hermione did her best to contain the shudder that threatened to go up her spine. "Why is that?" she whispered back.
"Because," he said into her ear, drawing out each word as slowly as he could, his voice sounding deeper than usual, "be assured, my wife, I would be more than willing to test the theory of what my voice does… to you." Hermione suppressed a moan, gripping his leg with her hand. Severus made a low noise in his throat before tilting her flush face up to meet his, kissing her fully on the mouth. No one but Harry really noticed and he shuddered a little.
The speeches wore on throughout the night, similar, but no where near as good, to Harry's. Hermione's parents stood and talked about how Hermione used to talk of her 'favorite professor' and how they always knew something would come of it. Ginny stood up, saying only a few words before toasting them again. George made to stand up, but Molly held him back. Hermione noticed this and winked at George, who rolled his eyes comically, making her laugh. Arthur and Molly stood up, talking about how that although she may not be marrying any of their sons, Hermione, as well as Severus, have always, and will always, be considered family. The last of the night was Minerva, tears in her eyes as she made a short but very sweet speech.
The room quieted down after what seemed like weeks, taking time to enjoy their desserts and the company around them. Hermione was more than excited to see Severus take the time, quite a lot of time actually, to speak with Harry, who was sitting directly beside him, as well as her parents. He also surprised her by typically being the first to reply to any questions or comments from guests as they periodically came to the table. Severus couldn't hide his smile when George Weasley finally approached.
"You've got to be playing at something terrible," the redhead said, sounding distressed. "Loony has been following me everywhere. Did you see her? On the dance floor I mean, trying to get me to tango with her during some disgustingly romantic number."
Hermione giggled and her cheeks blushed. "I'm sorry, George."
"Oh, that's rubbish, just look at you," he said, his arms raising and falling in defeat. "Look, Professor, whatever I did to you, I am deeply sorry. Now, can you possibly Oblivate her, or use a time-turner, or something."
Severus couldn't help but laugh and he noticed Harry was looking away from them but was obviously trying to hide a smile. "There is nothing that you have to apologize for, I always found your performances quite amusing, honestly."
George stared at him, dumbfounded. "Thanks, sir."
"No reason to use formalities anymore, George," he said with a smile.
If before George looked dumbfounded, this was nothing compared to look he was giving Severus now. "Bloody hell, Hermione, what have you done to the man?"
Hermione laughed and Severus put his arm around her again. "Don't worry, Georgie," Hermione said, "one day you'll find a girl that'll make you feel a little different. Luna, perhaps."
George blanched. "Not bloody likely! And what did I tell you about calling me Georgie?"
"That I may do it whenever I please," Hermione said, making a goofy face at him.
"Sure, okay, yeah," he said, rolling eyes. He looked back at Severus. "You never answered my question. Isn't there something you can do to make her leave me be?"
Severus looked as though he were pondering this for a moment. "It would be unethical for me to do so."
"Screw ethics!" George whispered harshly. "This is Luna sodding Lovegood we are talking about!"
Severus very nearly rolled his eyes. "Hermione and I are taking our leave in a few moments, which is more than enough time to round up some sort of big production." George looked confused, so Severus continued. "As I recall, you have gotten yourself out of many situations using your products as opposed to your words."
You could almost see the light bulb go off in George's head. "Ah hah!" he exclaimed, looking at Severus as though he had told him all the secrets of the world. "You're brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!"
"Now, George," Hermione said, her voice sounding very serious, "as you can see, Severus is my husband, you are not allowed to have him."
Severus looked a little confused but George seemed to have gotten it, and started to laugh. "That's so disturbing on so many levels, Hermione, really. All right, well you two enjoy the rest of your evening, I have some planning to do."
Hermione stood and leaned over the table to awkwardly hug George before kissing his cheek. Severus stood as well, extending his hand to the shocked looking Weasley. George grasped the other man's hand and shook it firmly. As the couple stood there, they both laughed as the redhead narrowly avoided Luna, literally running out of the Great Hall. Severus reached down and grabbed Hermione's hand, bringing it up to place a gentle kiss on the back of it.
"Are you ready to go?" he asked quietly.
Hermione smiled widely up at him and nodded her head. "Can we say goodbye to my parents first?"
"Of course," he said, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "We can do whatever you like."
Hermione stepped closer to him, her body pressing against him. "I do believe it would be inappropriate to do whatever I like right here."
His eyebrows shot up, a stunned look on his face. "Why Mrs. Snape, you minx."
She winked at him and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. "Let's get the goodbyes over with, I want to see where you're taking me."
It took nearly another hour to say their goodbyes, their hands never untwining as they hugged and thanked everyone for being there. After long last, Severus and Hermione made their way through the crowd, walking at a brisk pace to the outside of Hogwarts after retrieving their cloaks and small packed bags full of clothing. They were silent as he un-warded the gates and lead her through them before resetting them. It was then that he turned to her, his eyes blazing as she met his gaze. He silently released her hand, reached into his pocket briefly before withdrawing a silky piece of black material, not unlike a satin scarf. She looked at him questioningly.
"A blindfold," he said simply, stepping behind her.
"Why?" she asked, her breathing rising.
"I would not want you peeking until I see fit," he said lowly into her ear, folding the material before placing the soft fabric over her eyes. "I want you to take in the full effect of your surprise."
She hummed in agreement, her stomach twisting in nervous anticipation. She felt Severus' long fingers deftly tie the blindfold, tightening it softly against the back of her head, taking away her sight completely. She shivered as his fingers ghosted down her spine, a low growl coming from him as she unconsciously arched her back.
"Do you trust me?" he asked, his mouth next to her ear.
"Yes," she whispered.
She felt him step to her right side, his arm resting against hers. "Take my arm, love."
Hermione got a fluttering of butterflies in her stomach before gently looping her arm through his. Her hand wrapped as much as possibly around his bicep, gripping it as she took in a deep breath. As she assumed he would, Severus turned on the spot, sucking them into chest crushing Apparation. Just as she felt as though her lungs were going to explode, her feet hit solid ground and her lungs filled with cool night air. She breathed through her nose, expecting a salty air, but none came. Hermione heard Severus breathe deeply next to her and she imagined his chest rising and falling.
Severus brought his right hand to hers and carefully unlatched it from its death grip upon his arm. He once again walked behind her, grasped her shoulders gently and pushed and pulled, effectively turning her to the left. After a moment he was at her side once more, his hand guiding hers to link through his arm. He tugged slightly, indicating he wanted her to walk. She struggled for the first few steps, her lack of eyesight making her a little off kilter. Thankfully he kept the pace slow, gently leading her in the direction of his choosing. Hermione kept her other senses alert; she could tell by the clanking of her shoes on the ground that they were on either a paved road or a concrete sidewalk, the air was crisp but the wind down, meaning it was somewhere with buildings or trees.
"We're going to be stopping in a few steps," he informed her quietly, his steps slowing even more.
"Okay," she replied, unsure what else to say.
After only ten or so more steps, Severus guided her to stop. "Turn to your left, Hermione," he whispered in her ear.
She complied, very carefully turning in the direction he said. For the third time that night, Severus stepped behind her, his hands gently running up and down the length of her arms, causing her to shiver at the sensation. She could hear his accelerated breathing behind her and she wondered whether or not he was nervous. A small smile played at her lips, the thought of Severus Snape nervous because of her made her heart flutter happily. His hands went up her arms again, but this time did not come back down. He caressed her neck before finding the tie of the blindfold.
She waited, holding her breath. "Severus?" she questioned after a few moments of no movement from him.
He paused for a moment, not quite sure what to say. "I do not want to disappoint you, Hermione."
She was taken aback by the intensity of the worry in his voice. "Severus," she sighed, "you could never disappoint me. I can guarantee that wherever we are, I'll be happy."
He let out a nervous chuckle. "I surely hope so." He was still for a moment longer. "Will you keep your eyes closed after I remove the blindfold, with no peeking, so I may see your expression when you see where I have brought you?"
"Certainly," she said with a smile.
He still hesitated before slowly untying the blindfold. Hermione squeezed her eyes shut, making sure nothing could get in, wanting to give him his moment. He pocketed the blindfold before stepping in front of her, just off to one side, his hand gently lifting hers, holding it tightly in his grasp.
"Open your eyes, love," he whispered, but Hermione noticed the worry had only increased.
She waited a beat, taking a deep breath before opening her eyes. The site that met her nearly made her faint; it was the house he had described to her awhile back, but only much larger than she originally thought. It looked like a small, dark brick, mansion; there were at least three floors, large bay windows and a sophisticated turret on the left side of the enormous house. There were white painted balconies on almost all of the top windows, apart from the first floor, as well as a large wraparound porch, also white, and blue shutters were to either side on the smaller windows. She looked back to the porch and noticed the front door was one of those grand double-doors and they were the same light color blue as the shutters and at least seven feet tall.
The yard was large and spacious, lightly covered in white fluffy snow; she noticed the garden that seemed to follow the porch, beautiful rose bushes and multi-colored flowers still in full bloom, despite the cold weather. The house itself reminded her of a bricked over plantation from the U.S. southern states that she had seen while taking American History at her Muggle elementary school. Suddenly, it donned on her that she was actually here, and this had to be the house that Severus had spoken to her about weeks before, but they had never really discussed it after that.
Severus stood there, watching her face as it turned from confusion, to surprise, to happiness, and finally realization. He became a little nervous when tears filled her eyes about five minutes into her surveying the house, and then silently streaming down her face. After what felt like hours, she turned to him, her bottom lip quivering. She met his eyes and her mouth slowly opened before closing again; he smirked on the inside, mentally patting himself on the back from turning his little loquacious witch utterly speechless.
"Do you like it?" he asked quietly.
He nearly tipped over as she flung herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck, slamming into him. She laughed and cried as he chuckled, wrapping her in a tight embrace. "Oh, Severus!" she exclaimed. "Is this what I think it is?"
He nodded, his face buried in her neck. "If you think that this is our home, than yes, you are correct."
She squealed in delight, bouncing slightly within his arms, not able to contain herself. "Severus this is the most beautiful house I have ever seen!"
"So you approve?" he asked, pulling back to look into her watery eyes.
"Approve?" she asked. "Approve? Hell no I do not approve. I love it! It's perfect!"
Before he could say anything else, she pulled him down for a breathtaking kiss, her tongue instantly seeking entrance. Severus allowed the intrusion for a moment before kissing her back passionately, lifting her off her feet and twirling her around before setting her back down. He broke the kiss and swooped down only to lift her off her feet again. She giggled and held onto him as he picked her up bridal style.
"Shall we?" he asked, gesturing towards the house.
"Yes, please," she said, not taking her eyes from his happy face.
He carried her through the small gate that encased the front yard, up the walkway and stairs, to the porch. He shifted her in his arms in order to turn the brass knob before slowly swinging the door inwards. Hermione gasped as he carried her over the threshold of their new home, her eyes taking in the foyer with rapt attention. The lights had turned on as they walked in, and she noticed the light was coming from a grand crystal chandelier hanging at least twenty feet in the air above them. From what she could see, all the floors were made of dark hardwood, laminated and shiny. Off to either side of them were wide, spacious rooms, complete with warm toned furniture.
"I was not sure," Severus said quietly, "what type of furniture you liked best, so I picked out what I thought would be acceptable. If you do not care for it, it can always be returned, and I will give you free reign pick anything you like."
Hermione smiled at him. "So far, so good," she said. "You can put me down if you'd like."
Just as she said it, Severus felt his legs get a little weak under her weight, even though she weighed no more than a hundred and twenty-five pounds. He gently lowered her to the ground, allowing her to get steady on her feet before releasing her fully. Hermione reached back and grabbed his hand as she entered the first room, which had brown leather sofas and a large chair to match, circling around a huge brick fireplace. The room across the hall had a similar furniture set, but it was beige and had the softest covering.
They made their way back to foyer and lights began turning on, illuminating the rest of the massive house. There was a large sweeping staircase, also covered in hardwood, leading to upper levels; beyond that was the largest room yet, what she assumed would be called the 'family room'. There were more couches, all black leather, with a fireplace similar to the other room's, and to her surprise, a flat screen television, a state-of-the-art sound system, as well as a DVD player and stereo.
Severus noticed her shocked gaze and chuckled. "I recall you saying that you enjoy television once in a while," he said quietly behind her.
Hermione mutely nodded her head before moving to the next room, her breath catching in her throat as she took in it. It wasn't just a kitchen, it was a masterpiece; the vast countertops were black granite, shimmering brightly as the light bounced off them. There was a large island counter in the middle of the kitchen, pots and pans hanging from a large rack above. The steel sink was almost large enough to bathe in, and images of washing their children's hands before dinner raced through her mind. There was a wooden table with six high-backed chairs off in a nook on the left side of the room, tucked into a rounded corner. There was a bar on the other side of the kitchen and Hermione noticed that if you walked around it, it lead to another room, that would clearly be the "play room". From what she could see of the room, there was large plastic toys and shelves full of children's books and movies.
"You did that?" Hermione asked him, not hiding the shock from her voice.
Severus simply nodded, not sure whether she would approve of not having been able to pick out all of it with him. He needn't have worried, of course, for she gave him her 100 watt smile. "So," he said quietly, "you still like it?"
"I absolutely love it, Severus," she said, putting her arms around his neck and pressing her body against his. His arms went around her waist, his hands making small circles on her back. "Now, I'm sure I will have loads of time for exploring, so why don't you take me on a tour of our bedroom?"
His eyes widened slightly at her implications. "Are you sure you do not wish to look around more?"
Hermione couldn't help but smile. "No, I'm positive."
Before he had time to say anything else, Hermione pulled on his neck, forcing his face down to hers before restarting their kiss from outside. Severus gripped her hips, pulling her tightly against him as his tongue glided along the seam of her lips. She obliged him and they quickly battled for dominance. He backed her into the island counter, pressing against her as his hands roamed over her silky dress. He broke the kiss, replacing his lips at her neck, sucking and kissing the sensitive flesh. Hermione raked her hands into his hair and arched against him as his hands fondled her breasts through the dress. She rotated her hips against his obvious erection and moaned when he plucked at her harden nipples.
"Love," he panted huskily, "as much I would love to take you right here, I would like to make our wedding night memorable."
"Oh, Severus," she sighed, stroking his cheek as he stood back up. "No matter where or what or how, it would be memorable, for it'll be with you."
His face softened immensely and he kissed her again, slowly and lovingly. "I love you," he whispered against her lips.
She smiled. "I love you, too," she replied. "Now, take me to bed, my husband."
Severus couldn't help but smile and kiss her again, stooping down to lift her up bridal style again before making the slow ascent up the many stairs to the second floor.
A/N: Once again, I don't really think this is a cliffhanger, for you know exactly what is coming next. I will be posting the "honeymoon" lemons and what have you soon, I hope. There's probably only going to be two or three more chapters. Remember to review! If you liked it, loved it, or absolutely hated it, I'm dying to know!! Thank you for reading.