Two updates in a week…bam!
I still don't own Harry Potter…sadly.
Anyway, on to the chapter!
"Severus, what's wrong?" I asked my husband.
"The aurors want you to testify at Weasley's trial," Severus muttered angrily.
I took a deep breath and expelled it before responding. "Well, that's not all that surprising, really. Why does it upset you so much, though?"
"I worry about you. I almost lost you and the baby to this man. I do not know how I will respond to seeing him after he hurt you and Madame Malfoy. Your condition is delicate enough without this trial adding more stress to your body," he said.
"I understand what you're saying. However, I think I need this; for closure if nothing else. I need to see for myself if he truly feels remorse for what he did. His actions just don't add up to what Hermione told me about him before. I want to know what happened in his head to make him lash out as he did. It just doesn't make sense to me," I told him.
Severus thought for a moment. I could practically see the wheels spinning in his head as he contemplated my words.
"Mr. Weasley was quite jealous and hot-tempered as an adolescent. During the war, it seemed as if he had grown up. I suppose all we can do is show up to the trial and see for ourselves," he replied.
I smiled up at him. "My thoughts exactly dear husband. Does that letter happen to give the date for the trial?" I asked.
"The trial is scheduled for next Tuesday," he said.
"Wow, that soon and just a few days before Christmas? What horrible timing for his family," I muttered.
"Indeed. Molly and Arthur are good people. I do not envy them at this time. Despite my anger at their youngest son, Molly and Arthur are not at fault for his actions," Severus told me.
"Absolutely. What of his wife or fiancé or whatnot? Surely he was matched in this marriage law as well. This must be tough for her too. Will the ministry rematch her if Ron goes to prison?" I wondered aloud.
"I do not know whom he was match with nor the procedure in the event that Mr. Weasley is convicted. I am not entirely positive that they have a contingency plan in events such as this. I expect we will find out if it comes down to that," he said.
"Alright, enough about this. What are your plans for the day?" I asked.
"I currently have no plans aside from spending the day with the mother of my child," he responded.
"How would you feel about accompanying me down to Hogsmeade? My last trip to buy Christmas presents was rudely interrupted and I could use a strong man to carry my bags," I said with a wink.
"Your wish is my command, wife," he replied silkily while pulling my hand up and placing a kiss on my wedding ring.
His voice sent shivers down my spine and I nearly dragged him into the bedroom to continue our shower escapade.
"Good answer, husband. If you do well, I will be sure to reward you properly," I replied with my hands on his chest, teasingly whispering in his ear before grabbing my wallet and rushing out the room.
"Minx!" he exclaimed before quickly following me out the door.
The Hogsmeade trip was a success. I felt better knowing all my shopping was finished and infinitely glad that I bought Severus' gift before the attack. Though, once we returned to the castle, Severus insisted that I take a nap and relax. After all the walking in Hogsmeade, was inclined to agree and took a nap without argument.
I woke later to my husband running his fingers through my hair and calling my name to wake me up.
"Mmm, that feels nice," I murmured sleepily.
"Love, it's time to wake up. Dinner will be served soon in the Great Hall," he told me.
His first word shocked me to my core. He hadn't called me that before and we hadn't exchanged the words as of yet either, though I had called him 'love' on occasion. I knew, however, without a shadow of a doubt that I loved this man. What I didn't know was his reasoning for calling me 'love'.
"Elle, what's wrong? You're thinking quite hard," Severus noted.
I looked up into his eyes and found the courage to speak up despite my doubts that his endearment had been just that…an endearment.
"You called me 'love'…" I stated quietly.
"Indeed, I did. Is that not what men who are hopelessly in love with their wives do? If that's not the case, I will endeavor to call you something else," he said quietly.
"You love me? Really?" I asked with tears in my eyes. Stupid pregnancy hormones!
"Yes, Elle. I love you. I am hopelessly in love with you. How could I not be? Despite being thrown together because of an archaic law, we have grown together and you have opened up my hart again," he told me while caressing my cheek.
"Oh Merlin, Severus. I love you too," I said happily as I pulled him down quickly into a kiss.
I put as much passion and love into the kiss as I could, willing my husband to feel my love for him. Of course, as often happens between two lovers, we were quite late to dinner in the Great Hall.
Alright, guys. What did you think? I would love to have some reviews and get your feedback. Also, the poll on my page is still open...should the baby be a boy or girl?