The winter faded and Spring gave way, Hermione Granger did not think Summer could come soon enough. She had finally had all the Muggle Studies book finished and just needed to be reviewed by the board to use. Minerva had told Hermione that she would make sure the olden books never saw the light of day again, no matter what the board had said which made Hermione smile. Minerva had Hermione teach all the classes now except for the 6th and 7th years, sometimes Minerva wouldn't even join her in the classroom insisting to much work to do as headmaster. Hermione had stopped going to Hagrid's daily because she was now teaching 4th-year charms at that time. She had only been helping Severus with the 1st years now, as she had taken up teaching 5th years during his 2nd-year potion class and she had always been with Minerva during her 1st and 2nd-year potions. Almost all the professors had there classes 5 days a week spreading them out giving them the morning or after noon free 2-3 days a week, but Minerva had lumped hers all together this semester giving herself 2 whole days off, which meant that Hermione had every Tuesday and Thursday off, usually she spent that time helping Severus. Ginny was free Thursday afternoon, and Hermione took the time to be with her. She had been doing better the last couple months after Ron and Harry visited to make more time for her other friends as well.
Severus was still Severus, the two of them were happy. Severus was upset when he lost her as an assistant with the 2nd years, but tried to implement her teaching style when his wasn't quite working. She was better at it than he was, but it was better than his old way of screaming and yelling, and for the most part, the kids tried so he couldn't complain. OWLS and NEWTS were approaching, and he could honestly say he thought all his students who sat in on them would pass. He knew it was thanks to Hermione. He wished there was someone else who could do something similar. He knew that Minerva had her pinned for her spot just next year. She could do it, with Minerva as a teacher; there was no need for her to go on schooling, it was as though Hermione was her apprentice just not in the traditional way. Severus was glad of that. He could honestly say that Hermione had been teaching them all numerous lessons this past year and he was glad that she had taught him, love.
Hermione was sitting in Severus rooms she wasn't sure why they just hadn't combined the two, there was no reasoning about when who stayed wear. Half her clothing in this room half in the other. She thought it did sound rather final though combining the two rooms. She knew they could do it and she felt ashamed, but she didn't want to lose the mermaid painting. She wasn't sure about combining rooms there was nothing in Hogwarts: A History, about this. She thought it selfish just to ask him to move in with her. So finally she decided to ask her painting.
"Narcilla, what happens to you if I want to move in with Severus?" Hermione asked.
"Do not worry Hermione, I will still be here, the castle would combine your rooms but his painting and your painting will always stay separate even if you are to marry. As long as you are here, I will protect you and your chambers the best to my ability. As will, Severus's I would just hang beside his."
"That's wonderful news!" Hermione said. She would talk to Severus tonight.
The dinner meal was loud, most of the students had enjoyed the warming weather the spring days had brought. They had been excited that there were only five more weeks to the term and Hermione couldn't agree more. She looked over the students, the ones she was actually going to teach next year, excited but nervous. It was only four months away, and she would be the newest teacher and one of the youngest they had ever had. Severus had assured her multiple times with Minerva's help she would be fine, but Hermione wasn't so sure. Hermione continued to eat as she thought of the question she was going to ask Severus tonight.
They went back to his room, it was a Friday and Hermione had grabbed the Fire Whiskey while Severus was in the bathroom, she quickly took a shot for courage. Gryffindor be damned the man still intimidated her. She quickly grabbed a butterbeer, taking a swig to cover the Whiskey's smell.
Severus walked back into the sitting room and knew the look on Hermione's face she wanted to talk, about something important. She wasn't always the easiest to read but she always had a passive face on when she had something on her mind. Severus didn't let her know he knew, and simply grabbed the newest potion journal and began to read.
Hermione sat there patiently until he broke from his article.
"Severus, move in with me." She stated.
Severus didn't think this was a conversation he was going to have tonight. It felt like a big step, but they practically did live together, just back and forth between each place.
"Actually I prefer we combine our rooms," Hermione said after Severus sat their silently.
"You know it's a lot of magic. I know we practically live together, but this does make it official." Severus said.
"Of course, I am happy with it, if you are," Hermione replied.
Severus nodded. Hermione squealed, sitting in his lap and kissing him on his lips.
"I take it you know what to do?" Severus asked.
Hermione shook her head. They both pulled out their wands, waving them around, and suddenly the castle moved, the walls crumbled between the two, rooms, Hermione's items went into Severus's bedroom, their bedroom now. It closed spaced together, her room shrinking as well as her bathroom making it into a guest chamber within their own. The sitting rooms merged into one bringing her large couch. Crookshanks walked up beside them to see what all of the fuss is about.
"We're moving with Severus, isn't that great Crooks!" Hermione said as she picked up the massive cat, into her arms. He looked at Hermione and back at Severus and started to purr.
The work completed with a pop and house elves came to check that everything was in place. Hermione sent them on their way before she even checked knowing there was no issue. She continued to cuddle Severus on the couch; he read a potion article as she reread through the 7th year charms text. There was a lot of work to do before now and September to make sure she could teach the kids half, as well as Minerva, had.
Hermione woke up next to Severus in his bed; she felt like she was floating, she got up and felt sore form the activities from the night before. Severus Snape touched the way no one else ever had or ever could. He had finally opened up a little more allowing himself to be on top, to explore more and try different things. She was glad that she made him feel safe about the situation. There was only one time in all the months that he had stopped. She didn't even question it, and let him turn off the lights for bed.
This weekend Harry and Ron were coming, they recently graduated from the Auror training. They both were moving into the petty crimes unit, which Hermione was relieved for. They, of course, were still in danger and didn't mean they couldn't be called to investigate a violent crime but she was glad they hadn't sent them straight to the top. The two had been given two weeks off. Harry was visiting Hermione and Ginny. Minerva had welcomed the stay. Ron went back to the Burrow to spend time with his family as well as Lavender Brown.
Hermione welcomed Harry with open arms. Severus not so much, but he did at least stay in the commons room as he gushed on and on about Ginny Weasley.
"Mione, I'm just so happy, but I'm scared," Harry stated.
Hermione's brows furled. "Scared about what?"
"My whole life you know, its always been one thing after another, and I am afraid of happiness, I don't get happiness Hermione, I get heartache, I get tortured. I don't want Ginny to have to deal with these things." Harry said.
"Oh, Harry you deserve to be happy!" Hermione said.
"But does Ginny deserve misery that is surely headed my way?"
Severus heard the conversation, knowing exactly how the Potter boy felt, he hated to admit that even to himself. Looking back Harry had it pretty rough, with the only family he ever knew being a muggle, and afraid of him so much so he was locked in a damn closet for the first 11 years of his life. He wasn't sure where Hermione was going with it, she always seemed to know what to say.
"Harry you don't know something bad is going to happen, not that the last 18 years of you life have been splendid, but you've had Ginny since you were kids, she hasn't gone anywhere in all this time. She loves you. Now to say at first she was obsessed with you was an under statement, but she grew to love you. I know you love her. Maybe she is the only thing that will ever make you happy, isn't that alone worth it?"
"Not if it means hurting her." Harry sighed.
Severus cleared his throat. The two of them looked at him forgetting he was even the room. "I must say, Potter, I too had the same reservations, if Hermione would leave me tomorrow, this would still be the best eight months of my entire life. If something were to happen to you and Ginny wouldn't you feel the same?" Severus asked.
"Well of course.." Harry said.
"Hermione's not lying when she says she talks about you all the time; there is not reason to think about the future Potter when all you are promised is today," Severus said.
Harry looked over at the man and back at Hermione. She smiled at Severus, and back to Harry, the two of them understood each other more than they would ever care to admit. Harry nodded and Severus nodded back.
"So then Hermione, do you think it's too early to give her this?"
Harry pulled out a large ring; it had had an oval-shaped diamond in the middle with smaller round rubies on either side. The gold band, its self, was something to behold. Hermione looked back at him and smiled hugging him tightly.
"You've talked to Arthur haven't you?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, a while ago back, during Christmas," Harry said.
"OH, Harry this is perfect, when are you going to ask her?" Hermione asked.
Harry looked back. "I don't know when the time is right." Maybe the next few weeks, maybe when she graduates." I don't want to make it a thing, like everything in my life has been this far."
Hermione just shook his head, sad that his whole life he has either been locked in a closet or head line news on the Profit. He just wanted some normalcy. She could understand that. She admired the ring and looked back over at Severus. She was happy with what she had with Severus Snape, she would hope one day that a similar ring would be slipped upon her finger. Probably in their rooms with Crookshanks as the only witness. He would most likely ask her father. She knew they had a little ways to go. She was happy for Harry and Ginny. She was excited for a happy wedding something that she hasn't gotten to go to while she was in the Wizarding world.
Severus continued looking at the two genuinely happy for Harry and Ginny. It was good to hear good news. Severus wasn't quite used to the idea that of Harry Potter being in his chamber's but they weren't solely his anymore. Severus had decided when they combined their chamber he would have to remember it was hers as much as his, and he did his best when Harry was staying in the same rooms they were.
Severus thought it odd for Harry to be wanting to start a family himself. He lost his parents so young, but in a sense, the poor boy never had a place to belong, so maybe this was his way of finally getting what he had always wanted. Severus looked over to Hermione who was bright-eyed and excited for her best friend. Severus hoped this didn't mean that she too was looking for a ring soon. He loved her deeply, and his words of not being promised tomorrow rang true, he knew that almost more than Harry had, but this was fine for now. The two of them have only the last eight months together, he thought about how much more there was to learn of Hermione Granger, her family, her friends. He always knew she was a package deal. Severus didn't want to think about it for the time. Now that Harry Potter was in his room, in his world he felt maybe it was time to learn a bit more than he already had. So he once again went back to the book he was reading, "The Time Traveler" yet he didn't read he listened on to the conversation that Harry and Hermione had.
Later that night Ginny Weasley had come to their door. She had been in his home almost as much as he had it felt. Severus learned quickly why Ginny and Hermione were so close. She was quick-witted and very smart like Hermione, but she was more street smart than Hermione was. At first when they had talked Severus was surprised by how mature she was for age, forgetting that Hermione was only two years older than her.
Ginny instantly hugged and kissed Harry right in front of Severus and Hermione, if it had been any other student caught in an alcove Severus Snape would have assigned them detention for a week, but here he was letting a 7th year snog on the boy who lived, what a difference 8 month could make he thought to himself. He couldn't help but smile as not only their lips but their whole face shined with a smile.
The threesome talked as Severus listened. Hermione knew he was, in on the conversation. She didn't hold back from any of the stories she told. She, of course, had written to Harry about her moving in with him. Now she was going into details of the event. She talked about the night that they almost set fire to the place when they were preoccupied and forgot some soup was on the stove. Severus blushed, not quite sure he liked the fact that she was so telling but when Harry and Ginny seemed more concern then laughed it made him feel good about her caring friends.
The night progressed and Harry had just wanted to have Ginny to himself, Hermione knew this and had talked Severus into going to bed.
"I know you're not officially a Professor, Hermione, but I can't condone this in my own rooms." Severus said as Ginny and Harry made their way to the guest room.
"Well Minerva told me I could have guests, over including 7th-year students, so think of them as my guests. Besides, it's not like they are doing anything that every other 7th year is." Hermione stated. Severus didn't want to fight and just grumbled.
"Hermione if Severus isn't comfortable, I can leave." Ginny said defeated.
Severus didn't like the fast falling morose tone is Ginny's voice.
"No Hermione's right it's not like you can't just go out in the hallway and do whatever you were planning anyway..." Severus said.
"Just please I implore you, not a word that this is a place for children to be having sex with each other." Severus said.
Hermione stiffened before busting out loud. Harry followed and finally by Ginny.
"I could see it now," Hermione gasping for air still giggling. All the kids lining up at the door to shag in our "guest room." Hermione calmed down noticing that Harry and Ginny sort of cringed.
"Um, just to let you 2 know, that we weren't planning anything. We haven't exactly and I don't want to be a mum quite yet. So you don't have to worry about that." Ginny said.
"Really you two haven't done anything?" Hermione asked.
Hermione had always just assumed they had been together for so long and she never really thought that it wasn't an option she had thought of. "So you two never…?" Hermione lead off.
"OH, Oh I am so sorry, I am sorry if we ruined anything you were planning I feel just horrible." Hermione stated.
Severus seemed to look a little pale, he definitely didn't need to know the sex lives of Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley but was good to know he wouldn't be drug to see a new baby Potter anytime soon. With that Severus went to the bedroom, and closed the door loud enough or them to notice, Hermione giggled again.
"Don't mind him he's just upset that he probably won't get any tonight." Hermione told the two.
"Seriously though, if you guys you know, that's totally okay, there is a contraceptive potion, up in the top cabinet, take some whenever you need it. If you want to wait until your wedding night, that's up to you. I will see you in the morning good night."
"Night Mione." Harry stated, and moved close to Ginny circling an arm around her waist as he lead her through the door of the guest bedroom. Hermione sat in the sitting area alone with her own thoughts when she remembered Harry's fear of strange places. She went to knock on the door and didn't get a response. She beat again and Harry came to the door, shirtless.
"Oh God, I am interrupting! I should go now!" Hermione stated.
"Merlin, Hermione Snape must be a good lay because that's all you ever think about." Harry stated.
It was Hermione's turn to blush, she couldn't deny that he was almost always on her brain. If it wasn't because of the incredible sex, it was about his incredible brain. Hermione had told him she remembered his fear of strange places and offered to give him the same potion that Severus had given him the last time he came. Harry agreed it was probably for the best, so she went into the bedroom and grabbed a bottle.
"Hey, I am giving Harry one of these. Do you need anything before I come back in here?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, can you Obliviate me, so I don't remember that Ginny and Harry are fucking virgins?" Severus asked.
"Oh please, I think it's adorable." Hermione said.
Severus snorted and went back to grading a few papers he had left on the desk in their room.
Hermione went back to the bedroom watching as Severus started marking red lines through a students work, something that happened regularly but not to this degree. Hermione could tell something was upsetting him.
She snaked her arms around him as he was seated, and looked at the red lining the poor student's work. "Severus, what's wrong?" Hermione asked.
"Are you sure we are doing this right?" Severus asked.
"Doing what right?" Hermione asked.
"You know all of this. I mean bloody Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley." Severus said.
"Are you asking if we should have waited until we had sex until I got out of Hogwarts, considering I am going to be professor next year you may have had to wait a pretty long time." Hermione stated.
Severus looked at her, shaking his head at her smart ass remark. "You know exactly what I mean." Hermione.
"Listen, Severus. They are just at a different place in a different time of their relationship. Do you regret us having sex?" Hermione asked.
"Well of course not but do you?" Severus asked.
"NO, Severus I don't I was ready to bed you about day 2-3 in Australia if I am perfectly honest with myself." Hermione stated
Severus's mouth fell open. He wasn't expecting that as a reply in the very least.
"So you're saying you just sleep with anyone who can help you out?" Severus asked.
"DO NOT GO THERE WITH ME SEVERUS SNAPE, DO NOT MAKE YOURSELF FEEL UNWORTHY. DON'T ACT LIKE THIS IS SOME PITY PARTY FOR YOUR SAKE!" Hermione screamed.
"EXCUSE ME FOR NOT UNDERSTANDING HOW THE HELL HERMIONE FUCKING BRIGHTEST WITCH OF EVER, GRANGER EXPECTS ME TO BELIEVE THAT BAT OF THE DUNGEONS SEVERUS SNAPE, WHO HAS TORTURED AND MURDERED AND PILLAGED HAS A REASON TO BE LOVED BY YOU!" Severus shot back.
Hermione couldn't stand it, after all this time that he didn't believe her.
"Severus listen, I can't just keep reassuring you every time you think you've done something wrong. Relationships are a lot of things including trust, just trust me, if something happens that I don't like you will be the first to know. I love you, it's not for you to understand, its not something, you earn or deserve, I just love you, just trust it. I will be the first to let you know if I don't anymore." Hermione said calmly, rubbing his back, hoping to calm him.
Severus took the potion Hermione handed Severus earlier in the night. "I am so sorry Hermione, you know I am just not used to this, you not having an alliterative motive. I haven't had someone truly care in such a long time, and never like you do. Please forgive me?" Severus asked.
Hermione sighed, "Of course, now come to bed and look that over in the morning she said as she erased all the red marks filling the poor student's paper. He laid in bed, and Hermione wrapped her arm around his body, he put his body flush against hers stealing her warmth for himself. He didn't know what he did to deserve her but he would, in fact, trust her. He knows if one day this doesn't work out he would be utterly crushed but wouldn't trade this time for anything. He drifted to sleep.
The next morning Hermione got up first something that generally didn't happen. She walked into the sitting room in her pajamas looking at the fire; Ginny was there to greet her.
"You heard us last night; I take it?" Hermione asked.
"I am pretty sure the whole floor heard the two of you." Ginny said.
"Yeah, I am sure you're right. For the record that's not how a normal night is, we usually don't get into fights." Hermione stated.
"It's my fault I should have left." Ginny said.
"Oh please Ginny, that was a fight in the making, you may have just made it come to a head." Hermione giggled.
"He would be so mad if he knew I told you this, but he just thinks that he is ruining me or something… He doesn't deserve me… It's so frustrating to hear it from him you know." Hermione said sadly.
Severus went to open the door forgetting at that moment Ginny and Harry had stayed. He heard Hermione talking. Her and Ginny Weasley's back was too him.
Hermione stated, "I wish he could see himself the way I do, the way you and Harry do and Minerva and practically everyone else. He is a hero; he risked so much for everyone else, he never had the time to care about himself. I sometimes wonder if I am really what he wants or he thinks he is doing the right thing for some reason. You know Ginny I love him more than anything. I would be content if I could just stayed in this room talk to him, hold him."
"Have great sex with him." Ginny laughed.
"That too!" Hermione agreed.
"Do you see being with him the rest of your life?" Ginny asked.
Severus knew he shouldn't be butting in on the conversation but he needed to know the answer.
"I know it sounds crazy, I know its only been eight months, but its like I didn't know a time before I met him. Of course, he was our professor but he was a different man, no different isn't the right word, I think he's been the same man the whole time but at that point in his life, he felt defeated. Now there is no master no double spy life going on he is free to be who he is it's taken him a while to exactly find himself again, and if takes the rest of my life I am willing to do that with him." Hermione stated.
Severus knew then that Hermione wasn't lying the night before, He didn't think she was then but he certainly knew she wasn't now. His heart swelled in love, and all he wanted to do was pick her up, plop her into the bed and do whatever she wanted to do until they both couldn't anymore, but he knew now was not the time.
"You know, he's a whole lot like Harry, I know Harry's had it rough most of his life, and he we've had similar arguments. I love him Hermione but he gets trying." Ginny said.
"It's because he's a man, I think they are all like that, just some more than others." Hermione pointed out.
" I guess you right, I could spend my lifetime with Harry and it would never be enough." Ginny said.
"I know exactly how you feel." Hermione agreed.
With the conversation coming to a close Severus loudly turned the door handle, and flopped into his favorite armchair. He couldn't help but smile at Hermione. "Good Morning." He stated.
"Good Morning, Professor," Ginny said.
"Please when in my chamber call me Severus, I have a feeling you and Harry are going to be here much past time you graduate from this place." Severus said.
Ginny just smiled, starting at the door waiting for Harry to wake up. It was Saturday and probably the first time in a long time he could actually rest. With Ron right beside him regularly and her mom waking them up before the rise of the sun for breakfast she thought he most definitely deserved to stay in bed as long as possible.
Severus got up and called for an elf, asking for a variety of ingredients. In no time an elf popped back with the items needed and he told them "thank you." Severus began to cook for the group of four, it was a weekend and no one was expected at breakfast and he thought it be nice to use their own table for once.
Harry walked out of the room, shirtless and in pajama pants. He put his shirt on as he walked out. "How am I the last one up?" He asked.
"You looked like you needed, your sleep." Ginny said.
"Thanks, I appreciate it." Harry said he came and sat beside her. Instantly Ginny melted into Harry and he rubbed her arm. They were in a quiet but comfortable state. The only thing that could be heard was the bacon sizzling as Severus cooked it. He called them all to the meal.
"Thanks, Professor, I really appreciate you letting me stay here. You didn't have to do this." Harry stated.
"It's Severus, Harry you are no longer a student. You are Hermione's friend and you are more than welcome here." Severus said.
"I quite enjoy seeing everyone so happy, why didn't your Weasley friend come along?" Severus asked not really sure of himself why she cared.
"He's at home, and Ron is my best mate, but he was driving me bananas, besides I think he wanted some time with Lavender." Harry said.
An Owl came to the window with Profit in hand.
"ITS OFFICIAL HARRY POTTER AND RONALD WEASLEY OFFICIAL AURORS!"
There was a picture of the two looking as they were ready to pounce on something.
"Ugh, Bloody hell, the last eight months have been headlines if we even deserve it…" Harry stated.
Ginny was the only one willing to read the article. She scanned down and laughed.
"Well apparently Ron paid his way through, and your on you're way to becoming the lead detective." Ginny scoffed. "Oh, Mione there is something about you too, "The last 3rd of the Golden Trio has forged, the Auror path, and instead is working on becoming Head Mistress of Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry." She has barely come out of the castle obviously being prepared for her major role in keeping the next generation's of witches and wizards in the hands of a muggle born."
"That Rita Seeker, we should have squished her when we had the chance!" Hermione blurted.
"Squish her?" Severus asked. Hermione blushed never telling him about the incident of keeping her in a jar. As Harry elaborated on the story, Severus couldn't help but laugh.
"Serves her right, maybe a simple reminder would do the trick." Severus stated.
"Yeah, now I am an Auror I think that could be held against me." Harry stated.
"You're probably right… at least it's not as horrible as it once was." Hermione concluded.
Harry stayed at Hogwarts for the two weeks it was his last weekend there before going back to his home. He was living in Grimmauld Place and offered Ron a room, he also offered Hermione a room as well in case she needed to get away from the castle. She took it knowing that it would most likely collect dust, but its always good to have a place to go.
Harry was working hard to get it to a place he felt Ginny would love. It was not the burrow by any means, but he was hopeful she would fall in love with the home. It was that Friday night that Harry told Hermione. "I'm going to ask her." Hermione just smiled excitedly for her best friend. He didn't say when but that evening after the evening meal when they all gathered back at Severus and Hermione's room, he got down on one and asked Ginerva Wesley to marry him.
Ginny cried and shook her head "yes." She looked at the ring being placed on her finger and stared at the man she loved. "Its beautiful, Harry thank you, I love you so much." Ginny stated.
Hermione watched as she held on the Severus begging for her tears of joy not to fall.
"LOOK AT THIS!" Ginny yelled and ran towards Hermione showing her the ring.
"I am going to marry Harry Potter, Hermione! We are going to get married, and have babies and spend the rest of our lives together. It's thrilling!" Ginny giggled.
"I am so happy for you Ginny, oh and Harry Congratulations." Hermione said.
The evening called for a toast of Elf Wine, pouring Ginny a cup as well. It was a beautiful happy night, and Hermione couldn't believe that at 18 and 19 the too were to be wed. She knew they loved each other and there would be a lifetime of happiness. She was excited for them. She couldn't wait for them to begin their journey as husband and wife.
Ginny smiled all night long admiring her ring, kissing Harry and talking about how she was going to tell everyone the wonderful news. The hours ticked by and soon enough, they were going to bed. Little did Hermione or Severus know, but Ginny Weasley came back to the sitting room to the kitchen and took a vial that Hermione showed her a little less than two weeks ago.