Summary: More one-bed shenanigans, and Hermione and Severus spend a day away from each other.

A/N: Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoy this next bit. One bed… mwahahaha

Chapter 6

Severus awoke and realized that his arm was wrapped around Hermione, and his leg was straddled over her. Mortified, he pulled away and turned his back to her. Thinking he was safe, he underestimated Hermione's need to cuddle. She turned to him and wrapped herself tightly against his back. He tried to move farther towards the edge of the bed, but Hermione just pulled him back and rubbed her cheek on his back.

"Don't go," she mumbled.

"Are you awake?" he asked.

Silence.

Severus wondered what to do. Two nights here in Melbourne, two nights they wound up wrapped around each other like they were the same person.

He stayed there for a bit, somewhat enjoying her arm around him. Recognizing how ridiculous that thought was, he moved to extricate himself.

"Stay," she mumbled.

"I have to use the loo."

Hermoine's eyes flew open. Severus turned toward her to see her eyes wide in shock.

"Oh, Severus, I'm so sorry!" she said as she scooted to the other side of the bed, almost falling off she'd put so much distance between the two of them.

"It's fine," he replied. "It's not like you planned it."

Getting up, he went out to the bathroom. He rolled his eyes as he thought about Hermione and her warmth. He had really gone mad if he was dwelling on the closeness of a lovely young woman. Washing his face, he looked in the mirror and frowned. Few could care for someone who looked like him, and a beautiful woman like Hermione had so many other choices…

He dried his face and assumed a nonchalant look as he went back to their bedroom. Hermione was sitting up in bed. He settled back in bed and covered himself with the blankets. Hermione wouldn't look at him.

"Hey," he called out to her.

Her head snapped around, and she looked at him with a startled look.

"I think we need to discuss this morning and yesterday morning," Severus said.

She nodded and looked down into her lap.

"Despite me saying that I wasn't a cuddler, evidently I am, as before you awoke I was wrapped around you like a towel."

Her eyes went wide. "You were?"

"Yes. So, if anyone is to be held at fault, it is me."

"No, that's not fair, Severus."

He held up his hand. "When I turned away from you, you moved back up to me and wound up in the position you awakened."

Hermione put her head in her hands.

"How about…" Severus stopped short, waiting for Hermione to lift her head again before going on, which she did.

"How about we just accept that we are probably going to awaken in each other's arms and just not make a big deal about it? No more embarrassment, no more apologies."

"So, you're okay if I put my hands all over you in the middle of the night?"

He chuckled. "I don't think that's happening."

"But you're okay with us cuddling?"

He shrugged. "It is happening in our subconscious, and we have no control over it. There's no sense in feeling awful about it on top of everything."

She nodded and smiled at him. "Thank you, Severus. I thought you were going to be furious."

"I am glad that you are not furious yourself. As I've said before, I don't want to ruin our friendship."

She shook her head. "Neither do I."

"Then it's settled."

He rose from the bed. "Do you want the shower first?"

"No, go ahead. I can wait."

He headed to the shower followed afterward by Hermione. They both dressed and got ready for breakfast: Severus in black trousers and a white shirt, and Hermione in a red sundress with white polka dots. It flared out at the waist and flowed as she moved. She eyed herself in the mirror, coming to the conclusion that she looked good. Turning, she noticed Severus frozen in the door, his eyes glued to her form. She smiled at him.

"Ready to go down for breakfast?"

Severus quickly snapped out of it. "Yes."

"I hope mum does a traditional fry-up today. I'm really in the mood for some bangers."

Severus tilted his head slightly in agreement. "I actually would enjoy the tomatoes."

"Well then, let's go. If there's no fry-up, maybe we can offer to make it."

Severus put his arm out for Hermione. She grasped it, and they made their way downstairs to the kitchen. They were happy to see that Hermione's parents had indeed made a traditional English breakfast.

"Good morning, you two!" Jean called out.

"Did you both sleep well?" Ted asked as he placed the bangers and bacon on a platter.

"Fine," Severus said quietly.

"Yes, thanks so much for letting us stay here. It's been really nice to spend time with you both."

"And we love having you here," Jean said as she placed several bowls and platters in the center of the table.

Everyone sat and started helping themselves to breakfast, filling their plates.

"So," Jean interrupted. "We have something different planned today."

"Oh?" Hermine said as she cut into her sausage. "What are we doing?"

"We are having a Mummy/daughter day."

Hermione's smile fell away.

"What will Severus do?"

"We're having a Daddy/son day," Ted said with a bright smile.

Severus cleared his throat. "I… I'm not…"

"Oh hush, you. You're as close as you can get to being our son."

Severus looked down at his plate, letting his hair fall in front of his face to hide behind.

Ted went on. "We're both leaving at ten. We'll be gone all day."

Hermione glanced at Severus, who had finally looked up again. She smiled at him.

"Sounds like fun."

He arched a brow at her before turning toward Ted.

"I look forward to our outing."

Ted leaned in toward Severus. "You're gonna love it."

oooOOOooo

Hermione and Severus kissed before they separated to join their respective parents. They held one another's gaze as they pulled away from one another. Hermione squeezed Severus' arm. He looked pretty frazzled, and she wanted him to know that her dad would be congenial if he'd offered to take him on a day trip. He nodded in understanding and they separated.

Hermione and her mother got in the car and went a few miles down the road, pulling into a parking lot with a blue building set in the background.

"Park Club Health and Day Spa," Hermione read aloud. "We're having a spa day?"

Jean smirked at her daughter. "I thought we could relax for the day. I know you work hard at Hogwarts. You deserve to lay back and be pampered."

Hermione grinned broadly. "Thanks, Mum! This is a wonderful idea!"

"I'm glad you approve."

They got out of the car and went into the spa shop. Jean came up to the counter with Hermione close behind.

"We have an appointment for the all-day treatment," she said. "Jean and Hermione Granger."

"Welcome to Park Club. We are excited to have you," the attendant said.

"My name is Claire. I'll be making sure everything is perfect for you."

Claire picked up a clipboard and smiled at Jean and Hermione.

"Follow me, please."

They were whisked in the back and in no time they were getting massages. They both moaned slightly as the masseuses poured oil on their backs and made sure every muscle on their bodies was massaged and relaxed. When they were done, they could barely stand. They were led to the sauna and settled in for some heat.

"Mum, this has been so much fun so far," Hermione said as she wiped a bead of sweat off her forehead.

"It's nice, isn't it?"

Hermione nodded. "Do you do this a lot?" she asked.

"No, but I do occasionally. I find it's a great stress relief." She paused for a minute. "So, tell me about Severus."

Hermione froze.

"What about him?" she asked tentatively.

"Do you love him?"

"Mum!" Hermione exclaimed to give her time to come up with an answer. Sadly, there was no good answer.

"I don't know yet. Our relationship isn't that old."

"But you must know deep down?"

Hermione bit her lower lip.

"Oh, come on. This is your mum here. Tell me about him!"

"Well, as you can probably tell, he's brilliant, which is definitely attractive."

"He's attractive too," Jean remarked.

"Mum!"

"I mean for you, silly. I already have my perfect man."

Hermione snorted. "Dad is hardly perfect!"

"That's definitely true, but let me give you some advice, Hermione. Treat Severus like he is. Make him always feel wanted. Of course, there will be times when you have disagreements, but always remember why you love that man and make it work."

Hermione gave her mum a half-smile. "That's good advice, Mum. I'll definitely remember that."

"Soooo," Jean continued. "Is he good in the sack?"

Hermione's mouth dropped open. "Mum! That is… What on earth… I will not discuss my sex life with my mother!"

Jean threw her head back and laughed. "I hope he makes your toes curl."

Hermione put her head in her hands. "Mum, I can't discuss this with you. I just can't."

"Fine, fine. He looks like he'd be hot in the sack, though."

"Mum! Enough!"

Jean chuckled at her. "It's too bad it's so hot in here. I can't tell what redness is caused by the steam and what is caused by your embarrassment."

She reached out and grabbed Hermione's hand. "I'm sorry, love. I just had to razz you some. But I do want to know if he treats you right?"

Hermione relaxed. She could honestly answer this question.

"He's my best friend, Mum. He's courteous and respects my opinion. We can spend hours hashing ideas on magical topics."

Jean smiled. "Your father and I have always enjoyed discussing our craft. I think that was one of the things that first made me attracted to him."

"That's really sweet. What else attracted you?"

"Well, he was very handsome back then. He's still a fine-looking man, don't get me wrong, but back then… He was swoon-worthy!"

Hermione smiled.

"And brilliant, just like your Severus. He has a fantastic sense of humor, too." She shrugged. "He's just perfect, like I said."

Hermione gave her mother a loving look. "It's so nice to see you both in love still. Many couples who've been married as long as you have wind up growing apart."

"Or divorced. You know, right at the beginning of our relationship, we promised each other we'd always respect one another and never say things to hurt the other, and we've stuck with that. We do things together. We go on dates. It really helps."

They were quiet for a while before Jean said something more.

"I hope this helps with Severus and you. He seems like a fine man, and I want it to work out."

Hermione's heart sank. In thinking up this scheme, she hadn't counted on her parents really liking Severus and probably being sad in the future at their 'breakup.' She also felt a twinge within her that she would never have that type of relationship with Severus. The time they'd spent here in Melbourne together so far had been really lovely.

"I want it to work out, too," she said finally.

Jean reached out and took Hermione's hand in hers. "I just want you happy, love."

Hermione smiled at her wanly. "Me too."

They were quiet for the rest of the time in the sauna. Hermione mulled over what her mum had said. She was a smart woman, and her thoughts on her marriage were something Hermione wanted to remember for when she had a relationship of her own.

She thought about Severus. If she were to be totally honest with herself, he would make a good partner. But they were only friends. She knew he had no interest in her romantically. That didn't stop her from having a small spark toward him bloom and grow during their stay. She felt closer to him every day they spent together. She would need to push that down and never let it flourish or it would mean heartbreak for her.

oooOOOooo

Severus and Ted took the Land Rover to get to their activity. It only took a few minutes to get to where they were going. Severus studied the stately-looking lodge and gave a curious glance at Ted.

"Don't know where we are, do you?" Ted asked.

"I do not."

"It's a golf course!" Ted exclaimed with a lift of his hands.

"Golf?"

"Yes, golf. You've heard of it, right?"

"Only of its existence. We don't have such highbrow sports in a factory town."

"Is that where you grew up?" Ted asked as they got out of the car.

Ted moved to the back and pulled out two sets of golf clubs, handing one to Severus.

"Yes, a town called Cokeworth. Have you heard of it?"

They started towards the clubhouse.

"I haven't, where is it located?"

"It's in the Midlands," Severus explained.

"Ah. I know where that is. And did you have a happy childhood there?"

Severus frowned. "It could have been happier."

Ted stopped. "I'm sorry to hear that."

Severus shrugged and they started off again. They soon were in a golf cart heading towards the first hole. Stopping there, they got out of the cart. Ted described the different clubs and when to use each. He demonstrated how to stand when hitting the golfball, and made his shot.

Severus tried his hand and sent the ball sailing down the green.

"Not bad for a novice!" Ted said.

They hopped back into the golf cart and moved to where their balls had landed. And so it went. Severus found he didn't mind playing this game despite feeling it was not something he'd ever do. Well as a wizard, he'd never do anything like it.

They had a good conversation as they played.

"So, what were your parents like, Severus?"

Severus stiffened. He never liked talking about his family or his past, but it looked like he was going to have to. He wouldn't be rude to Hermione's father out of respect. They still had several days here with the Grangers, and he didn't want to upset any of them.

"My mum was a witch and my father was a Muggle."

"Really? Was that difficult at all?"

Severus shrugged. "For as long as I can remember, they did not get along. My mum said that when they first met they fell in love, but it sort of evaporated once they married and reality set in."

He looked up at Ted. "When my father found out she was a witch, he was upset. Unfortunately, she waited until after their wedding to tell him, and my father felt trapped. He became resentful. I was born, and it just was more stressful for him."

"That must have been hard."

"I am giving my father too much credit. He was a drunk and an abuser. My mother suffered because of her choice to marry him."

Ted put his hand on Severus' arm. "I'm really sorry to hear that, Severus. No child should grow up in that type of atmosphere."

"It's all right. It happened a long time ago."

"That doesn't mean it still doesn't sting, right?"

Severus concentrated on choosing a club. Ted waited patiently for an answer, though. Severus finally chose his club and began to move towards the tee.

"You're a strong person, Severus. Seems like you bury anything that's difficult to deal with."

"You are probably right."

Ted came up to him, causing him to pause as he prepared to strike the ball. He looked up at Ted, who had put his hand on his arm.

"Severus, I want you to know that you have a family with us. I know you don't need parents, and definitely don't need a father, but I want you to consider us as the parents you never had. I consider you my son."

"Isn't that a bit premature, Ted? We've only known one another a couple of days."

"Right, but you are important to my little girl. Hermione's happiness is important to me. If you're with her, you're part of my family. That won't change."

Severus stared at Ted for a long time. He was incredibly touched by Ted's words. Ted was right, he didn't need parents, but having Ted as a father figure… someone who would actually care about him. It was a feeling he'd never felt before. No one had ever offered to be a father figure to him. Albus had pretended, but he'd never been sincere. It was always about how Albus could move his cause forward, not about caring for people.

"I…" he started but didn't know what to say.

"You're a man of few words, Severus. You don't need to say anything."

"But I want to…"

"All right."

"No one has been close enough to me to act as a father figure. I am surprised at your offer, but I will gladly accept it."

Ted grinned from ear to ear. He came up to Severus and threw his arms around him. Would the surprises never end this day? Severus tentatively put his arms around Ted. After a bit, they separated. Severus tried not to look embarrassed, but he knew he had failed when Ted chuckled at him.

"Welcome to the family, Severus."

"Thank you."

As they continued with the game, Severus thought about what had just happened. For a minute he'd forgotten that this whole trip was a farce and had accepted Ted's offer. But he became maudlin as he wondered what would happen when he and Hermione were no longer together. Would his newfound father figure suddenly cut ties? He was sure that he would.

oooOOOooo

The family gathered together again for dinner. Hermione came up to Severus and gave him a quick kiss. Severus would have liked a longer one, but he settled for what he did get.

"So," he said. "What did you two wind up doing?"

"We had a spa day! We had a very long massage and spent some time in the sauna. Then we had a light lunch and got facials and our nails done."

Hermione pulled up her hand and wiggled her fingers so Severus could see the French manicure she'd gotten.

"Lovely," Severus uttered.

"What did you two do?"

"We played golf," Severus said.

"Golf?" Hermione said in surprise.

"And he did a pretty good job for a novice," Ted said as he walked by and gave his wife a kiss. "Also, I told him he's a part of the family now," he mentioned to his wife.

Jean smiled at him. "Perfect. Severus, I feel the same way. You're a part of our family and always will be."

Severus' cheeks pinked, and he looked away. Hermione's mouth dropped open as she looked incredulously at her parents.

"What?"

"I told him he's part of the family. You're both together, and we want him to feel accepted."

Hermione looked floored. "Mum, Dad, that's… quite lovely."

"We mean it, love," Ted told her.

Hermione looked up at Severus and smiled at him. "You're okay with this?"

Severus knit his eyebrows together. "It was… touching."

Hermione's smile grew wider. "Brilliant," she said.

They had ordered pizza delivery, so everyone grabbed a slice and sat down at the table and conversed about their day.

"Oh, that massage was so relaxing. I don't know how they can massage so deeply with their hands. It felt so good, even though at times it was painful. But the pain always evolved into relief. It was amazing!" Jean gushed.

"Well, Severus looked a little lost for the first hole or two, but then he took right to it. In fact… maybe he took to it a little too well. Did you use magic?" he asked.

Severus arched a brow. "Magic? Whatever do you mean?"

"Ohhh!" Ted cried. "You cheated!" He pointed at the wizard accusingly.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Maybe the air pushed the ball a little farther than it would have normally traveled, but I don't know how you could think I had anything to do with that."

Ted scrunched up his face and glared at Severus. Severus could tell it was in a joking way, so he smirked at him, causing Ted to throw up his hands in resignation.

"I'm going to keep my eye on you from now on!" he declared.

"You can try."

Ted looked at Jean. "He fits right in, doesn't he, Jeannie?"

Jean nodded. "He certainly does."