The Snapes at Home

Severus Snape awoke early the next morning and stretched luxuriantly, feeling he'd managed things well. In accordance with his wife's absurd wish, he'd given bloody Potter a chance to make a move on Ginny Weasley. He'd also manipulated them into babysitting, thus acquiring a rare and delightful evening alone with his wife.

She'd looked lovely, glowing with happiness. The play was acceptable, which meant Zelda was moved to tears by it and declared it marvelous. Afterward they found themselves in an interesting Muggle club. He smirked sardonically, delighted with his own cleverness. He'd sworn her to secrecy and he'd danced with her. Best of all, the young fools had let the children stay up far later than usual, playing with them, which meant…

"Good morning, wife," he whispered, beginning to kiss her neck softly as he ran his hand down her bare belly.

Zelda woke up and as his hand teased its way between her legs, she kissed him, laughing into his eyes. She combed the hair back from his face so she could admire him.

"You're too clever for your own good," she murmured. "I want to talk with you about yesterday, but, um, later…"

She adored the feel of him, the black hairs on his hard, muscular chest, his small, tight nipples and his bony ribs right under his skin. His heart pounded as she pressed firmly on his chest, so she put her cheek against him, sighing at how good he felt to her. He rubbed tentatively against her and his erection attracted her attention. She reached down and grasped it, stroking the length of it firmly.

"Ahhh…" he groaned, thinking that no matter how competently he'd tossed off in his wretched life, her clever touch was infinitely better.

Zelda wriggled with anticipation and pressed herself against his taut body, looking quizzically at him.

"My sweet girl," he murmured, kissing her neck as he pressed her onto her back, kneeling between her parted legs. "So sexy…"

He grasped her tits greedily and took her nipple in his mouth, sucking firmly as he squeezed them. She groaned blissfully and thrust her hips upward, seeking contact with him.

"Patience, pet," he chided, his eyes gleaming.

Zelda laughed weakly and said, "Shut up and fuck, gorgeous wizard."

She thrust upward again, legs spread wide, and the tip of his cock rubbed against her. Impulsively he thrust into her, mocking her.

"You wicked little brat," he hissed.

"I'm not wicked," she pouted as she pulled his head down and bit his lower lip, "I'm very good."

She mouthed the tip of his hooked nose, raking it lightly with her teeth, then put her mouth to the side of his neck and sucked his skin fiercely.

"You dare to mark me?" he asked dangerously, pausing and withdrawing, while the spot she was sucking grew hot and tender.

She stopped and looked into his eyes, her lips twitching as she said, "Yeah, I dare, Professor Snape."

"Lucky for you I'm busy or I'd chastise you for such impudence," he snapped.

He entered her again, moving his hips slowly, and she responded, thrusting firmly in time with his movements.

"Can I be on top?" she whispered mockingly.

"Impudence," he hissed, delighted by her mocking banter. "Know your place, wife."

"Mmmm…" she murmured, twining her arms around his neck and stirring under him. "Is this my place, husband?"

"It is, now shut up and fuck, my little tart," he commanded.

Laughingly she threw her arms around him and said, "Ah, my sexy hero."

They made love slowly, deliciously, until he was on the verge. He looked into her eyes as her arms tightened around his neck.

"Now, oh Goddess," she moaned as her orgasm claimed her, pulling him along into ecstasy.

Severus dozed there for several minutes, still inside her and exquisitely sated. He woke gradually, feeling content and safer than he had since he was a child. He could feel Zelda wake, because her mouth curved into a smile against his shoulder.

"Good morning, my tart," he murmured, slipping out of her arms to lie next to her.

"Now I'm a tart?" she asked, her eyes bright with amusement as she propped her head on her hand.

"My own delicious tart," he replied. "I enjoyed our date last night."

"It was indescribably splendid and you're an amazing dancer," she murmured. "Why didn't you ever tell me?"

"Learning to waltz from Minerva McGonagall at the age of sixteen, with the entire year watching, was a low point even in my school career," he said pensively.

"Oh… Sev, she didn't, did she?" asked Zelda, horrified.

He nodded. "We had a Yule Ball that year. She chooses a victim at random every time there's a formal dance."

"Oh, right! Ron told me he was her victim in his year," she said, recalling the young man's disgust.

"I enjoyed that day immensely," he assured her. "Those insufferable creatures caused me no end of annoyance, and having been in that wretched position, I knew precisely how Weasley suffered."

"Sadist," she said softly, kissing his chin. "You're an amazing dancer and I'm a klutz compared to you. Are you satisfied now?"

"Temporarily," he murmured, gathering her into his arms. "Now you must tell me what the devil you're up to with Potter and Ginny Weasley."

"You've already figured it out," she told him.

"I'd enjoy hearing you justify your meddling, however."

Rowena barked sharply from the hallway, signaling that the children were awake, so they scrambled for their bathrobes and headed for the door.

"I missed them," he said.

"I did too, but missing them's okay, since we're home now," she said. "I had a wonderful time last night, and this morning I feel like a million bucks."

Alaric appeared in the hallway in pajamas with his hair disheveled, and said accusingly, "You went away last night."

Zelda knelt and said, "We did, sweet boy. Sometimes mums and dads have to go away, but we come back. May I please have a hug now?"

"Okay," he said, jumping into her arms and wrapping his small arms around her neck. "I love you, Mummy."

Severus had paused to watch them on the way to Emelie's room and his heart swelled with gratitude for their presence in his life. Emelie was standing in her magical cot, leaning on the railing and beaming down at Rowena. The dog was looking up at the child, her tail wagging briskly. His daughter was a black-haired miniature of her mother, and he adored her.

"Daddy!" shrieked the tiny girl ecstatically, trying unsuccessfully to climb over the railing.

"Good morning, my angel," he said softly, holding out his arms to her. "Come here, Emmie."

The feel of that small, warm body in his arms warmed his soul. Emmie pressed her lips to his and kissed him enthusiastically, rubbing her tiny nose against his.

"Love you, Daddy," she said, her dark eyes shining with innocent joy.

"Let's go see Mummy and Alaric," he said, setting her down and taking her hand.

Rowena trotted up and licked the child's face, making her giggle.

"Weena!" she shouted, pounding the dog's neck with her small hand. "Good Weena."

Severus knew he'd gladly die before he'd allow anything to happen to any of them. He understood now what Lily Potter had felt for her son and he mused briefly about the old magic. It was relevant to his life now, in a way that it had never been before. However, his brilliant and charming children were clamoring for his attention, so they all retired to the big bed for a leisurely family cuddle and morning conversation. He was a most fortunate wizard.