Valentine's Day was extremely eventful as it was the highly anticipated wedding of Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall. Classes were cancelled for the day so preparations could take place for the sunset wedding. It seemed the perfect day too, as if nature itself somehow realized how precious this union was, providing the best weather possible. The sky was blue and clear all day, the grass was green and the wind was gentle on the anxious crowd that began to gather by the lake as twilight settled upon them. The entire faculty and student population of Hogwarts was present along with all manner of magical beings, including a few merpeople (though they had to continually return to the water to catch their breath), the ghosts from the castle, a few centaurs, the house elves and even some goblins. Many previous students and ministry employees, along with the entire Weasley clan, were there as well as Colin, from the Daily Prophet, and Luna, from the Quibbler. Harry, still working as an Unspeakable and assisting the Ministry of Magic, was performing the ceremony by Albus' request.
Minerva had originally decided that she would just wear her nicest dress, but it didn't finish up that way. When Albus had finally told her to go all out and buy the most beautiful wedding ensemble she could find, Ginny took her shopping at Twilfit & Tattings in Diagon Alley. Minerva instantly fell in love with a sand colored long sleeve A-line silhouette with Alencon lace, a thin satin ribbon that weaved around the natural waistline of the dress, satin buttons down the front and a chapel length train. It almost had a Spanish appearance since it was completely covered in the exquisite lace. She selected a seventy-two inch long circular romantically old-fashioned Mantilla veil as well, which complimented the dress perfectly. When Minerva fully dressed for her last fitting, she felt absolutely beautiful and almost cried.
Chamber music softly played by spelled instruments while the guests took their seats by the lake, some standing and some sitting on benches that had been levitated out from the Great Hall and draped with white satin. The grassy aisle between the benches was lined with small clay pots of fragrant gardenias (as per Albus' request since the white flowers stood for secret love). In front of the guests, complete with the tranquil lake and setting orange sun as a backdrop, stood a triple arch that was covered in white tulle with dark blue velvet tied in bows to secure the material. Much like the Great Hall, thin, red candles hung in the air above the center of the arch in a heart shape while silver rose petals seemed to fall from the sky above the guests, but never reached them. Hundreds of fireflies flitted about like little twinkling lights against the darkening sky while Harry, Albus, Severus and Remus took their respective places to await the beginning of the ceremony.
Harry, Severus and Remus wore traditional black dress robes and clasped their hands in front of them while they waited. Albus, leaning on a cane made from Agarwood, stood serenely in his dark blue crushed velvet robe trimmed with black silk and cords to match with a cone shaped hat upon his head made from the same material, his small half moon spectacles atop the bridge of his nose.
When the tempo of the melodic music changed, Ginny was the first to begin the slow walk down the grassy aisle. Her mint green colored silk dress was sleeveless with the material seemingly crossed over her chest in a V shape and hanging straight to her ankles, the silk looking tattered and torn at the bottom. Silver cord trimmed the dress, falling just over her shoulders, across the bodice of the dress and lining the back. Her red tendrils were pinned up in a French twist with a couple sprigs of baby's breath tied with thin white ribbons that hung loose while she held a handful of Calla lilies. (These had been Minerva's request because they stood for beauty and she felt her young, pretty bridesmaids should carry flowers that represented that). Ginny smiled as she took her time walking, oblivious to the air growing chilly around her, making eye contact with those she knew, nodding at a few students of hers, but saved her biggest smile and wink for Remus. She thought how absolutely dashing he looked in his black dress robe and it made her want to run over and throw her arms around him, almost giggling at the thought.
Remus felt as if he'd simply stopped breathing while he watched Ginny, thinking she looked as beautiful as any goddess ever could have. Her dress seemingly floated around her body like a wispy cloud, causing her red hair and green eyes to stand out bright. That wink was for me and no one else, he thought proudly and a little smugly as she took her place over to the side, unable to hide his grin. How did I get so lucky? Speaking of getting lucky, he couldn't stop the vision from entering his mind of pinning her body between his and the nearest wall or tree, bunching up that pretty green dress around her waist and sliding up into her heat, quickly catching himself and ending his fantasy since his body was beginning to respond. It had been too long since he'd enjoyed such pleasures. Not good, he thought as he shifted slightly in an effort to end his physical response. Thank Merlin for these robes, he thought in relief and with the slightest snicker, ignoring the sideways glance from Severus.
Hermione followed Ginny wearing the same beautiful silk dress, her brown tresses in the same French twist and also holding Calla lilies. She waved at Sabine, who was resting in Molly Weasley's arms, but otherwise kept her chestnut eyes on her husband as she walked, thinking to herself that he seemed to grow more handsome each year. Though not that long ago, the memories of looking at him as her teacher seemed so vague, as if they were merely a dream. She knew their relationship still seemed odd to some, but Hermione couldn't imagine where she would be without him by her side and their precious children to raise. She had truly found her soul mate.
Severus watched with stoic pride as his amazing young wife made her way down the aisle slowly, almost smiling when she waved towards their daughter. As his eyes locked with hers in an unspoken but powerful bond of love, he knew his life could not get any better than it was and couldn't wait to watch their children grow. He'd never truly known how it felt to be a proud man until now, for he'd never had anything to be proud of, a ghost of a smirk forming to his lips as he watched Hermione take her place beside Ginny and then his son as he began his walk down the aisle with William. His son. His intelligent and precocious magical son. The very thought made him stand a little taller.
The two little boys were dressed in classic black and white knicker suits (again by Albus' request because he thought they were the cutest outfits for little boys). Malachai had a blue balloon about the size of a quaffle secured to his wrist while William had a pink one, each with a ring attached by magic, again Albus' idea. Malachai was somewhat solemn as he walked, making sure he held his balloon properly as he'd been instructed to do by his father, while William wore a gregarious smile and waved to everyone, even those he didn't know.
Hermione removed Minerva's ring and levitated Albus' over to Severus, whispering to the boys that they'd done a good job and to hold their balloons in their arms as not to block anyone's view. Albus caught the boys' eyes as well and nodded to compliment them on their journey. They smiled back before making sure they had a hold of their balloons. Albus felt a twinge of sadness before looking away. William really was the epitome of Neville in personality with Ginny's physical traits, causing Albus to wish like hell Neville were here to see this in person. Watching Malachai was like watching Severus when he was younger and that gave the old man hope, for the one that he thought would always remain a lost soul had finally found love.
When the music changed again, everyone who wasn't already standing stood and turned around. When Minerva began her walk down the aisle holding her small bouquet of forget-me-nots (which symbolized true love), she was already tearing up. She couldn't help it. It was a day she'd wanted most of her life and had given up on ever actually experiencing. But here it was. She was finally marrying Albus. They would officially be husband and wife. All the smiling faces on the people she passed were just a blur. The only person she could truly see through the thin material of the veil was Albus waiting for her at the other end. He was the only one that mattered anyway.
When the music stopped, Albus and Minerva, their eyes already having spilled happy tears, joined shaky hands before turning to Harry while all the guests that could sat down behind them, bathed in the soft orange glow of the setting sun.
"I'm truly honored today to join Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore and Minerva Eleanor McGonagall in wizarding matrimony," he began, wand to his throat so everyone could hear. "I can't think of two other people more respected or loved than these standing in front of me. They've taught most of us, helped us in immeasurable ways and always made sure they were fair in everything they've ever been involved in. The only thing that could come close to their devoted love for each other is their love for those they call friends and students. And today, Albus and Minerva have decided to make official what the rest of us have known for years." He paused to smile at them affectionately while heads nodded and quiet laughter of agreement was heard from most of those in attendance. "They have also chosen to write their own vows." He nodded towards Albus.
As he leaned on his cane, Albus cleared his throat and then held his wand to it for amplification, for his quiet voice would not carry. "Minerva," he began, gazing into the teary blue eyes of the woman he dearly loved. "It seems like you have always been by my side, offering me endless support and constant encouragement. You have shared my vision for Hogwarts and have done everything you could to assist me with that vision and I am eternally grateful to you and your devotion to me and the school." He paused to take a breath. "I have loved you for years and don't honestly know why I didn't marry you sooner. I don't know what I would have done without you all this time. You're my best friend, Minerva, and I love you so very much. I have always been yours and will continue to be forever."
Fighting tears and swallowing the lump building in her throat, Minerva forced a smile and gently squeezed his feeble hands, having handed her flowers to Hermione. "Albus," she began, her wand to her throat. "I have always thought the world of you, from the very first day I met you. When my world fell apart, you picked me up and gave me a second chance at life and love. You've been my best friend, my mentor and my rock. There's no one I respect and admire more than you and am honored to become your wife. I think I started loving you the very first day I met you and have always considered myself yours and no other's."
Many were wiping tears when their vows were completed. Even Severus was experiencing physical emotion, tilting his back to dispel the tears that wanted to form, ignoring the curious gaze from Remus who made no attempt to stop his from sliding down his cheeks. Everyone, whether a student, teacher or friend, knew the extensive history of these two and understood how much they meant to the other. Finally hearing them speak these words was indescribably beautiful and amazing. Everyone knew they'd just witnessed the likes of something they'd probably never see again.
"I think I speak for all of us when I say those words are the most heartfelt expressions of love I've ever heard," Harry said, having used the back of his finger to dispel of the wetness slipping from his eyes. He held out his hand to Severus for the ring and then towards Hermione. "The platinum that these rings are made of symbolize the strength and purity of the promise that Albus and Minerva are making to each other today. The circular shapes of these bands represent their never-ending love for each other. On the inside of each ring is the wizard marriage binding spell Diligo Victum Totus." He handed hers to Albus, who reached for Minerva's hand. "Please repeat after me. With this ring I give my heart to you in respect and love and will cherish you all the days of my life."
Albus repeated the words, slipping the simple platinum band onto her finger and then she repeated the words to him, slipping his band onto his finger, both of them magically adjusting and glowing briefly from the completed marriage bond.
"With your promises and ring exchange," Harry said with a huge smile, green eyes glistening in happiness. "I'm thrilled to announce you husband and wife. Please kiss your bride, Albus."
Albus carefully lifted the veil up and over her head before they leaned forward for a chaste kiss. Immediately they started laughing and glanced around at their guests who were emphatically clapping and cheering for them.
"Now you're stuck with me," Albus told her jovially with a wink.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Minerva replied as they linked arms and slowly made their way back down the aisle, waving and smiling at those they passed.
Severus bent his arm so Hermione could slip her hand through and then leaned towards her. "Dear Wife, you are the most beautiful woman here," he whispered so only she could hear.
Hermione smiled and quietly replied, "My dear husband. Flattery will get you everywhere." Their twinkling eyes met briefly in silent understanding of what the end of the evening would bring.
Ginny's heart was pounding when she slipped her hand into Remus' crooked arm, feeling the slight flex of his bicep. "That was the most amazing thing I've ever seen," she said quietly, still fighting the emotion as they walked. There would never be a wedding as precious.
Oblivious to those still clapping and whistling as they passed, Remus leaned over and whispered, "Yes, but I'm looking at something even more amazing."
Ginny glanced at him to see the unmistakable gaze of desire towards her and immediately blushed.
The reception was held in the Great Hall for the newlyweds and the guests that could attend. Many of the portraits contained more people than usual as well because even they wanted to celebrate with the happy couple, including Neville and all the wizards from Albus' chamber. The Weird Sisters provided the lively music while both Honeydukes and Madame Puddifoot provided delicious food and drink. While the bridal party photos were arranged and taken by the lake, the attendees headed inside Hogwarts for a party that wouldn't end for hours. Colin and Luna took as many pictures as they could, making sure to capture every moment possible to chronicle the momentous event.
After the arrival of the bridal party, the rhythm of the music quickened and the bottles of Firewhiskey were brought out, quickly escalating the party into full swing. Malachai, William and Sabine were fed by Hermione before Molly took them to the Room of Requirement, along with her other grandchildren, Eliza, Elizabeth and Richard, plus a few other younger children, so they would not be in the way of the adults. She preferred to play games with the children than sit around with the adults anyway.
Remus sat in between Ginny and Tess while Hermione sat in between Harry and Ron at one of the tables pushed to the side of the Great Hall. They all gathered with their food and drinks to catch up a little before joining in the festivities of the evening.
"Harry, you look good," Ginny told her old friend while starting on her salad. "How is the ministry? We hardly ever see you."
"Yeah, Mate," Ron chimed in after taking a bite of his roast chicken. "The girls ask about their 'Uncle Harry' all the bleedin' time. We need to have you over more often." He was running out of excuses to tell them as to why they didn't get to see him as much.
"I travel a lot," he said with a small apologetic smile as he glanced down at the mashed potatoes he was making tracks in with his fork. "I love my work, but I wasn't going to miss this for the world. I couldn't believe it when Albus' owl arrived with the news and the request to officiate. I was humbled and honored and couldn't wait to see some of my old friends as well."
"You were the first one they thought of," Hermione told him, leaning over to nudge his shoulder gently as she tore small sections of her croissant to eat it easier. It seemed to be a habit to make all food bite size these days. "They were hoping you weren't in Romania again."
"I hope they're not sending you out on anything too dangerous," Remus remarked of the Ministry, waving a small pastry in the air to punctuate his statement. "I've heard rumors of the kinds of assignments they send people on these days."
"They're not too bad considering," he answered with a shrug, glancing at each of his friends. "Come on, after Voldemort, I think I can handle anything they toss my way." Everyone nodded in agreement. "I bet it feels good to be back at Hogwarts and teaching again though, especially working with Hagrid."
Remus glanced at Ginny and smiled. "I do feel like I'm home," he agreed. "And I have a greater appreciation for Hagrid. His knowledge really is quite vast, even if he doesn't take all of it as serious as he should. You know he even mentions Madame Maxime occasionally."
Harry laughed and nodded. "That's great to hear," he said, unable to picture Hagrid in any kind of 'dating' situation, but happy for him regardless.
"Is there anyone special in your life?" Hermione asked curiously. She worried about him being alone all the time and always wished he would find someone to love him and somehow make up for all the hatred he received growing up with those awful Dursleys.
Harry's cheeks turned slightly pink and briefly bit his lip before nervously wiping his mouth with his napkin. "Umm…actually I ran into Cho a couple months ago," he answered quietly with a nervous smile. "We've been spending some time together. I asked her to come with me here, but it's her grandmother's seventy-fifth birthday and she couldn't miss the party."
"Oh, that's wonderful to hear," Ginny said with a warm smile. "You deserve to be happy." It was true that she'd had a crush on him when they were in school, but during her sixth year, she realized that she was falling for Neville instead as they'd begun to spend much of their time together. She knew Harry could never be more to her than a dear friend anyway.
"And William is so big," Harry told Ginny. "How old is he now?"
"He'll be five in a few weeks," she answered, shaking her head slightly. "He's grown up so much the past year." And asking way too many questions, she thought to herself as she sipped her mead.
"How are you doing?" Harry asked, knowing she'd had a hell of time after Neville's death, but thinking she looked rather comfortable beside of Remus. He was glad that she allowed their old friend to get close to her.
Ginny glanced at Remus and then back at Harry. "Very good," she answered with an affirmative nod. "I'm happy."
"That's great," Harry said, pleased to see the truth in her eyes, and glanced towards Remus. "It's good to hear. I've been worried about you."
"I still miss Neville," she said, looking down at her hands for a moment, twisting the ring she still wore. "And I'm sure I always will. But I've got very positive things to focus on now." She had passed by the portrait where Neville and Dilys Derwent were sitting together when she'd first entered the hall for the reception. Initially, when she'd learned of the moved portraits, she was afraid she'd either be uncomfortable or cry. When he'd waved at her, nodding his head just barely, and she didn't breakdown, she knew she'd be all right.
"And it's about time," Hermione chimed in with a slight laugh and shaking her head. "You two are as stubborn as they come, I swear. And I thought Sabine was difficult."
"I heard about her arrival," Harry said wincing briefly, knowing it had been horribly painful for his dear friend. "She is beautiful though. Both of your children are." He never would have thought her union with Severus would last, much less provide cute kids, but they were adorable with big brown doe eyes and curly black hair. And somehow Severus and Hermione just worked together. He couldn't figure it out, but he didn't question it anymore.
"Thank you," she said beaming. "Severus and I are very proud of our family."
"Tess, you're due in April, right?" Harry asked her, noticing the bulge of her belly. "Do you know if it's a boy or girl yet?" Sometimes he felt a little left out because his friends had started their families already, but his priorities had always been slightly different. He hoped that maybe his second chance with Cho would rearrange them a little.
"End of April," she answered, automatically placing her hand on her stomach, now reflecting seven months of pregnancy, and looked at Ron with a grin. "Would you like to tell them, Darling?"
Ron rolled his eyes. "Another girl," he answered reluctantly, but with a small smile. "Like three in the household isn't enough already?" Everyone laughed at Ron's less than enthusiastic answer. He loved his daughters, and would love this one, but he really had hoped for a son, especially since this would probably be their last.
"Emma Louise is her name," Tess announced proudly. "Girl power lives on." Secretly she had hoped for a son, but now she enjoyed teasing her husband about how estrogen would rule the household. His threat of getting four male dogs always made her chuckle.
Ron wasn't laughing. "I'll be inviting Ginny and Bill over often so they can bring their sons," he said, receiving a stuck out tongue from his wife. "I'd even tolerate Severus so that Malachai could come over too." He smiled when he received a stuck out tongue from Hermione next.
"Very funny, Ronald," she quipped, narrowing her eyes slightly. "Though I'm not sure he'd tolerate you." It was no secret that neither was fond of the other, however, the few times they were in close proximity, Ron and Severus were able to talk fairly easily. They were, after all, both a husband and a father.
"Speaking of Severus," Harry began. "Will he become Headmaster when…you know…"
Everyone looked towards Hermione for the answer. "Most likely," she answered with a nod. "They've had quite a few conversations about it in fact. Severus has tried to convince him that Minerva is the right person for the job, but Minerva has told Albus that she works better in a support role than a leading role."
"I think Severus would be quite successful as Headmaster," Tess said, having always liked Hermione's husband. She'd heard the stories from Ron about what 'a git' he'd been in school (along with a few other choice phrases), but after the conversations she'd had with Hermione and the few moments with Severus, he seemed extremely intelligent and quite capable of running the school. She ignored the glare she knew she was receiving from her husband. Severus had never been anything but polite and courteous to her.
Harry bit his lip for a moment and lowered his voice. "Albus doesn't have much longer does he?" he asked quietly.
Hermione, Ginny and Remus glanced at each other solemnly. "We don't think so," Remus answered quietly. "He's noticeably slowed down the past few months."
Harry nodded, fighting tears that wanted to fall already at the thought of Albus not being there anymore. "I see," he said simply, lifting his head and looking over at the table where the newlyweds sat chatting and accepting congratulations from guests. "I think I'll go spend a few minutes with him."
When Harry left, Hermione thought Remus and Ginny would like some time to themselves so she said, "I'm going to check on Molly and the kids. Be back in a bit." She glanced at Ron and enlarged her eyes, hoping he'd catch her silent hint.
Tess caught Hermione's look before he did. "Love," she began. "Emma's moving around quite a bit and I'm not feeling all that well. How about we go get the kids and floo home?"
Ron wiped his mouth with his napkin and stood up. "Okay. They're probably driving Mum mad right about now anyway," he said with a chuckle. "Let's stop by the dessert table on the way out. See you soon guys."
Ginny and Remus said goodnight to Ron and Tess and then looked at each other, realizing it was the first moment they'd had alone since the ceremony.
"You are absolutely beautiful," Remus told her, squeezing her hand, gazing into her glistening eyes. "All I could do was stare at you during the entire ceremony."
She blushed slightly and glanced down at their entwined hands, oblivious to the numerous scars on them from years of transformations gone wrong. "You look pretty nice yourself," Ginny told him with a smile, looking back up into the blue orbs radiating a visible warmth towards her and wishing they were not surrounded by hundreds of people. "Very handsome I must say." Noticing the locks of speckled hair nearly covering his right eye, she couldn't resist the urge to reach up and gently brush them to the side.
Remus briefly closed his eyes from her delicate touch. Merlin how he wanted nothing more than to ravish her on the spot, but knew their current location would be rather inappropriate for that. "Come with me," he standing up from the table and reaching for her hand while his heart beat a little faster.
"What?" she asked, getting up and allowing him to lead her from the hall. "Remus, where are we going?"
"Away from everyone for just a minute," he told her as they stepped into the corridor where only a handful of people were milling about. Remus mentally searched for someplace nearby where they could go and remembered a small broom closet around the corner. "This way."
She followed until they reached a small door away from the dull roar of the hall and out of everyone's eyesight. "Remus, what are you doing?" she whispered, looking around, wondering if anyone saw them leave. "This is a broom closet."
He opened the door and quickly ushered them both inside casting a wandless Colloportus spell so no one could open the door. The closet was pitch black and smelled just a bit musty, but he didn't care. "Lumos," he murmured as his wand emitted a soft glow and then placed it on a nearby shelf, reaching for Ginny and slipping his arms around her waist. "Forgive me," he said quietly interlacing his fingers at the small of her back. "Your beauty is captivating tonight. I just couldn't go another ten minutes without embracing you, if that's all right."
Ginny slipped her arms around his neck and gazed at the man before her. "It's more than all right," she whispered with a small nod, thinking to herself how bright his eyes looked in the wand light. Their lips instantly crushed together in a hungry fury of passion and lust while their embrace tightened and bodies pressed against the other. Ginny soon found herself wedged between the door and Remus, not caring about anything but feeling his mouth entwined with hers and the desire that burned between them like a raging fire. The streak had been too long and needed to come to an end.
Remus released her lips and rested his head against hers, catching his breath and forcing himself to not ravage her. It was becoming increasingly difficult with each second though. "Okay," he breathed. "We should go back. I just had to have a few moments with you."
"Yeah…all right," Ginny said reluctantly, chest heaving still. "We probably should go back." When neither of them moved, it was only seconds before she was pushed back against the door and Remus' mouth was claiming hers in a fiery kiss once more. She forgot about leaving and wrapped her arms around him again, giving in to her passion a bit more than she usually did. He looked so incredibly sexy tonight and that, coupled with sneaking away to make out in a broom closet like they were a couple school kids again, excited her immensely.
Breathless Remus pulled away again. "Okay," he repeated, his hands resting on her hips and trying to keep his hardened groin area away from her. "Really. We're heading back now. Otherwise I'm taking you back to your chamber." He briefly wondered if he should have said that, but he saw no negative reaction from her and inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.
When she heard his statement, Ginny's heart began to pound at the implication. Instantly, she pictured lying in her bed, writhing in pleasure underneath Remus as he thrust inside her over and over. Merlin. "Yes…uh… we can't have anyone find us in here…like this," she said quietly and removed her arms from around him. Another vision flooded her mind. This time it was of the strands of his hair, wet and hanging down over his eyes, swaying with the rhythm of his body as he slid into….Ginny stop, she told herself, instinctively pressing her thighs together. You need to leave.
Remus backed away from her a step and reached for his wand as he crossed his arms. "Perhaps you should go ahead," he said with a slightly embarrassed expression, hoping she understood without him having to explain.
Ginny almost questioned why, but then said, "I understand. I'll be waiting for you." She tried desperately to hide her smile as she walked back towards the hall, but failed miserably. She'd decided. Tonight was the night.
Two hours later around nine, the party was still going strong. It was very similar to the New Year's party, actually, except this time there were students mingling about, at least until ten when it was curfew for them. Once Severus had ushered them all back to their common rooms, there was a noticeable difference in the crowd as the faculty felt more comfortable with their drinking. Most had nursed their alcoholic concoctions until the students were gone, hoping to avoid appearing in the Quibbler or the Prophet dancing on a table and having to live it down in their classrooms later. Minerva and Albus danced to a few slow songs, but remained at a table in the corner sipping wine for most of the evening, visiting with whoever stopped by to chat with them.
Hermione was thrilled she could drink, working on her third spiked cherry syrup of the evening. Ginny had her favorite mead while Severus and Remus did shots of Firewhiskey again. Everyone had their choice of drink either in hand or waiting at a table for them while they danced, while others were busy checking out the delicious food that had been catered special and sitting down at the tables alongside the walls of the Great Hall. Hermione was only able to convince Severus to dance to a couple slow songs and ended up sending him to go sit with the newlyweds so she and Ginny could share Remus. She was also able to sneak in one with Harry before he had to leave as well, telling him he'd better hang on to Cho this time around.
As midnight approached, many had found quite a groove on the dance floor. The Weird Sisters were fired up and the beat was pulsing and throbbing and made for incredible dancing while colored lights had been spelled to flash around the crowd. Remus and Ginny had been inseparable for quite some time and seemed to move as one unit on the floor, allowing the music to control them. Hermione had decided she'd had enough dancing and was content to sit on Severus' lap at the table with Albus and Minerva.
As Ginny's body moved against Remus', she felt as if they were the only two on the floor. All she could see was him. All she could feel was the heat created by their bodies. All she could smell was him, his animal scent mixed with his cologne. When their eyes would meet periodically, there was a primal need displayed that only they saw and understood. She'd been denying her attraction towards him and was trying to remember why. It had been almost eight months since she felt the touch of a man and was quickly realizing just how much she wanted Remus. Yes she'd had a few glasses of mead, but she wasn't drunk. She was loose and happy. She felt free; free to want and free to love.
Remus didn't know how he wasn't taking her right there in the middle of the dance floor and fought like hell to keep his arousal at bay for fear of anyone noticing. His robe had been discarded hours ago. His untucked shirt was unbuttoned a bit as well. Even Ginny had left her shoes by his robe some time ago and half of her red tendrils had fallen from the clip. Many around them on the dance floor had either lost clothing or had loosened what they wore.
The music consumed him and the pheromones from her were filling his nostrils and igniting the animal in him along with the sensations caused by her body sliding and grinding against his. He cared about her, dare he admitted he loved her, and was damned attracted to her. He'd been as respectful as he could be, but it was getting to be more than he could bear. He was a man after all, not a saint. Well mostly a man with a little animal thrown in really. With one arm around her warm wiggling body and one hand at the base of her neck, wet with perspiration from dancing, he leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "Ginny, you may slap me for saying this, but I really want to take you back to your chamber to finish this…dance." Naked and between the sheets, he finished inside his head. He wasn't sure if he would have said it completely sober, but right now he was thankful for the Firewhiskey he'd consumed. He was tired of playing it safe all the bloody time.
His hot breath on her ear and the need evident in his words sent shivers down her already aroused body all the way to her bare toes. She was still ready right? Merlin yes. She was quite sure they'd crossed a couple lines tonight as they'd gotten carried away with the loud pulsating music and the heat escalating between them, but neither could help it. She'd shared passion with Neville, but this was different. This need was bordering on desperation and she saw no reason to fight it any longer. Breathing heavily, Ginny lifted her eyes to his, seeing the uncertainty pooling in them and leaned forward to whisper in his ear, "William is with Molly in the Room of Requirement." She stepped back to gaze at him with anxious eyes, biting her lip as she awaited his response.
Remus' eyes enlarged briefly as he stared at her, realizing his heart was pounding inside his chest. Did he hear her right? "Are you saying…" he began, almost afraid it could be true. "Should we…"
"Let's go," Ginny said quickly, grabbing his hand and leading him from the floor, over to the chair where they'd left his robe and her shoes and then out of the hall. She was done waiting. She wanted him, he wanted her and William was being watched. Now was the time.
A young man in a shared portrait smiled at their hasty exit and quickly returned to his own portrait in the greenhouse. If he couldn't have her, at least the next best man in line would. They both deserved it, even if his heart was heavy.
They made it down two flights of stairs towards the teachers' chambers before Remus grabbed her and pressed her to the stone wall, cupping her freckled face in his hands, his robe hanging in the crook of his arm. "Ginny," he breathed, planting kisses over her cheeks and lips. "I know we talked about waiting a bit, but if we go to your chamber now, I'm not sure I can uphold that." He was giving her an out because he didn't want her to regret anything. He couldn't handle that.
With her shoes in one hand, she lifted the other to palm his cheek and smiled at his concern for her. "The consumption of mead doesn't create my desire for you," she informed him, sliding her fingers over his ear and into his hair in the back, allowing her nails to graze his scalp. "It just makes it easier for me to give in to it. I have no second thoughts, Remus." Then she took off in a slow jog to her chambers.
Remus smiled and went after her, shaking his head. "Then why are you running?" he teased, reaching out to try to grab her arm.
"To see if you can catch me," she answered breathlessly, glancing back at him and laughing. She remembered Hermione telling her of something called a 'prom' that adolescent muggles attended, much like the end of the year ball at Hogwarts, and how many girls chose that night to lose their virginity. She thought to herself how her entire evening resembled this 'prom' in many ways. While she obviously wasn't a virgin, there was a certain apprehension she felt towards being with Remus and realized this was probably how those young muggle girls must have felt. It was exhilarating and made her feel alive again.
Ginny's hand closed around the doorknob of her chamber's entrance when Remus grabbed her again. "And if I catch you, do I win a prize?" he asked, kissing her heavily, wondering if they could even make it to her bed.
"Mmm…yes you do," she answered, reaching for the door once more. "The Ginny Award, such that it is." She couldn't help but giggle at her own silliness. The Ginny Award, she thought sarcastically. Guess that's the best I could come up with after my mead induced dancing haze. She had to admit it felt good to be happy and giddy again.
Remus chuckled and shook his head as he followed her inside. The door barely closed before his back was against it, her mouth closed over his, his arms circling her waist while hers snaked around his neck and up into his hair. His heart was racing and fought within himself to try and take his time to enjoy the moment, but knew it would be futile. "Is this wrong?" he whispered, pulling from her briefly and searching her eyes. "Please…if you regret this…" He had to try just one more time.
"Remus," she said sweetly with a big smile, taking his hand and pulling him as they quickly walked to her bedroom. "I don't want to wait any longer. I'm ready to be with you." As she walked, she pulled the clip from her hair (that wasn't holding much at this point anyway) and shook her tendrils loose, feeling more like herself. Wearing her hair pinned up was not usually comfortable for her.
Upon entering her bedroom, Ginny climbed onto her bed, pulling Remus with her, and settled herself underneath his body. She was smiling as she looked up at him. "I'm a bit nervous," she admitted, feeling completely sober, unfortunately, and wishing she had a couple shots of Firewhiskey nearby.
"Me too," he said, brushing a strand of red hair from her flushed face. "Ginny, I…you don't have to say it back if you don't want…I mean maybe it's too soon for you…but I have to tell you…I love you." Finally, he thought. He'd wanted to say it the past couple weeks, but never seemed to find the right moment. Certainly there was no better time than now.
"Oh Remus," she breathed, trying to ignore a lump that was forming at the expression of his emotion for her. "I do want to say it back…I love you too." Was this happening? They loved each other! This day just couldn't get any better as far as she was concerned. It was Valentine's Day. Albus and Minerva were married. She and Remus were finally going to be together and they loved each other. It was perfect. She was almost afraid to think it.
Remus smiled and wrapped his arms around her, covering her body with his in a hug and burying his face in her neck. "I'm so glad you feel the same," he told her and lifted his head. "And so relieved." When he lowered his mouth to hers, his kiss was gentle and slow, the taste of the mead she'd been drinking still on her lips, and he wondered if he'd ever tire of her. After the immense amount of love he'd felt for Tonks and then having to endure the excruciating pain of losing her, he thought he'd never allow himself to fall for another again. But here he was. And it felt so natural to be with Ginny. Granted he'd known her all her life, which made a difference, but it was more than that. Being with her felt right. But it still scared him.
Ginny's entire body felt as if it might literally burst from happiness and longing. She'd pushed away these types of feelings for so long, giving into them now was almost too much. When Remus ended their kiss, she was near giddy and a laugh escaped her lips before she could cover her mouth to suppress it.
Remus stared at her, surprised by her sudden laughter. "What's funny?" he asked curiously. He was quite certain that his kissing wasn't comical.
Ginny shook her head and quieted her laugh, but didn't lose her smile. "I'm just so happy," she explained, touching his cheek. "I really wondered if it would ever happen again. You've brought me everything I thought I'd lost. At first, I was so afraid of what I felt for you." She paused as her green eyes glittered like emeralds. "And I'm not afraid anymore. I do love you. I've loved you for years, actually, but now I'm in love with you."
Remus understood her laugh now, unable to stop smiling himself. "I never thought I'd allow myself to fully love again either," he told her with a slight shake of his head. "But I'm so glad I have. It's so easy to love you. And your son."
Ginny's eyes widened. "My son?" she whispered, absentmindedly tucking a lock of his speckled hair behind his ear.
Nodding, Remus answered, "Yes your son. I couldn't love you and not love that child that is part of you." And it was truth. He loved William. When he first helped Ginny with him right after he was bit, he felt affection for the child because of their shared condition, but from a distance. But now after months of playing with him, taking care of him and even reprimanding him a few times, the patriarchal side of him (that he didn't even know he had) had surfaced. Though Neville could obviously never be replaced, Remus had stepped in rather easily to serve as the father figure that William had been missing.
She momentarily bit her lip, looking as if she were desperately fighting tears. "Remus," she breathed, pulling him to her, wrapping her arms and legs around his body as tightly as she could, wishing she could crawl inside of him. She was practically clawing at his back, as her hormones seemed to turn on with a simple flick of a switch. "Can we…I need…" she stammered, hoping he understood she was finished with the conversation, and began pulling his shirt out of his pants. No more waiting.
When Remus saw the hunger in her eyes and felt her hands working on his clothes, he crashed his lips to hers in a feverish state, knowing now he did not have to restrain himself any longer. He was free to want her, to love her, to reveal his passion and longing for her. Their extended kiss was deep and wet and forceful as their warm bodies grinded and writhed on the bed.
Neither were interested in tenderness or taking their time. With hot bodies pressing together, hands raking through hair and mouths in a frantic union, this was an immediate satisfying of both the physical need and the emotional need of two people that thought they'd never be able to experience it again.
Ginny was still tugging at his clothing, completely pulling his shirt up and out of his pants, fumbling with his belt and zipper, all the while trying to maintain contact with their kiss. His hands were sliding over the dress still covering her body, trying to lift it up at first and then trying to find the zipper in the back.
Frustrated that they were not naked already, Remus sat up on his knees briefly, heart racing in his chest as he fumbled with the buttons of his shirt before his impatience took over, gripping the material at his collar and ripping it open, buttons flying off as Ginny squealed at his action, eyes wide in surprise. After tossing the torn shirt off to the side, his pants were next, leaving his boxers on, quickly sizing up what she was wearing.
"How attached are you to this dress?" he asked, nearly panting as he rested on all fours at the center of her body, strands of brown hair falling in his flushed face.
"Not very," she answered. "Wh…"
In one swift motion, Remus had grabbed the bottom of her dress and ripped it straight up her body as she squealed again in surprise and delight, the material tearing easily under the strain. He smiled at her reaction to his sexual fury as she quickly wiggled out of the material, tossing it to the floor, laying only in her white lacy bra and panties as she reached up and roughly pulled him down to her. He could feel her heart racing, as was his, and hoped it had been ignited by the forcefulness he'd displayed in his lack of patience. He wanted her now.
"Merlin, Remus, that was…" she breathed, but his kiss silenced her, his skin hot as fire against hers.
Heat consumed both of them as hands grabbed and squeezed the other, quickly removing what little clothing was left between them. Somewhere in the back of their minds, they knew they should take the time to enjoy each other and savor the moment, but right now there was a desperate hunger that needed satisfying immediately. No more words were spoken between them. Only moans, gasps and the rustle of her bed covering underneath the two writhing bodies could be heard.
Remus could barely contain the werewolf instinct that was determined to control his actions as he tried to remind himself he needed to calm down just a bit or he could hurt her. He couldn't bear the thought of his condition causing her any physical harm. It had always been this way during sexual relations though, especially close to a full moon as it was now. He forced himself to resist the primal urge to turn her over, bite her neck and drive into her hard as the werewolf inside him was demanding that he do. He did allow himself a couple nips at her soft, supple neck, pleased when she gasped and arched her body up towards him.
Ginny felt as if she were drowning in her desire for this man, wondering somewhere in the back of her mind if she'd ever experienced this with Neville. They'd certainly had a frequent and active sex life, but this was something completely different. She loved foreplay just as much as any woman but found herself not even thinking about it right now. The passion she'd shared with Neville had been intense at times, but never to this extreme. It was more than passion that consumed her and Remus; it was more desperation; desperation to quench a thirst that they'd both been parched of far too long.
Remus lifted his head from her breast, where he'd been suckling her nipple and rolling around the hard pebbles with his tongue, long enough to look into her needy eyes for confirmation to continue what he really couldn't stop anyway. Their bodies were slick with sweat and chests heaving as he held her tight. The tip of his cock was poised at her entrance and he could feel the heat that was begging for him. When he saw her bite her bottom lip and felt the push of her ankles on the back of his legs, it was his undoing as he instantly sheathed himself inside of her, nearly growling from the tight wetness that welcomed him easily.
Muttering incoherent words and thinking he was too, Ginny's body rocked underneath Remus' as he thrust himself into her with near reckless abandon, groaning and grunting above her, their bodies sliding together. While her legs were locked around his waist, her body was cradled in his arms, strands of his hair tickling her face while her arms wrapped around his body and fingers gripped his back. The only world that existed was the heat and friction between the two of them. The walls could have fallen around them and they wouldn't have noticed.
Unfortunately it wasn't long before Ginny began to feel sore, but she wasn't surprised at all. It had been a long time since she'd had sex and had almost forgotten that that first time often produced soreness. Instead of dipping her foot in the pool to check the temperature, she was throwing caution to the wind and diving straight into the deep end. She grimaced a little, feeling a burning sensation, and tried moving her legs down some, thinking that might help. When that did little to relieve her discomfort, she started squirming underneath Remus, trying to move up the bed just a bit, but his thrusts were powerful and relentless. Instead of clawing his back, she began to push on his hips slightly, hoping he might catch her subtle hint that it was too much. Maybe she should have told him this would happen. Too late now.
Remus' thrusts became harder and groaning more frantic, as he was still oblivious to her pushing at his hips and her pain increasing. She guessed he was close by the speed of his hips and was more than thankful when he lifted his head from the crook of her neck and let out of primal growl before releasing inside her with a handful more thrusts, each one slowly losing its fervor. When his body relaxed on top of hers, she found herself sighing in relief that it was over and felt absolutely horrible for her thoughts.
They'd finally admitted their love and were able to physically consummate their feelings and here she was glad it was over. She told herself to relax, that she was only sore because it had been so long since her last time. This was normal. This time had been all about the sex, not the tenderness. That would be next time. She knew sex wore many different faces and embraced them all. He felt amazing and she knew that their future encounters held much promise. The fact he was a werewolf was painfully obvious right now, but knew next time his animalistic desire would be readily welcomed.
When Remus finally lifted his head, his hair wet with sweat, and gazed at her, Ginny felt as if it was the first time he'd seen her the past ten minutes. She recognized the emotional insecurity displayed in his eyes, as it was a mix of uncertainty and guilt. She lifted her head to kiss his salty lips and offered him a smile, not wanting him to know she hurt. It wasn't something he did intentionally. It was just a girl thing. Better that he didn't know.
"Ginny," he breathed, slipping from her body easily and brushing wet strands of red hair from her freckled face. "Did I…are you all right?" He couldn't help but think maybe he should have waited until the full moon had passed. He was so much more aggressive at this time of the month. What if she didn't like that? What if she was disappointed? Remus, you old werewolf, pull yourself together, he chastised himself.
Ginny forced a smile even though the center of her body was throbbing, and not from pleasure. "I'm quite fine, love," she answered. "I think that was long over due for us though."
Remus smiled then, slightly relieved. "I'm so glad to hear that," he said, rolling from her and falling to his back, still catching his breath. Even though he took care of himself periodically, it just wasn't the same as sex with another person. If there was a "sexual shape", he was certainly out of it.
Ginny slowly turned over to face Remus and winced, thankful he didn't see. Dammit, she thought. This is going to hurt tomorrow. Why didn't I think of this earlier? "You know I'll have to go get William soon," she said with a sigh. "Though I'd really like to lay here with you all night." She'd fantasized more than once about spending the night wrapped in his arms and wished like hell she could do it tonight, but she had to keep her son in mind. She would more than likely discuss it with William before allowing him to stay.
Remus nodded and turned his head to the side to look at her, allowing his eyes a quick glance down her beautiful naked body. "I know," he said quietly. "And I know I can't stay." He reached over and gently touched her cheek. "At least not yet."
Without thinking, Ginny leaned over to kiss him and couldn't disguise the grimace that formed on her face. There was no way to mask it.
"Are you in pain?" he asked concerned, sitting up slightly, heart beginning to pound again, but in concern this time. "Please tell me I didn't hurt you." He knew he'd been too rough with her. Great, he thought. You've done it now. You've probably ruined whatever chance you might have had with her. Damn it all!
"I'm fine, Remus, really," she tried to reassure him, forcing a smile, hating the shadow of sadness darkening his face. "Now I'm going to clean up before my son wonders what I've been doing. He's a little too perceptive to suit me." She knew she had no choice but to discuss his werewolf condition with William and how Remus was now a 'special friend', but she refused to explain sex to him, at least for a couple more years. She wondered if maybe Remus and she would still be together and that perhaps he could do it. One day at a time, she reminded herself.
Remus studied her movements as she rose from the bed and walked to the bathroom, noticing she was moving gingerly. When the door closed, he sat up, ran both hands through his hair and then his heart fell to the pit in his stomach. He glanced at the spot where she'd been and noticed red spots on the sheet. Blood. Dear Merlin, he had hurt her. He made her bleed. Fuck. He knew the werewolf instinct had been strong, but he didn't think he'd been that rough with her. This was horrible. He'd been so excited about finally being with her, finally telling her he loved her, and now he'd ruined it. He always seemed to ruin the things he cared about most. His cheeks felt hot with both embarrassment and shame. When he heard water running in the bathroom, an indicator she would be coming out soon, he jumped up out of bed and scrambled to get his clothes. He couldn't face her; not now, not after what he'd done to her. She must surely hate him. Pathetic werewolf, he told himself. You just need to go live in the forest alone like all the other animals. Why do you even try?
Ginny sighed and shook her head when she noticed she was bleeding a little. She wasn't concerned though, knowing next time she would be fine. Boy was she sore though. The inside of her thighs already ached. She washed her hands, did a quick cleansing charm over her body and grabbed her hairbrush before opening the bathroom door. "So Remus, when should we…" she began, walking out from the bathroom wearing her robe, quickly seeing the messy and empty bed. "Remus?" Maybe he was in the sitting room?
She slowly walked out of the bedroom, but didn't see him anywhere. He was gone. He was gone? Why did he leave already? Didn't he want to stay with her until she had to go get her son? How could he do such a thing? Did he have no regard for her? Had he gone to get William? Maybe that was it. But he certainly would have told her, right? What the bloody hell was going on?
Collapsing to the couch, it wasn't long before Ginny's face was wet with tears. How could he leave her without a word? Was this his idea of love? This is not how people reacted when they finally admitted their love and shared it physically. How dare he leave her like this! Had it all been a lie? Had he just told her that to convince her to bed him? There was a little voice somewhere in the back of her mind that told her she knew better than that, but it was easy to ignore. He'd ignored her after all. How could she face him after this? Yes she was hurting, but they'd had a great time, or so she thought. At least everything she'd said was truth. Obviously his words hadn't been.
Forty-five minutes later, Ginny's red splotchy face was still wet from tears, though she'd made herself stop crying when she heard a knock on the door. She didn't use her wand to open it, as she usually did, walking over slowly and opening it by hand instead, trying to wipe her face before she got there. She wished like hell it would be Remus, but knew it wouldn't be.
Hermione was holding William in her arms while Severus was holding Malachai in one arm with this his head resting on his shoulder and cradling Sabine in the other arm, all of the children asleep. When Hermione saw William hadn't been picked up yet, she remembered seeing Remus and Ginny sneak away from the party and had been reluctant to fetch William for obvious reasons. Severus had told her it was late and that the child needed to be put to bed, along with theirs, and that it wasn't fair to Molly to be stuck just because of her daughter's hormones. Hermione couldn't argue, plus she was hoping for a little romance herself now that she was up for it. She wasn't prepared to see Ginny fresh from crying and was instantly concerned.
"What's wrong?" Hermione whispered. "What happened? Are you okay?"
Ginny's lip trembled, barely glancing at Severus, and answered, "I'm fine. Thanks for dropping him off. I'm sorry…I should have…I just…"
Ginny reached for William, but Hermione turned towards her husband. "Severus, would you mind bedding the children alone?"
He'd never seen Ginny look like she did now and knew Hermione was concerned by the tone of her voice and the darkness of her eyes. "Of course I do not mind," he told her with a nod. "Take care of her." It was barely a whisper.
Hermione offered an appreciative smile towards him before she turned back around towards Ginny. "Can I come in?" she asked her friend. "I'm afraid he'll wake up." She needed some excuse to try to get her to talk.
Ginny nodded and moved so Hermione could enter, waved the door shut and then followed her to William's room. Hermione gently placed him in his bed while Ginny removed his shoes and pulled the blankets up over him. He never stirred.
"Would it be all right if I bothered you for tea?" Hermione asked once Ginny had closed his bedroom door. "I took anti-hangover potion, but I'm afraid my stomach still feels a bit funny."
Ginny nodded silently and prepared the tea with her wand while Hermione got comfortable on the couch, pulling her legs underneath her.
"Thanks," she said when Ginny offered her a cup of the steaming liquid, carefully taking a sip. "Can you believe it? Minerva and Albus married!"
Ginny curled up at the other end of the couch and offered a small smile. "It was beautiful," she said quietly. "I'm so glad they're married. They've been in love for so long."
"I just wish they wouldn't have waited until now," Hermione said, thankful her friend was talking a little. "They've lost too many years." She sipped her tea again. "You and Remus looked awfully cozy on the dance floor tonight too."
Ginny almost laughed, but it sounded more like a quick exhale through her nose. "Looked even cozier on the bed," she said with an unmistakable edge to her voice, crossing her arms.
Hermione's eyes widened as she sat up. "Ginny!" she exclaimed with a big smile. "Did you and Remus…"
With a nod, Ginny answered her question, but she didn't smile.
Hermione was confused at her behavior. She knew Remus and Ginny adored each other. "What's the matter?" she asked gently. "Was it too soon?"
Ginny shrugged, her eyes pooling with tears again. "I didn't think so," she answered sadly. "But he just left." She bit her lip, trying not to cry. "Afterwards, I went into the bathroom to…to clean up…and he was just gone when I came out." She looked up, hoping to keep her tears from falling and said, "I mean, I knew he couldn't stay but…he could have stayed with me for a few minutes, you know? He didn't even say goodbye."
"There was no note or anything?" Hermione asked. She'd known Remus for years and it just didn't sound like his normal behavior.
Ginny shook her head.
"Honey, I don't understand," she said, setting her teacup down on the coffee table. "Did you get in a row? Did something happen? That's not like him to just leave, especially not after your first time together." She knew Remus was a sensitive man. He must have been spooked by something. It just didn't make any sense.
A lone tear finally slipped from Ginny's green eyes. "I thought it would mean something," she said. "I thought he wanted me…I thought…" When Ginny shifted her hips, she winced again.
Hermione had noticed her walking was not her normal gait and didn't miss the look of pain on her face just now. "Gin, did he hurt you?" she asked quietly. She knew Remus would never do anything intentionally, but it was nearing a full moon and she knew with his condition that he could be affected by it.
A couple more tears fell as Ginny nodded slowly. "Yes he did…but not on purpose," she said quickly. "It's been awhile for me and…you know when you haven't done anything…"
"I know," Hermione told her with a nod, thinking that if she were able to enjoy her husband tonight, she'd probably suffer the same, even if he tried to be gentle. "Did you tell him about that?"
"I didn't have a chance to!" Ginny said, raising her voice in frustration. "He was gone. It obviously doesn't matter now anyway. He got what he wanted." Miserable git, she thought.
"Ginny Weasley!" Hermione exclaimed. "You've known that man how long? How can you say such a thing?" She knew her friend was upset, but Remus Lupin was not that kind of man.
Ginny shook her head and used the back of her finger to wipe away more tears. "I don't know," she said, shaking her head. "I don't know what to think."
"Talk to him then."
"And what am I to say?" Ginny asked. "'Hi Remus. Sex was fun the other night. Say why did you disappear when I went to the bathroom?' Yes that would go over well. I'm not thick. I can figure it out."
"Ginny, there has to be some reason," Hermione told her friend, desperately wishing she'd see logic. This was the best thing that had happened to her since Neville's untimely death. She hated to see her ruin it simply from a miscommunication. "That just isn't like him and you know it."
Ginny sighed heavily and massaged her temples that were throbbing. "I'm really tired," she said quietly, not wanting to discuss it anymore. "I think I just need to go to bed."
Hermione understood and stood up. "I'm sorry you're upset," she said sincerely. "But you two have to talk about this." She paused and noticed that Ginny didn't look up at her, just stared at the floor. "I'll let myself out. Goodnight Honey."
"Was she unwell?" Severus curiously asked of Ginny when Hermione climbed into bed with him. "She looked…disturbed when we arrived with William." Ginny's appearance had been alarming to say the least.
"Remus and she left the party early and found her bed rather quickly," Hermione told him, lying on her side, head propped up on her hand while her other rested on his bare chest. "But when she went to clean up after, he left with no word."
He grunted and rolled his eyes. "Good for nothing were-"
"Please, Severus," Hermione said, knowing immediately where he was going. "There has to be more to the story. Remus wouldn't do that. You know it as well as I do, even if you say you don't like him." She'd seen the two of them after a few shots of Firewhiskey and had heard their conversations. Her husband didn't mind Remus all that much. He just had a difficult time admitting it.
Severus sighed and gazed into his wife's beautiful chestnut colored eyes. They'd had this conversation before about his attitude towards the werewolf so he saw no point in revisiting it. "Why was she limping?" he asked curiously, having seen the flicker of pain on her face when she'd simply shifted her weight from one foot to the other standing at the door.
"Neville's been gone how long?" Hermione asked, briefly raising an eyebrow. "There's been no one since him."
Severus nodded in understanding. After the past few years with Hermione and helping her birth two children, he had more knowledge of the female body than he'd ever had previously. "Was Lupin unsympathetic to her sensitivities?" he asked carefully, reaching over to twirl a lock of her dark hair around his finger.
"I don't think he knew about them," Hermione told him with a slight shake of her head. "And knowing Ginny, she was uncomfortable saying anything." If anything kept those two apart, it would be the fact that they were both avoiders when it came to most serious topics.
"When two people enter into a sexual relationship," Severus began, voice quiet. "They should be able to discuss anything at that point."
Hermione smiled and patted his chest where her hand rested. "We couldn't," she reminded him. "If I remember correctly, you were a bit of a prat until I finally made you talk to me."
"We are not them," he told her, ignoring her taunt. "And we had other issues to work through. You were still a student when we began to engage in inappropriate behavior." When he heard the huff of breath from Hermione and saw her wide eyes, he quickly added, "But most welcome inappropriate behavior, of course."
Hermione leaned over and kissed his cheek as his arm slipped around her waist to hold her. "Please don't approach Remus about this," Hermione requested of her husband. "I know how you are."
"Why would I talk to that werewolf about his personal life?" Severus asked, disgust obvious in his voice as his other arm encircled her and pulled her onto his body gently.
"Because even if you won't admit it," Hermione began, looking down at him, resting her elbow on his shoulder lightly so she could hold her hair out of her face. "You are protective of Ginny because she's my best friend. And you're not always kind to Remus. They need to work it out themselves."
"Should I be kind to him?" Severus quipped. Often he really didn't know what he thought of him anymore. Sometimes he still saw Remus as a tag along to Potter and Black and hated him while other times he saw an older man having lived a rather harsh life because of a condition that was not his fault. Sometimes he recognized some of his own traits in Remus and it was unnerving.
"Ginny loves him," Hermione said with a smile. "And he loves her. Please, Severus."
He sighed and rolled his eyes again. "You know I only agree to this kind of nonsense because of my love for you," Severus said quietly.
"And I'm such a lucky witch to have it," she told him, kissing his lips lightly and releasing her hair. "And speaking of love, I'd say that's something we haven't made in much too long a time." She kissed his lips gently once more. "Whatever shall we do about it, dear husband?"
Severus rolled them over and slipped his arms under Hermione's body while hers slipped around his neck. "I am more than prepared to show you what, dear wife," he teased, dropping his voice almost an octave until it was a mere whisper across her lips. "And I will make sure I'm as gentle as I can be." He paused. "Are you sure? Are you completely healed?"
Hermione slid her fingers through his silky black hair. "Close enough to make love with you," she reassured him.
When their eyes met, there was more love seen than ever could be spoken between them.
Agarwood calms the nervous system, expels negative energies, brings alertness, relieves anxiety, invokes a sense of strength and peace and enhances cerebral functioning. It eases neurosis and obsessive behavior and helps create harmony in your home.
diligo victum totus – Latin for 'love conquers all' (roughly)
Don't know if Eleanor is Minerva's middle name, but she needed one and it sounded like it could be hers.
Poor Remus is just too sensitive about his condition!
Hey...check out my profile...I've updated and added some links...INCLUDING a blog showing some pictures that I used as visual inspiration for Albus and Minerva's wedding. CHECK IT OUT!
Thanks for reading! And as always, REVIEW and let me know you were here, k? )