Disclaimer – I own nothing from Harry Potter nor do I make money from this fanfiction.
Our story is finally coming to end, my friends. I never wanted to see this day, but I think they deserve their happily ever after, don't you? It's not a coincidence that this is going up on Thanksgiving. I am endlessly thankful for this pairing, for my readers and for the ability to still be inspired to write. I hope this chapter does our couple justice. Thank you all for sticking with me all these years.
Warning – So much fluff. Suggestive themes.
Their trip to New Zealand came and went quicker than they expected, the spring flying by and propelling them into summer, where Hermione found it increasingly difficult to do even small tasks. By the time she hit thirty-five weeks, their doctor recommended bed rest because the babies were both measuring in the advanced categories. She initially argued but eventually caved at the idea of a temporary house elf from Hogwarts. She did it only to keep Severus' worrying to a minimum. It was nearing the end of the school year, and her pregnancy, but she didn't want him to be constantly stressed about her when he needed to teach classes. He waited until the last second every day to leave the house, came back most days on lunch and was home the moment class let out.
It was the twelfth of June that Hermione woke up feeling a pressure in her groin that wasn't there the night before. It was uncomfortable but not unmanageable and she went about her normal routine, huffing in annoyance when Gina, the house elf that had been there three weeks now, tutted and forced her back to bed. She ate the generous breakfast that was presented to her, knowing it would insult the elf otherwise. By the time she was the done, the pressure was back and lasted much longer, sending a strange tightness to the rest of her abdomen.
Hermione shrugged it off again, pulling out the journal she was keeping throughout her pregnancy and logging what was happening and how she was feeling. Full and comfortable, it wasn't long before she fell back asleep sitting up in the bed. She was woken up two hours later, the pressure and tightness back in a stronger way. She suddenly realized they were contractions.
She kept track for another two hours, pleased when they started getting closer and closer together. Once they were eight minutes apart, she called for the elf to go get Severus from Hogwarts, even though he would be home soon. She'd made him the promise at the start of her pregnancy to call for him once they were close enough together and she didn't want to disappoint him.
He was in the middle of teaching the wretched fifth years when a small elf came scampering into his room. Without a single word, he yelled instructions and fled the room, racing to the Headmistress and informing her it was time. He used her floo, hurrying through their house to get to her. She was still seated on their bed, a heating pad across her stomach, breathing very purposefully. She smiled radiantly and opened her arms to him.
"How are you feeling, love?" he asked, leaning down and giving her a quick hug.
"Eight minutes apart now!" she informed him excitedly. "Not too bad, but the pressure is worse than it was awhile ago. Now don't make faces, I didn't even realize what was happening until I logged it."
He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "I know you're set on not going in until they're only four minutes apart, but have you informed the doctor?"
"I haven't," she admitted, her face falling. "I'll do that now."
"Don't worry, I'll send Gina." He didn't wait for a response, calling for the elf and instructing her, waiting until she'd gone before readdressing Hermione. "You look beautiful."
Hermione couldn't help but blush. "Severus, I look ridiculous, lounging here in a pink nightgown with my hair not even done. I really want to shower."
He wanted to protest, but who was he to argue with his wife when she was most likely a few hours away from giving birth to their children? He nodded, choosing to stay silent and helped her from the bed. They paused halfway there, Hermione groaning a little as a stronger contraction hit her, stealing her breath away. She breathed slowly, willing her mind to work with her body through the discomfort.
"Hermione," he started, but she cut across him, standing fully upright and continuing towards the massive shower in their bathroom.
He made no further comments, divesting them both of their clothing and turning on the tap. He stood in the shower with her, holding her very large pregnant belly and swaying with her beneath the dual shower heads. The following half an hour were blissful for Hermione, the water helping her body relax through the next four contractions, which were certainly not eight minutes apart anymore. Only once he noticed her skin starting to prune did he quickly help her wash off the little bit of soap from her back.
"Can you dry my hair?" she asked between heavy breaths. "Magic is fine."
Severus smiled and did as she asked, avoiding her annoyed look when he magically dried the rest of her as well. He kissed her pursed lips and she couldn't help but smile at him. Gina the elf was waiting for them in the bedroom, informing him that the doctor was standing by at St. Mungo's for them when they were ready. He nodded his understanding and set the elf on her way, needing to stay focused on his wife.
"Do you want to wear your dress?" he asked her, helping her to sit on the edge of their bed.
"I nearly forgot!" she replied excitedly. "I would. Hopefully I don't look like a cow."
"Hermione," he sighed, "you are a magnificent witch, not a barn animal."
She snorted and was pleased when it earned her a quick side eye. A pain raced up her back and she huffed out a breath, gripping the duvet, counting down until the contraction was over. Helping her into the flower print dress he'd gifted her on Mother's Day to match the two they'd bought for the babies, Severus couldn't help but take a few extra seconds to rub her bare stomach, knowing it would be the last time he'd get to see her pregnant with his daughters in their bedroom like that. She allowed it, closing her eyes and forcing herself to relish the moment, even though she felt like a whale.
Hermione kissed him until the next contraction hit, her dress bunched between them. She leaned into him, a strange tightness in her groin growing before all of a sudden their feet were soaked as her water broke. Embarrassment overtook her features but Severus stayed much calmer than he thought he would.
"We need to go," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Fix your dress, I'm going to get the bag and get dressed. Stay here. I'll only be a moment."
She could do nothing but nod, thankful when he silently and wandlessly cleaned the fluid, leaving her standing there alone. She hurriedly fixed her dress before the next wave hit and it was barely four minutes and this one was much worse. She knew they would be, but nothing prepared her for the next seven hours at the hospital while she labored.
Severus never left her side, walking, bouncing on the ball, even going back into the small shower they had there before the doctor finally decided she was fully dilated. There had been a few hours they thought they'd have to go in, as she stopped dilating for awhile but thankfully her body came around and it happened so fast after that. He was in sheer awe of Hermione, outright refusing any potions or shots, wanting to be able to feel what her body was doing.
It was over an hour of pushing to get out Emmeline. She came into the world with a head full of black hair and screaming her lungs out, covered in blood and fluid but Severus had never seen something so beautiful in all his life. He cried as he assure Hermione their daughter was fine, all ten fingers, all ten toes. Hermione barely had time to kiss her messy face and stroke her matted hair before the doctors took the squalling newborn to get cleaned up.
"I'm so proud of you," Severus whispered against Hermione's lips, taking a moment to themselves before Eloise made her way into the world.
It was a bit easier to push, but a lot scarier because the baby didn't breathe for almost a solid minute. It was the longest minute of either of their lives. Once they cleared her throat and patted her a few times she was screaming almost as loud as her sister, and Hermione sobbed in relief while they cleaned her up. She was able to kiss the baby's face before they were both taken to another area to get some light therapy and some quick tests done while they finished with her.
"You're amazing," he kept murmuring in her ear. "I love you so much."
Hermione focused on his words, trying not to scream out in pain as the nurses pressed into her stomach, trying to make sure all the bits and pieces were expelled properly from her body. After what felt like an eternity, they finally moved her into a private room down the hall and brought in their daughters. She was exhausted but had no hesitation in grabbing her first born and pulling down her hospital gown in order to do skin to skin. She melted into the bed when she saw Severus doing the same with the other one.
"You've never looked better, husband."
Severus smiled at her, tears pooling in his eyes at the beautiful moment they were all sharing. All because of his wife. He owed her a debt he'd never be able to fully repay. He knew before that he'd do anything for her, but the gravity of holding his daughter and seeing his wife hold his other one, he would hand his life over with a smile for them. She reached for him and he slid into the bed beside her, the aid of magic making it easier once the bed was expanded.
Hermione put her head on her husband's shoulder, closing her eyes and breathing in the sweet smell of their newborns. She never knew her heart could grow so much so quickly, but it didn't surprise her. Their love story was fast moving but never once did it do anything other than exhilarate her. They were both aware of how short life was and they didn't want to waste a moment of it.
"You did so wonderfully," he said for the umpteenth time, in awe of how collected and coherent his wife was after just giving birth an hour previous. "I'm so bloody proud to be your husband."
She chuckled and rubbed her cheek against the soft material of his black shirt. "You were the absolute best partner. Thank you for being my rock, especially today. You really pulled out all the stops, including allowing me to nearly snap your finger off."
Severus would never admit to her that she did in fact break his index finger mid-push during Emmeline's birth. Thank Merlin for all the years of wandlessly healing injuries.
"I sent word to your parents, the Potters and to Hogwarts. I asked we have an hour or two before anyone shows. Gina is getting together the guest room for your mother as we speak."
Hermione tilted her face up to him and Severus kissed her soundly, letting his lips rest against hers for an immeasurable amount of time. They were interrupted by Eloise's loud cry. It was within the next few hours that they traded babies back and forth between the handful of visitors, everyone complimenting how beautiful their daughters were. Their father couldn't agree more.
It was only once they were home that the reality that they were a family was cemented in for Severus. He woke up with Hermione, who was determined to breast feed as often as possible. He went as far as holding the baby to her breast while she was falling asleep, too tired to keep her eyes open the second night. He made them potions to help, but the exhaustion of twins was no joke. Hermione's mother was sent from Heaven, he was sure of it. She helped keep them on a set schedule, taking over during the day so they could sleep an extra hour or two when the babies quieted.
Severus knew a house elf would be more helpful because of the magical aspect but he wouldn't trade the kindness of Hermione's mother for a dozen magical beings. She had caught him sitting in the nursery one night, simply staring at the girls and getting choked up at how perfect his life was. She'd hugged him the only way a seasoned mother could, something he'd never experienced before. She didn't say a single word but just sat with him for an hour or so, tears glittering her eyes as well.
It was barely the end of summer when Hermione's parents decided to move two houses down from them. They'd had Hermione in their 40s and, being newly retired, didn't want to miss out on the time with their daughter and granddaughters. Severus insisted on paying them a salary for the massive help they'd been, but they had refused. Instead, he surprised them by paying off the house, much to Mr. Granger's protesting. Hermione never thought she could love him more.
But seventeen years later, she found herself more in love with her husband than ever. She looked up at him from the Head Table as he gave his welcome speech to the first years. He had no shame in holding her hand while their youngest and final child, Jackson, was sorted into Ravenclaw, a common occurrence for the Snape family. Their twin daughters were both sorted into Ravenclaw along with their first born son, Lucas. The only one that seemed to give the Sorting Hat pause was their youngest daughter, Vivienne.
Vivi was nearly sorted into Slytherin, but told her parents she remembered what Uncle Harry had told her and silently begged to be in Ravenclaw with her siblings. The hat took only a few more seconds to mull it over before acquiescing. Her caramel curls had bounced excitedly when she ran over to the table and into her sisters' arms. She'd been the only one to get Hermione's curls and lighter eyes, the rest of the kids favoring their dad's hair and eye color.
No one in the Great Hall was surprised when Severus kissed Hermione, his eyes lingering on her teary ones as their youngest bounded to his siblings. Emme squeezed him before straightening her robes, adjusting her Head Girl badge with pride, smiling a very familiar looking 100 watt smile. Hermione gripped her husband's hand, a mixture of glee and sadness filling her.
"Congratulations, Professor Snape," he said, his voice toned for her ears only. "You've created a whole gaggle of know-it-alls."
Hermione snorted. "Congratulations to you as well, Headmaster, on not creating a whole gaggle of dungeon bats."
The feast began but Severus still had attentions only for his wife. "In all seriousness, Hermione, thank you."
She looked up from her roast and raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
Upon looking at him, she realized he was having an emotional moment, the look in his eyes tender and loving. She turned toward him, giving him her full attention, the Great Hall fading into background. He cleared his throat.
"The last few years have been crazy but I can't picture my life any other way, even if none of our children ended up in our Houses." He sighed, shaking his head. "Jack getting sorted hit me a little bit. It reminded me how thankful I am that we're getting older together."
She smiled sweetly, reaching for his hand again. "I understand what you mean. I'm thankful to be growing old with you, too, my love."
"There was a time that I thought I wouldn't live to see the end of battle all those years ago. Now look at us, five kids, almost eighteen years married, happier than ever, with still so much life left to live."
"It's amazing, isn't it?" she asked rhetorically.
"I know I say it all the time, but I'm endlessly grateful to you for writing that letter. You've saved my life more than once, Mrs. Snape, and I appreciate you so much. We could have had very different endings if it wasn't for you."
"For us," she corrected with an eye roll. "We aren't even close to an ending, though. We have decades left together and I'm excited to enjoy all of them with you."
"Me too, love. I still can't believe how the years have gone by, though. Our littlest is now at Hogwarts."
"Jackson has always been smarter than his age, so it almost feels like he's been here for years already." He nodded his agreement. "However, the nice part is now we can share chambers during the year without having to worry about our children in the next room."
His eyes widened and she winked before turning back to her plate. Severus was having none of that though. He brushed his fingers along her cheek and she instantly turned into his hand. He smirked and leaned over for a meaningful kiss.
"I love you," he said, looking her in the eyes, adoring the way she softened towards him.
"I love you. How fast do you think we could sneak away?" she asked with a girlish giggle.
"Forty minutes," he guessed. "Maybe an hour. Our chambers?"
She nodded and they turned back to their dinners, sharing small touches and jokes until dinner wound down. She excused herself with a meaningful look to her husband, knowing he'd join her as soon as possible. She rushed to their chambers, adjusting their bedding, knowing it would do nothing but get in their way. She debated what to wear, wanting to look just as good as she had all those years ago. She was still fit but had gained a softness and a little drooping in certain parts after five kids. A sudden idea came to her and she set the stage while she waited.
Severus' annoyance at the rambunctious first years melted away as he stepped into their shared office. He shucked his overcoat and threw it on the chair, not caring about anything other than getting to his bride. He stopped abruptly, the scene before him one that took him back almost two decades. Hermione stood in the doorway in nothing but a long black robe.
"Miss Granger?" he asked, defaulting to their most common role plays, his trousers very tight.
"You can call me Hermione," she responded seductively, leaning against the door frame. "It's been years since my last class with you."
"Oh? So what brings you here, Hermione?" he purred.
"I thought you knew? It's my twenty-first birthday."
His eyes widened and his heart started racing. "That lovely ring on your finger tells me that you may be betrothed, madam."
Hermione laughed, holding up her hand and wiggling her fingers. "You caught me. But I do believe that we can move around that tonight, wouldn't you agree?"
"Wife," he growled when she took a step back as he took one towards her.
"You can never play properly, Severus," she said with a laugh.
"My apologies, but you look too sexy with that diamond still glittering your lovely hand."
"I hate taking it off," she sighed, breaking her role for a moment before straightening back up. "I have something for you."
His eyes met hers and Severus didn't have to look down to know what she was presenting him with. He was transported back in time, his large hand reaching out and plucking the item from her hand. His eyes involuntarily watered, having never actually relived this moment in all their years together. She noticed his face changing and she immediately dropped the act, reaching out and pulling him into her arms.
"I love you so deeply, Hermione," he whispered in her hair.
"I love you, too, Severus," she breathed out. "I really, truly love our life, our family. You still mean the absolute world to me."
He'd never tire of her love for him. He felt it every day, even the hard ones. Their life hadn't always been easy, going through two miscarriages, crazy school schedules, difficult family and life situations. But never once did their connection, the bond they'd built almost too quickly, waver. He never took her for granted and she loved him all the more for it. She stroked the back of his hair, closing her eyes and breathing him in.
"You're everything to me. You and our wonderful children." He took in a shaky breath and forced himself to pull it together, wanting to enjoy a nice night in the sheets with his wife. "Close your eyes."
Hermione smiled and closed her eyes as he pulled away from her. She felt his magic swirl around her and she relished the feel of it.
"Open your eyes."
She felt a sense of deja vu when she did as he said, the red bow she'd proffered him moments ago now held out to her, a wide smile lighting his ageless face. He'd transformed his robes into the same outfit he'd worn at their first night together and she realized her sapphire pendant necklace was now hanging about her neck. She covered his hand with her own, doing as she'd done years ago, stepping up to him and kissing him passionately. His hand raked into her hair, his tongue sliding deliciously along hers.
Severus pulled back slightly, his lips still lingering on hers. "I want you even more now than I did then."
"Same," she panted, his fingers flexing in her hair.
"I think it might be my birthday," he said with a low laugh. He nearly protested when she stepped back but hesitated when she bit her lip enticingly.
"Then come get your gift," she challenged, taking the bow and placing it on the V of skin showing on her chest.
Severus suddenly remembered what Hermione wore beneath the robe the first time he'd seen her in it – his favorite green with silver lacing lingerie set. As he followed his wife into their bedroom, he wanted nothing more than to unwrap and unravel her.
They lived happily ever after, wrapped up in each other, with a red bow on top.
Finite.
A/N – I just want to take a moment to thank you all so much for going on this 10 year journey with me. This story has meant so much to me and hopefully was a bright spot for you as well. As always, please be sure to leave a review, it is so much appreciated!