Chapter 13: Faithfully
A month passed before Hermione felt normal or at least as normal as she could as she could for the time being. With the kids back at Hogwarts and Ron at work, most days were spent alone at the house. She hadn't met with Shacklebolt again and wanted to put off going back to work as long as possible, but knew she'd be heading in soon. Ginny had come over quite frequently to help stimulate her brain and catch up on current events. The paper was still in creative stages but they were having plenty of success in the production stages. The highlight of her days, though, was when Snape came to visit. The sitting room in her area of the house had gotten more use in those weeks than when it was the original sitting area when she and Ron first moved in. They'd been to coffee almost everyday after his shift was over, to dinner several times, and a play, Twelfth Night, one evening after she visited him at St. Mungos. It felt completely comfortable and natural to be with him, to walk around through their evenings together as though it had always been that way.
"I thought tonight we could eat in, I'll make you dinner." Snape offered, she smiled sweetly, biting her lip slightly.
"At your house?" She asked, she'd never been there.
"Yes, it's not as fancy as yours, but my study will fulfill all your dreams." Taking his arm, he apparated them to Spinner's End, directly into his kitchen.
She noticed immediately that it was dark, the opposite of her home with it's gray walls and white wainscotting. But though it was dark, it was cozy like she always imagined it would be.
"Will you need my help?" His raised brow gave her a quick answer, so she sat at the bar and watched him work, her hand under her chin.
"Wine?"
"Fancy, fancy." She grabbed glasses from his cupboard and watched as he uncorked a sweet, red wine. "So what are you making, Severus?"
"It's a surprise." Stirring the mushrooms, he leaned over to kiss her before she sat back at the bar.
"I have a meeting with Shacklebolt tomorrow for my new job, do you think I can convince him to let me have my old job...no, not that one, the one before, working with magical cooperation and creatures." Snape dropped his spatula for a moment when she first spoke, but regained his composure by the time she was finished.
"That seems less dangerous, no doubt." She watched him cook, his chopping and precise measurements, reminiscent of her days in potions. His movements were light, as though he floated while he moved, actions faster than she could register sometimes. It was mesmerizing, watching him work.
"I've never had someone cook for me like this before." Hermione remarked, noting that Ron had grilled food with Harry many times, but it was never especially for her.
"I've rarely had someone to cook for." With that, he took the plates to his table, perfect for two while Hermione grabbed their wine. From her first impression, it looked like a beef tenderloin with goat cheese, pearl onions, mushrooms, and carrots, chopped so finely they had the most delicate flavor.
"Now I know why you've always picked on my cooking. If I had known you cooked like this, I would've let you make the meals all the time."
"We had to work with what we had, I couldn't have made this with the ingredients we had in Argentina, for example." Hermione laughed, recalling their month-long mission in Argentina, eating bananas and avocados for days.
"I thought Seamus would kill me and Todd, he found out he was allergic to passion fruit. How did we make through half of our missions?" Savoring another bite, Hermione thought happily about Seamus and Todd, how much they'd done together in ten years.
"We waited for you to visit, then it was easy." Snape replied, sipping his wine and watching her over the brim of his glass, unnerving her for a second.
"If only I had known then, you never hinted or gave me any idea. It wouldn't have even registered at all if it weren't for the time we were in Marseille, when Ron surprised me." Taking a large sip of her wine, Hermione winked at him, enjoying so much the flirtation.
"Really? I thought it would've been Pisa when I had to carry you over the bridge because suddenly you were afraid of heights."
"Suddenly? I've always been afraid of heights, I'll have you know. I don't recall anything particularly different about that mission, though." Another sip of wine and it was clear Hermione was becoming intoxicated.
"You were too frightened to feel my heart racing. Or perhaps when we were in Sicily, when Yuri Denisovich tried to kill us." Snape, the infatuated hero. It didn't always suit him, but some moments it really did, like then when she looked over at him and his face was soft, not worn at it was when she normally met them on missions. She remembered Sicily well, the night they held each other for the first time.
"What happened at Marseille? That I don't recall being different at all." Severus inquired, taking his plate to the sink and rinsing. Hermione followed, her dinner tastefully gone. She put her arms around his waist as he rinsed the dishes.
"You should let me do that, you cooked." Her words made him pause.
"Avoiding my question?"
"No, I can't say it was any one thing, except when Ron took me to dance, you gave me, us, this look that made me feel like you were jealous." Drying his hands quickly, he twisted and faced her, dipping his body slightly against the countertop and making it possible for them to see eye to eye, his legs straddling hers.
"I was jealous. Your husband showed up and stole my one evening with you in months."
"Ex-husband." He nodded in agreement before she caught his face in her hands.
"When do you think you first knew I fancied you back?" She almost regretted the question as soon as it was asked, but was so curious it didn't matter.
"I would say it was in Inverness, when we went to that ridiculous museum. Before then I hadn't really thought of you that way, not more than any man would, but you did something that day when we took the boat cruise to Urquhart Castle, I'll never forget it." Hermione searched her brain, replaying that day from start to finish, noting that it was five years ago. Had she really known her own feelings then?
"I don't remember much about that day except it was so cold and Todd kept howling like the Loch Ness monster was waiting to be caught by his bare hands."
"When we walked down the hill to the castle, you lost your footing and reached for me, steadying yourself, but you didn't let go for ages. On the way back on the boat, we shared the blanket between us and you asked me to warm your hands because it was bloody cold. You'd never touched me before and so often in one day, at least not when I could remember. I don't know why, but that day it just felt different. You let me steady you as we departed the boat and then didn't let my hand go for a while, and you smiled at me...it was unnerving." Suddenly it dawned on her, she remembered that moment exactly and the feelings she felt being close to him, recalling the first time she registered how much he smelled like bergamot all the time. And then it made her sad, Severus hadn't had much affection throughout his life and her attentions, even if they hadn't been romantic at the time, were the only ones he'd known in ages.
"Five years ago...all the time we could've had."
"We have plenty of time to make up for it, I promise." He kissed her then, squarely and hard, eliciting a soft moan from her before he pulled away. They hadn't talked about intimacy or expectations, that conversation had yet to come up, but Hermione wanted more, she just felt like a kid again, young and inexperienced with a new love. From the look on Severus's' face, he too felt the same. Being bold, she kissed the skin just above his collar, tracing his jawline from ear to ear, finishing by kissing his mouth meticulously, making sure to nibble his bottom lip a bit as her body gently rested on his.
"You'll get yourself into trouble that way, young woman." He teased, his hands still holding her tightly against him in possibly the closest their bodies had ever touched, aside from a quick hug or on the train, but even then her breasts hadn't been shoved against him just so.
"Will you punish me?" She countered, in possibly the sexist voice she'd ever produced, biting her lips slightly as she finished. In one quick motion, he lifted her and switched their positions, her sitting on the edge of the counter, her legs wrapped around his, arms tightly on his neck, continuing to kiss his warm lips, whispering softly in his ear, and ultimately producing a moan from him deep and guttural.
"You've bewitched me." He whispered, as his hands that had been resting on her hips traveled up and down her sides continually, returning south again to make their transition beneath her soft, argyle sweater. It was then Hermione realized she'd worn a hideous bra, but between his kisses and the torturous play of his hands creeping higher and higher at her sides, she didn't care. When his hands finally made it to her breasts, she giggled, the skin around them so ticklish. The laughing made him stop for a second, until he delicately removed her top, forcing Hermione to shudder visibly, wanting nothing more than to take the rest off.
"You'll have to excuse this horrid bra, I'm too old for the fancy ones tarts wear nowadays." Hermione joked, lifting one of the straps and letting it snap against her skin; it was Severus's turn to shudder then, visibly blushing from his head to all the skin she could see.
"I'm not interested in your bra, my dear, not when the prize is so much sweeter than the wrapping." Instead of letting him pull away, Hermione pulled him closer, her mouth on his, her hands at his waist pulling his shirt out from his pants, his belt creating quit a barrier
"You have a stubborn belt; trying to keep unwanted guests away?" But before she could even finish her sentence, Severus had lost the belt and now looked as disheveled as any man who made out with his girlfriend on the kitchen counter. The shock of his quick attention displayed readily on Hermione's face.
"I have more tricks than that, if you're so impressed." It was then he motioned her to follow him, most likely to his bedroom, so Hermione took his hand, feeling ever the bashful almost middle-aged woman, and tried not to trip over her feet.
In his room, Severus whispered nox to the terribly bright light in the washroom and pulled her close to him again, his height now slightly a barrier to Hermione, so she slowly pushed him towards his bed, forcing him to sit and placing herself perfectly on his lap, straddling him as she had in the kitchen. In this position she was able to slowly unbutton his shirt, his heart thumped against her as she started.
"It's not pretty under there, you know." His words caused Hermione to pause, feeling slightly self-conscious herself. It made her worry that perhaps he would expect something spectacular from her body, which certainly had its own flaws.
"It's not so pretty under here either, but you know I've seen you sans shirt. That time in Carcavelos when you were stung by the jellyfish, we wrapped your leg with your shirt, so this is old hat. Now my body, it's produced two genetic Weasleys, so you'll have to forgive my hips and my baby pouch." She used words to try and comfort him, his obvious nervousness pervaded the room. Something between the kitchen and bedroom had made his resistance show. Hermione didn't want to push him further than he was comfortable and didn't want, for herself, to feel like they'd moved too fast. Both of them rested slightly at the exact moment, almost completely in sync.
"You are beautiful, I'd never want you to hide any part of you from me." She held him tightly then, her arms gently laced around his neck, playing with the hair at his collar.
"I'd never hide anything from you, ever. " with that he scooted back on the bed and lay her next to him, his leg gently resting across hers, her back flat on the mattress, and his shirt halfway unbuttoned.
"I can admire you more this way." He said between kisses on her collarbone, one hand resting under his chin and the other on the softness of her belly, slowly caressing her delicate skin. Distinctly she could feel her heart pounding harder and harder against her chest, wondering if she could possibly stand more before it finally gave way. Her own hand ran through his hair convincing her how much she liked being so close to him, being able to look into his eyes unabashedly. There were so many things she wanted to say, but her tongue was tied and she couldn't possibly form words. Were they moving too fast? Was this an appropriate step? What if he changed his mind and never wanted to see her again? Questions swirled in a chasm throughout her brain before he caught her in another passionate kiss. She didn't want to break the spell, but she also knew they had things to discuss before adding sex to their relationship.
"Severus, I've never been with anyone except Ron...I…" He immediately paused, of course she'd been a good girl, a faithful girl, one of the many endearing qualities she possessed.
"Do you expect me some wanton lothario?"
"No, I just don't want to disappoint you. I don't what to feel foolish." She explained, propping herself up and facing him exactly as he was.
"You could never disappoint me, Hermione, even if this was not part of our relationship. If you told me right now that it made you uncomfortable in any way, I'd live without it. You're more important to me than any sexual desire, although I have to admit, you are quite desirable." Beaming, Hermione felt relieved immediately.
"What if you wake up tomorrow and realize how pushy I am or how I always have to be right?"
"Realize? I already know that you're pushy and a savage knowitall, so that will come as no surprise to me. You should be more concerned about my ability to keep my hands off you." He tickled her then, in the exact spot above her hip and below her armpit where he'd made her giggle before. She struggled against him until finally she returned the favor, forcing him on his back.
"You have the best laugh." Moving herself under his arm and cuddling against him, Hermione traced the edge of his button-up shirt, slowly unbuttoning the rest of the buttons. His abdomen was hairless aside from a strip of hair at his waist.
"I don't plan on ever letting you go, Hermione. If you're worried at all about my commitment to you, please don't be; I may not seem like a man verbose in affections, but like you I feel deeply and I long for someone, you, to spend my life with.'" His words surprised her forcing her hand to stop and to turn his face to meet hers.
"Everyone deserves affection and devotion. I would be heartbroken if you did let me go." The thought alone almost brought her to tears, but seeing his reaction, his peace, she knew that she'd said and heard the things to calm her soul. Her insecurities melted away and gave way to the brave woman she normally was.
"Can I stay with you tonight?" She asked, kissing his chest before his mouth, watching his eyes roll back in their sockets.
"You are always welcome here. " With that they picked up where they'd left off, both free of their insecurities and unanswered questions. Both ready to move the relationship into a new realm.
The next morning, Snape smelled breakfast cooking before he opened his eyes. Finding Hermione in the kitchen and in his shirt gave him a distinct feeling of pleasure.
"Look who's finally awake." Hermione quipped, as his arms brought her into a warm embrace.
"You wore an old man out. My shirt looks nice on you, by the way." He poured his coffee and watched her trying not to burn the bacon and flipping the omelettes just so.
"I wish I didn't have to meet with Shacklebolt today, I'd much rather curl up with a book and you all day. Alas," She brought the plates to the table and sat with him, "I have to be a grown up." They ate quietly, both still processing their new professed feelings, seeing things in the bright light of the morning. Hermione felt a sense of peace and calm she hadn't known in years, just looking across the table at someone she'd spent so much time with, so many missions, and yet had no idea that someday they would be so intimately involved, sharing breakfast after spending their first night together. It dawned her suddenly that she should probably tell Ron about their relationship since she was certain they were serious about each other.
"I'm going to tell Ron about us." She said between bites of bacon and egg. "What do you think?"
"No sense in delaying the inevitable." His sheepish grin as he folded his napkin made her wish she could stay even more, but she couldn't. After cleaning up breakfast, she changed back into her clothing and gave him a kiss before apparating back to her home. In record time, she showered and changed for her meeting with Shacklebolt, but before she could use the floo, she saw Ron in the kitchen.
"Where were you last night?" Caustic and clearly accusatory, he tossed note he had been writing in the bin before shoving his chair into the table and coming to the door.
"I was out, not that it's your business. Are you my keeper?" She responded, just as curt and sharp as his tone.
"I was worried, I came home and the house was silent...you could've left a note." He truly had been worried, she could see it on his face, but it was too late for all of that. Concern and consideration had flown out the door years ago.
"I'm sorry I worried you, but Ron, we aren't married anymore. How was I to know you'd be home? You're rarely here. If it eases your mind, I will leave a note on the refrigerator, but honestly, it really isn't your concern. And now I am late for a meeting with the Minister, we can finish this discussion later, if you'll be here." With that, she dropped the floo powder and went directly to the Ministry.
Hours later, Hermione returned home forlorn and angry, but found Ron watching reruns of quidditch in the den, eating leftover chili and chips from a pub run. At first she didn't want to disturb him, to bring up the fight from the morning, but she knew she was ready to tell him about Snape and also about Shacklebolt's news regarding her new job or lackthereof.
"Ron, will you come with me to the kitchen?" Startled at first, he pushed the footrest of his lounger down and followed her.
"I've gotten some surprising news today," She started, sitting across from her ex-husband at a table where they'd eaten meals for years as a family.
"When I first reviewed the files about my time in Russia, I found it odd that a trial hadn't been scheduled for Poroshenko, but it didn't register because there was so much going on otherwise. I thought Shacklebolt was giving me my old job, the one with magical creatures, but instead he gave me required leave with pay until the trials are over. I am a key witness in the trial for Poroshenko and all of his lackeys."
"I'd heard they were moving him from Azkaban, but I didn't know if he would be under jurisdiction here."
"It's the Wizarding World court, I have to go to Sweden." She said, unable to hide her disappointment. The last thing she wanted was to be any nearer to Poroshenko or any of the guards of his prison. No doubt, she understood how serious the situation was and how desperately they needed her to seal the fate of someone who had the charisma and expertise to be as powerful as Voldemort or Grindelwald had been in their time.
"That being said, there is something else I need to tell you." Ron stopped her, immediately looking guilty.
"About earlier, I was a git. I was worried, but you're capable of being alone and you don't answer to me."
"It was inconsiderate of me not to leave a note, we do share this house and…" But he cut her off again.
"I'm seeing someone, actually, and I felt guilty when you came home. She'd Just left." Ron admitted, shock displayed on Hermione's face but turning to happiness and joy for him, to have found someone new.
"That is lovely, Ron, truly. I'm happy for you."
"It's Joanna." He said shyly, not meeting her eyes.
"My Joanna, Joanna Ware?" He nodded, grinning from ear to ear.
"Yeah, when we were working together while you were in Russia, I don't know, we just kind of hit it off."
"Are you worried about having a relationship with someone who is in the field so often, I mean that's where most of our problems stemmed, aside from some general incompatibility." Her question was fair, but she could see that it hit a nerve in him.
"We haven't talked about that, not really, but so far it's been fine."
"Well that's good, I am happy for you, and I'm seeing someone as well." He didn't seem too surprised, but once she said his name, Hermione was sure he body language would change.
"It's Severus." Ron practically fell back in his chair uttering incomprehensible sounds, obviously in shock.
"Snape? Severus Snape? Our former professor, the guy you used to complain about incessantly?"
"Yes, and when the kids come home for summer holidays, I want to tell them. We agreed to wait to introduce our children to our spouses until we were sure it was serious, and it is." 'Quite serious' she thought, rubbing her hands together.
"But he's twenty years older than you, I mean, Hermione, he's old." She laughed thinking of the night before and the last word she would use to describe him was old.
"And Joanna is ten years younger than you, lech."
"But still, are you telling me all these years you've been working with him you've fancied him?"
"No! Not hardly." It wasn't entirely true, but Hermione knew her honor was in tact, they hadn't acted on their feelings until she was freed from Poroshenko's prison.
"And you want to tell Rose and Hugo?"
"Yes, when they get home from school. I'd like to invite Severus for a day while we're in Bath so the kids can be around him as more than their Uncle Harry's protector and Mum's colleague. You can invite Joanna, if you both feel comfortable with that." Ron's indignation had not calmed enough to seriously consider her words. She waited a moment more before considering leaving the table to have some tea.
"It's serious?" He finally asked, his annoyance displayed clearly.
"Yes, quite."
"And he might live here?" Laughing, she decided it was safe to make tea.
"Not tomorrow, but maybe someday in the future."
"All those letters?" Hermione turned to him, surprised he'd made the connection. She blushed a bit, thinking of all the lovely things he'd written her, how much he missed her, and wanted her safely returned.
"Mostly from Snape, mostly work correspondence. We didn't allow ourselves to cross the boundaries of propriety, Ron, I made a promise to you and I kept it." With that, he was settled, there was no convincing Hermione that Snape was not a good prospect and no use arguing or continuing the conversation in that vein.
"I hope you'll be happy, but I promise if he ever hurts you, I will kill him." With that, he was done. He pushed his chair in and went back to the den to continue watching his quidditch. She contemplated following him, but instead went upstairs to her room to write Severus a letter about her meeting with Shacklebolt and pack for Sweden. She was not looking forward to being so far away from Britain or the comforts of her home.
