Chapter 6
Hermione Reached Severus Snape's personal quarters just on time.
The heavy door flew open so fast after the first knock that she squeaked and fell forward when she lost her balance, but was stopped by a pair of strong arms wrapping around her waist. Her hands instinctively got a grip on his black robe. Hermione's face was buried in Snape's chest. She noted that he smelled like rain, fresh.
"Hermione, are you Ok?" his voice sounded worried.
She tilted her head so she could look at him; his grip on her waist didn't lessen.
"I'm fine, Prof...Severus." For same reason saying his name she felt herself blushing. She practically groaned. He was looking at her strangely, which make her nervous. "You can let me go now, Severus."
It seemed that only now he noticed that he was holding her all this time.
"Yes. And do come in."
The dinner was nice, they talked about new potions. Hermione still couldn't believe it, but he was nice to her all the time. Snape didn't lose his sarcasm but, now she knew she could talk back it, so it wasn't as bad as it used to be.
When dinner was over he offered her to move by the fireplace. The moment she has dreaded all day and evening was here- the talk.
When she was seated in the same cozy armchair with a glass of wine like the last time it started. The talk about all the things they avoided to talk during dinner.
"Have you received my petition? I hadn't seen you at breakfast or lunch." He wouldn't admit but he went to the meals to see her and was worried when she didn't show up. He was afraid she changed her mind.
"Yes I have, today I left my room only when the post came. I didn't want to meet them."
"I see. Have you told them?"
Hermione shocked her head. "My life is none of their concern. Only three people know. Lavender, Parvati and Padma, my friends, and I'm planning on telling Neville; he was always friendly and supportive when I needed it. And I guess it's all. So have you told anybody, Severus?"
"No."
"So what are we going to do?"
"Where are you staying for the summer, Hermione?" Did he really have to bring this topic up? Hermione blushed.
"With Padma and Parvati, Severus. You know I can't go home."
"Did you sign my petition, Hermione?"
Her voice was above a whisper "Yes."
"Do you understand what it means?"
"That we are engaged?"
"Close. That we are married now."
"WHAT! ALREDY!? That can't be right... we didn't have any ceremony or blessing or…"
"There is a spell on the parchment. The same spell of binding that is spoken during the ceremony."
"Merlin's balls… That's it?" she was close to tiers. She was hoping to have her last free summer with friends. Now… she buried her face in her palms and started crying silently.
"You don't have to move in to the dungeons this instant, Hermione." His voice was soft. Severus got up.
When Hermione became aware of her surroundings, she noticed that somebody was holding her. A hand was gently stroking her back. Also she was sitting on a couch.
"Sorry…" she tried to extract herself from his embrace. He made her look at him.
"It's not your fault, so don't be. If you so wish you can have this summer for yourself, and you will became my wife after you return to Hogwarts." He gently wiped her tears with his thumbs.
"Really?" she couldn't help but feel hopeful.
"Yes, though in the eyes of the ministry you are married, so in any official document you will be Mrs. Snape."
"My Hogwarts letter."
"Yes. Minerva will be in for quite a shock."
She smiled at him sweetly. "Severus? Do you think there is a possibility to get a photo of that moment? "
"We'll see. Or I can get you photo of that moment when she will attack me demanding explanations. It's going to be quite a sight." He said with a loud chuckle.
She laughed and on an impulse wrapped her hands around his neck and kissed him on the lips. For a second he went rigid. Then his arms went around her waist, bringing her closer.
Only feeling the pressure of his hands around her waist Hermione came to her senses, and tried to pull away but was held back.
"Please, let me have one kiss Hermione, just one kiss." Severus said against her lips. He could barely resist the urge to ravage the soft lips that were upon his only a moment ago. He knew that if she denied his request he would go insane.
Hermione couldn't believe he was asking for a kiss. A man that lived to torture her and her friends was asking for a kiss. A man that despised her for six years. A man that she unknowingly married this morning. A man that was her husband and was saving the little life she had left. She felt herself nodding.
She nodded and he didn't need any other invitation. Severus kissed her like a man who drinks water after months in a desert
Hermione felt like she is being consumed. A kiss with Viktor and few attempts with Ron didn't prepare her for this, when she opened her mouth for his tongue he was demanding, dominating and gentle at the same time. He tasted like fire whiskey and apples. Hermione allowed him to taste, and posses her. She was helpless against him. And she felt that she quite like it.
She tasted so good. Like wine and chocolate. He was getting drunk from her taste, her lips were so soft agents his, pure. She obviously lacked skills in kissing. But that suited him just fine, it meant that no other man had kissed her the way he is kissing her. And as long he was standing no, other man would. She was his. His alone.
Finally they broke away for air.
Then it hit her. Oh Merlin, she just snogged her professor. Hermione refused to meat his eyes. What was he thinking about her now? That she jumps on every man in sight? She felt like crying again.
He got a hold of her chin and turned her to meet his eyes.
"You are my wife, Hermione. Don't be ashamed that I kissed you." His voice was serious. "You are mine to kiss. I know I m not every woman's dream man in looks or personality but I will protect and cherish you. Today you sealed your fate, my lioness. Your choice was me. You will sleep in my bed and bear my children. I will give you the time you need to get used to me." He slowly brushed his thumb over her lips that were swollen from his kiss. His eyes darkened. "Yesterday you asked me what I get from this marriage. The answer is very simple. I get you." Severus leaned down and kissed her lips softly.
When his words finally sank in Hermione was too stunned to move. His kiss brought her back to her senses.
Bed, children. Sex. She wanted to faint. Hermione hadn't thought this far. She will have to sleep with him. He wanted her. She was not ready. The Gryffindor was scared.
"Severus…I…."
"Don't be afraid of me. I'm not a good man but I will never make you do something you are not ready for, and I know you are not ready. You are not used to being this close to a man. I will give you time like I said." His eyes captured hers. "Do you believe me, Hermione?"
Her voice was weak but she responded.
"Yes."
"More wine?"
"Oh yes, please." Hermione needed a drink. Badly. On such a day, who could blame her? 'Ok Mya, don't think about sex. Snap… Severus now, he is giving you the summer, you'll cross this bridge when you'll reach it. It is going to happen, later if you are lucky. And now forget you are married.'
"When did you found out about the spell on the parchment, Severus?" she looked suspiciously at him.
"Today, Minerva let it slip."
"What? She knew? They practically wanted me to sign Percys petition when I got it yesterday. But I can't say I'm surprised. Nothing from that bitch surprises me now." She started crying but caught herself. They were not worth her tears.
"Well. Ok. What are your plans for the summer Severus?"
He looked startled for a second then answered. "I'm staying in Hogwarts; I have some research to finish."
"Oh. You really don't mind that I'm not staying?"
"I wish you not to be here when Minerva starts to write your letter and I will see what I can do about the photos." It was strange to hear him joke.
"And what about Malfoy?"
"You'll soon find that there is certain advantage to have an ex-death eater as a husband."
"Do I want to know?"
"No."
"Ok. You know that word will spread when The Bitch of my House will find out."
"You are my wife. If somebody has problems about it send them my way."
"What will your Slytherins say?"
"Nothing if they know what is good for them." She chuckled. He came back with his fire whiskey and sat net to her on the couth. "About your summer." Her heart sank.
"Yes?
"You will not work."
"What do you mean I will not work? I need money to buy my books. I have to work." Hermione was getting angry. How dear he?
"I will give you money. While you are my wife you will work because you like your job and not because you need money, I have more than enough money for both of us."
"But..."
"Or you are staying." Silence. "Good. I will send your money to the Patil's house, if you need more just owl me. After you come back we'll go to Gringots and have them make you a key to my vault."
"Does somebody know that you are staying with Patils?"
"No, Just Lavender. She won't tell anybody, and she really good at lying if they get suspicious that she knows."
"Good. I will send you your letter. So you will only face them when you will be back at Hogwarts."
"I will owl you."
"Don't."
"Why?"
"This summer is yours."
Hermione finally screw up the carriage. "What will happen when I will get back?" She was blushing like mad. He was studying her.
"You will move to the dungeons. The house elves will bring your luggage here."
"What the Headmaster will say?"
He smirked. "He won't be pleased. Just like Minerva." His grin turned predatory.
"Will you have problems?"
"They won't dear to do anything, besides there is nothing they can do. They have no right after what they did to you." Severus voice was dark.
"I don't want to talk about it. Is there anything else? "
"The rest we will talk about after your return. And what about the head girls badge? You are the best student."
"They can stick it where the sun doesn't shine. I've had enough. This year will be for me."
"What about Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter?"
"What about them? They will find out with the rest of the school. Do you think they will have a heart attack, Severus?"
"Maybe, and one more thing." He pulled a small velvet box from his robe.
'Is that what I think it is?' Hermione couldn't move.
Severus slowly opened the box and revealed a ring of white gold with an emerald for an eye. He took his wife hand and put on her finger. The ring magically adjusted to be the right size.
"There. Perfect fit." His sign on her for everyone to see.
"Its very nice and very … slytherin." It's all she could say. The ring was beautiful and obviously expensive.
"It's been in my family for generations. Every wife of the first born son in the family of Snape wore it. I think it's time for you to go back to your tower. I will escort you."
"I can find the way by myself Severus. You don't have to."
"My wife will not walk the halls at this hour unescorted, and don't even think about arguing." He all but hissed. His woman will not go on her own such a way in the dark dungeons.
Hermione gulped. They were married less than 12 hours and he was all possessive and protective of her. Her personal Batguard. 'Me and my rotten luck.'
"You will spend this summer on your own, but do remember you are not free any more. I expect you to behave. Do I make myself clear?" Severus voice was low, but dangerous.
'How the hell do I get myself in to these messes? Good Merlin…'
"Crystal, sir." Hermione managed to squeak.
"You will call me sir only in the potions classroom, Hermione." He relaxed a bit when he noticed her scared expression. "I'm sorry I overreacted a bit."
"A bit?" the woman was in disbelief.
"I meant every word I said. But my tone was wrong."
"You're joking."
"Not where you are concerned. Its time for you to rest. Lest go."
"Ok" 'well at least I know that he is concerned about me.'
They reached Pink Lady's portrait in silence.
"Well, I guess that's it." Hermione tried to break the awkward silence.
"Yes. I will wish you a good summer now. We will not meet tomorrow. "
"Oh, ok." She was nervous; his dark gaze on her wasn't helping. He stood too close to her for comfort. Hermione could practically feel he was planning something… "Good night Severus."
"Don't I deserve a little kiss for my escort?"
The Gryffindor almost fell backwards. 'The nerve of him.'
"How very Slytherin of you, Severus, and do wipe that smirk from your face it's not a compliment."
"You know the funny part?"
"There is one?" The Slytherin smiled lazily getting closer to her. His hands snaked around her waist before she could pull away. 'I'm trapped. Shit.'
"You're a Slytherin by marriage now, and you are mine." His lips were upon hers and she gasped. Severus tongue gently parted her lips asking for entrance. His lips were cool against hers.
The Gryffindor was too tired to fight him and surrendered to his kiss.
The kiss was gentle and his tongue strokes hers lazily. Severus nibbled her soft lips and groaned pulling away.
"Your taste is addict able. You know that?" His voice was husky.
Hermione's little blushed went from pink to scarlet.
"Mmm…"
The slytherin let go of his lioness. "I guess it's time to say goodbye."
"I guess I'll see you in three months Severus." She managed after a minute. He smirked.
"I look forward having you here my lioness." With these words he turned around and left, robes billowing.
Hermione couldn't believe he just said that. On the other hand a lot of things happened in the last 24 hours she still couldn't believe. She shook her head and touched her lips. It still slightly tingled from his kiss. Apples and fire whiskey