I don't own anything, J.K Rowling does.
WARNING: Mature themes brought up so if you are less than 18 and/or easily triggered by mature content DO NOT READ THIS STORY. You have been warned.
A/N: Hey guys here is another chapter. Hope you will like it. The inspiration came from a song I listened on the radio and immediately images filled my head. The song is Masquarade Waltz from Aram Khachaturian. I find it really lively and could totally imagine it being played for an official ball. I encourage you to listen to it while reading the dance scene.
I hope you will enjoy this chapter. Do tell me if you did and even if you didn't, I always like when people take their time to review my work in good or in bad. I promise I don't bite reviewers who tell me they didn't like my chapter.
Anyways, hope you'll like the chapter.
J1974
Chapter 26
Two months later
Hermione turned over and ran to the bathroom and bent herself over the toilets just in time as she felt her dinner come up her esophagus. She felt immediately a hand pick up her hair and move them aside from her face. When she was finished, she turned towards Severus who was squating right behind her.
"Are you alright darling?" he asked bringing her to the sink so she could brush her teeth and rinse her mouth.
"Yeah just morning sicknesses again, I am so tired of it Severus. I really hope it'll be over soon" she said as she rinsed her face. She then brushed her teeth and picked a small vial containing a blood red liquid. She looked at it and drank it bottoms up. "It really is disgusting Severus. Couldn't you make it a tiny bit better taste wise. It really is efficient but I would like it to taste a tiny bit better."
"We talked about it love. I can't add anything as it is already oversaturated. I replaced the mandrake roots for ginger so that it wouldn't harm our little one, but there is really nothing else I can do for you. Come back to bed darling, I'll bring you something to eat." Severus said placing his hand on her now very protruding stomach and guiding her to bed.
As he was waiting for the water to boil at the correct temperature, his mind wandered to the ball that had took place three weeks earlier.
Three weeks earlier
They were all standing in Hogwarts Great Hall celebrating the end of the war. One month earlier, they had all been here in Hogwarts to fight Voldemort and his allies. The new Minister for Magic, Tiberius Ogden had agreed to come back to active work at the Ministry. He was after all one of the only Wizengamot Wizard still alive not to have been corrupted during the war by Voldemort's partisans and therefore clear of all suspicion. He was, as many said, the 'perfect candidate'. Unfortunately for Harry, Ron and Hermione. This man was in all point identical as Professor Slughorn and had wanted to host an official grand ball to celebrate the heroes of the Hogwarts war.
Although Severus' name had been cleared, many people still saw him as a fervent supporter of the Dark Lord and he still received many dark eyed looks from stranger he came across in the street. It bothered Hermione to see him being treated as such but he tried to reassure her that he didn't care.
Hermione's stomach was now protruding lightly and she had begun to wear slightly ampler robes to hide her 3 months baby bump. They had decided that they were going to make it publicly known that they were engaged and about to welcome their first child to this world. Even though every one in the wizarding world knew by now that they were in a relationship. It was a wizarding custom to announce the impending wedding by wearing the groom's family heirlooms. It was a tiara, a necklace and matching earing that could go back up to 15 generations in some of the oldest families of the Wizarding World.
Severus had gifted Hermione with a dark blue chiffon dress with a long train and lace sleeves. The ample fabric hiding slightly her rounded stomach and split after her baby bump. She was wearing the onyx and emerald tiara that belonged to the family heirloom collection along with matching earrings a necklace. They had decided to move to Prince Manor. It was much more comfortable and with Hermione's pregnancy coming along nicely, they had to move her stuff from her parent's abandoned house quickly before she wouldn't be able to do it on her own.
Their respective clothes closets were upstairs and Hermione was putting the final touches on her hair and makeup with the help of Sari, the Prince house elf.
"Sari has finished Mistress Hermione. Is Mistress wanting to seeing?" The elf asked the comb still in between her fingers.
"Yes please. Could You also tell Severus to wait for me downstairs? I'll be right down." Hermione said smiling at the small elf.
The elf snapped her fingers and a large mirror appeared in front of Hermione. The dress was simply gorgeous. The top part showed ever so slightly her rounded stomach and the long train behind it would certainly float around her when she'll dance with her fiancé for the opening of the ball. She took her wand, from the small table where Sari had helped her place the tiara on her head, and placed it in a pocket on the side of the dress made for this purpose.
She looked at herself a last time in the mirror and opened the double French doors leading to the landing of the stairs. Severus was putting his shoes on. She began going down the steps of the grand staircase leading to the foyer. When he turned his head, his breath caught at the sight of his fiancée so beautiful as she went down the stairs elegantly.
"Wow, you're a sight for sore eyes my love" Severus said when Hermione had joined him at the bottom of the stairs.
"And you are very handsome my darling" She said before kissing him.
He helped her put her shoes on and went out the door. A winged carriage was in the front of the courtyard. A man was conducting it and he went down to open the door. Severus let Hermione go first and when he was sure she was comfortably seated, he joined her.
"They really love purple at the Ministry. Look, purple lining, purple pillows, even the sweets they propose are purple" Hermione said picking up a wrapped sweet with the Ministry for Magic logo on it.
"It is their color after all." Severus said laughing slightly. He could feel the boredom in Hermione's voice. She didn't want to go as much as he wanted. "Come on, after tonight, you won't have to hide anything more. And after we have made our announcement and you did the first dance we can leave and I'll reward you for your patience" He finished before placing a soft kiss on her lips.
She deepened the kiss quickly and Severus began pulling at her dress. She moaned slightly in their kiss and when she felt his hand on her shoulders beginning to take the dress off her, she quickly backed away and replaced her dress on her shoulders.
"I can't Severus. Anyways, we're almost there love" She said waving her wand over herself to freshen her look.
When they arrived at Hogwarts, the carriage landed swiftly inside the castle courtyard. A long red carpet led the guest from their carriage to the great hall. The carpet was lined with candles that lit the way up to the castle. Severus got out of the carriage and took Hermione's hand as she got out of the carriage.
She saw every pair of eyes staring at her and whispers erupted into the crowd.
"Granger and Snape. I would never have thought them to be together." A witch only a few years older than Hermione said
"The Prince family heirlooms. She is engaged to him. It's official." A well-groomed wizard said before bowing his head slightly to Severus.
When the two of them arrived at the front door of the Great Hall, they were greeted by a small man who took their invitation slips and let them through to the Great Hall. A little man was approaching them a large smile harboring his round face.
"That my dear is Tiberius Ogden, the new ministry for Magic" Severus said to Hermione in a whispered voice.
"Miss Granger or should I say Mrs. Snape, on behalf of the Ministry for Magic, let me tell you how thankful we are that you managed to clear some time of your very busy schedule. Mr. Snape thanks for being here too. You also have much to be thanked for. If the both of you would follow me to the honorary table. It would be my greatest pleasure." The little man said bowing his head many times during his little speech.
Hermione and Severus followed him to the head table. Severus' hand placed on the small of her back as they made their way through the crowd. When they reached the front table, they joined Harry who was accompanied by Ginny and Ron who was accompanied by a beautiful blonde.
Hermione hugged Harry and Ginny and waited for Severus to have finished greeting them before heading towards Ron.
"Hello Ron, I'm so happy to see you again" she said smiling genuinely to him. "Who is accompanying you tonight?" She continued looking at the woman beside him.
"Rose Delacour. What a pleasure to meet you. Ron talked a lot about you, you seem to be someone he cares about a lot." The girl said her voice tainted with a slight French accent Hermione found lovely.
"She's my girlfriend." Ron said wrapping his arm around Rose's waist.
"I'm very happy for the both of you. You seem to really love her Ron. I wish you all the best." Hermione said smiling at the both of them.
Their attention was caught by the clinging of a knife against a glass.
"Miss Granger, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Snape, member of the Wizengamot, headmistress, witches, wizards and friends of the Wizarding World. I would like to thank you all for your presence here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Today, we celebrate the life of those who lost their lives fighting for their ideals and thank the heroes who vanquished Voldemort. I now call forward Mr. Severus Tobias Snape" Tiberius Ogden said his wand pointed towards his throat.
Severus looked at Hermione puzzled. The whole crowd standing in the Great Hall murmured at his name being called. Hermione nodded her head and he walked towards the Minister.
"I Tiberius Ogden, 36th Minister for Magic, give you, Severus Tobias Snape, this Order of Merlin 2nd Class for your role as a double agent during the second Wizarding War." The little man said.
A large purple ribbon appeared into his hand, a small round circled a golden M and hanged from the ribbon. Severus bent his head as the minister passed the ribbon around his neck. When he rose to his full height, everyone applauded. Some more than others. Severus joined back Hermione who kissed him on the lips. The whole crowd erupted in a more cheerful applause and Hermione smiled in the kiss.
"Now I call Mr. Ronald Billius Weasley. I Tiberius Ogden, 36th Minister for Magic, give you, Ronald Billius Weasley, this Order of Merlin 2nd Class for your help in defeating Voldemort."
Ron got his Order of Merlin and more frank applauses erupted from the crowd. He too kissed his date before looking at Hermione with eyes full of something Hermione could only describe as hatred.
"Now, I call Mr. Harry James Potter. I Tiberius Ogden, 36th Minister for Magic, give you, Harry James Potter this Order of Merlin 1st Class for defeating Voldemort and outstanding bravery." The Minister said.
That time the applause went on for a few minutes. Harry received the green Ribbon weighed down by the gold encircled M.
"Now, I call Miss Hermione Jean Granger. I Tiberius Ogden, 36th Minister for Magic, give you, Hermione Jean Granger, this Order of Merlin 1st Class. To reward you for your self-sacrifice, your bravery, your help in defeating Voldemort and your work for protection of the house elves. On behalf of the Wizengamot, we give you this 1st Class Order of Merlin."
Hermione clasped her hand to her mouth as she walked towards the small man. The ribbon was white, purple and green and the M was made out of diamonds. The applause were even longer and Hermione went back towards Severus who kissed her tenderly on the lips.
"You deserve it so much darling. I love you. This little one will have the best mother in the whole entire world." Severus told her before placing a lock of hair which had escaped from her bun behind her ear.
"I love you too my lovely handsome wizard. You too deserve this. You sacrificed so much for the Wizarding World. This little one will have the best father possible." Hermione said before pulling away from Severus.
"Ladies and gentlemen. I present you the heroes of the Wizarding World. There are also two announcements that need to be made. Miss Hermione Jean Granger, Order of Merlin 1st Class, and Mr. Severus Tobias Snape, Order of Merlin 2nd Class are engaged and will be getting married this summer. They will also welcome a new member into their family. A toast, to Miss Granger and Mr. Snape." The minister of Magic said raising his glass towards the couple.
"To Miss Granger and Mr. Snape" the crowd said raising their glasses before clapping cheerfully. Severus surprised Hermione by taking her in his arms and dipping her before placing a tender kiss on her lips.
Music then began to play inside the great hall. Severus took Hermione's hand and led her to the dancefloor. He bowed his head to her and placed his right hand on her hip while taking her left hand in his right. He looked into her eyes and when he saw a smile illuminating her face, began dancing to the music. They were gliding around the dancefloor which was a large wooden floor illuminated by more floating candles than the rest of the room. Soon enough, Harry invited Ginny to dance and so did Ron with Fleur.
Hermione silently felt sorry for Ron's partner as she could see that he kept stepping on her toes and forgetting when it was the time to turn. Rose tried to guide him but unfortunately to no avail. He kept pulling back when he should have been advancing and going forward when he was supposed to go back.
Hermione's train kept swirling around them in a blur of deep blue but Severus didn't notice it. He was lost into those pools of chocolate brown that were her eyes. He felt so alive right at this moment dancing with her in the middle of the Great Hall to one of the most beautiful music he had ever heard. He felt like he was in paradise.
The three couples were in the middle of the waltz when the other couples began coming onto the dancefloor and joined them. Hermione recognized George through the crowd of numerous guests. He was with Angelina and Hermione had to admit to herself they formed a lovely couple. Professor McGonagall was dancing with Professor Slughorn. Bill and Fleur who was now in the 7th month of her pregnancy was also dancing but at a tiny bit slower rhythm.
When the waltz ended, all the couples stopped dancing and saluted themselves with a short bow of their heads for the men and a light curtsy for the woman. Severus guided Hermione through the crowd of dancers and off of the dancefloor. His hand on the small of her back and the other holding her left hand as he went towards the front table.
As they sat down, two house elves appeared with plates and champagne in their hands. They proposed a glass of champagne to Severus who accepted and as the first elf was about to propose Hermione a glass too, the other one gave him a large hit of the elbow.
"Mistress is pregnant Dundy. No fizzy loopy drink for Mistress" the elf hissed at the other one
"Dundy sorry says to mistress. Dundy meant well by asking Mistress if she wants fizzy loopy drink. Dundy will hit himself with the pan twelve times for being a bad house elf." The elf said looking at his toes, the bottle of champagne still in his hand.
"You will do no such thing Dundy. I know you didn't want to cause me any harm. I pardon you. But could you please bring me a glass of Pumpkin juice. I am a little thirsty and I think a glass of Pumpkin juice will be perfect." Hermione said kindly to the little elf
"Yes Dundy is coming back with Pumpkin juice for kind Mistress." The house elf said bowing so low his forehead was on the ground.
Hermione turned her attention to the large plate that was now in front of her and took her fork and dug in. She hummed quietly at the explosion of savor she felt in her mouth. The textures and tastes mixed perfectly in her mouth.
When she was finished, she turned to Severus and asked him for another dance. She had felt so well in his arms as they danced through the room. They waited for the waltz currently playing to come to a halt before going back inside the circle of dancers.
Once more, Severus placed one of his hand on Hermione's waist and the other one held onto her hand. This one was a lot lighter than the other one and the couple spun around the dancefloor with so much ease it seemed they were barely touching the ground. The other couples stopped dancing to watch the couple dance.
They were lost in each other's gaze. Severus lost in her chocolate eyes while she was lost in his black ones. Severus suddenly lifted Hermione in the air and spun her around him before placing her back onto the floor and continuing dancing. Her dress floated around her and she looked marvelous in the floating fabric.
When the waltz was finished they realized that everyone was now looking at them and clapping. They saluted each other before bowing their heads to the crowd.
"I'm a little tired love. Can't we go back home" Hermione said to Severus
"Come on, let's say goodbye to anyone and then we'll head back. The both of you need to rest a little my love." Severus said placing a hand on Hermione's stomach and bringing her back towards the Head Table.
"Mr. Ogden. I'm afraid we must be going. The evening was very pleasant but my fiancée is tired and she has to rest. It would be imprudent in her condition to let herself grown too tired" Severus said to the Minister.
"I perfectly understand Mr. Snape. I wish you both a safe journey back home" the man answered shaking Severus' hand and kissed Hermione's hand respectfully.
Severus then whisked her away and she barely had the time to wave Harry, Ginny, Ron and Rose goodbye. As soon as they were in the carriage. Severus asked the cart driver to go as slowly as possible back to Prince's Manor.
"Now my love, I think there is something you need to be rewarded for" Severus said his voice dripping pure sex which made Hermione instantly wet.
"And why my handsome Wizard if I may ask" she responded in the same voice he had used which made his cock twitch in his pants.
"Because you have been a good patient little witch and that pleases me very much" he replied before placing his lips on her own and beginning to snog her.
It didn't take either if them too much time for the both of them to begin and pull at each other's clothes trying to take or rip them of the other one's body. Severus was the first one able to remove something. He managed to lower the zipper down enough to make the dress fall down from her shoulders and pool at her waist. It wasn't long before he had taken her bra off and had thrown it behind him and let it lie in the carriage. He began suckling lightly on her breast and made sounds come out of her throat she didn't even knew could come out of her.
"Fuck, Merlin, Sev. Don't you fucking dare to stop." Hermione moaned as she felt her nipple being wrapped into Severus' hot wet mouth.
"I won't darling, don't worry." He replied.
With a swift movement, Hermione reached down for his pant's zipper and began undoing them freeing his erection from the cloth prison it was in. When she saw his almost purple shaft. She thought she was about to come right now. She had to bring her hand to her mouth and bite hard on it in order not to come.
He pulled her dress up her hips and pulled her knickers down before throwing them behind him for them to join the already discarded bra. With one swift movement, he was buried balls deep inside her. He stayed like that for a few seconds letting Hermione relax around him before beginning fucking her at a torturing slow pace that made Hermione go crazy.
"Please Sev. I need you. Faster." She breathed
"Tell me what you want witch" He said not changing by any means his slow rhythm.
"I need you to make me come love" Hermione said pulling his head to her lips.
He sped up his movements and came with a groan followed shortly after by Hermione who screamed his name as licked her nipple making her go over the precipice of her climax.
"Sir, we'll be arriving shortly" the driver voice said into the binnacle of the carriage.
"Come one love, let me help you get dressed. This isn't a very proper way to be dressed to go out in public for an Order of Merlin first Class." He said while throwing her her bra and knickers.
As soon they had finished dressing back up and Hermione had finished restyling her hair, which were a mess, she saw the door of the carriage being opened. Severus went down first and then took Hermione's hand to help her descend from the carriage.
"Thank you sir" they said to the man riding the carriage who had already climbed back up into the driver's seat and was beginning to leave.
They entered the Manor and Severus helped Hermione take off her dress and jewelry before handing her night dressing gown to her. They both went to bed Severus only wearing his boxers and cuddled before they both fell asleep.