Disclaimer: JKR I am not.

Life For Rent

Chapter 16

"So, you actually want to have a wedding ceremony Hermione?" Ginny asked happily. Hermione and Severus were at Grimmauld Place having dinner. Severus cringed inwardly at Ginny's question. He was not looking forward to the very public display of his attention that he knew he wouldn't be able to get out of.

Hermione looked over at Severus, smirking slightly before she answered. "Just a small one. I never dreamed of a huge wedding. I just want something small but nice. It's for my parents just as much as it is for me and Severus."

"I never saw you as the type to care about things like that, Hermione." Harry quipped around a large mouthful of shepherd's pie.

"Once again, Harry, you demonstrate how little you have paid attention to me. I realize that this is difficult for you to comprehend from time to time but I am still a girl, and all girls want to have an actual wedding." Hermione was not unlike every other female she knew in that aspect. She dreamed of walking down the aisle just the same as everyone else.

Severus smirked at Hermione's jab at Harry. Severus knew that Harry paid little attention to Hermione as a female and tended to ignore her more feminine traits, for which Severus was grateful. If Harry had noticed Hermione's budding beauty when they were students he might have been the one to end up with her.

"What about you, Severus? Do you want to have a wedding ceremony?" Harry asked slyly.

That presumptuous brat, thought Severus, of course he knows I wouldn't and he's trying to put me on the spot. "Hermione and I have come to an understanding about the wedding. I did not expect her to forgo a wedding ceremony just because we were unceremoniously thrown together."

"So you don't want to do it?"

"Harry!" Hermione said. "Leave him alone. I said the ceremony will be small and I wouldn't do anything Severus didn't agree to."

Harry just laughed. He could see Severus' jaw clenching which was a clear indicator that he didn't want a party and that he didn't like Hermione coming to his rescue against Potter. And he didn't like being talked about as if he was not there. Severus was willing to have any kind of wedding that would annoy Potter. Maybe he should invite the bloody paparazzi. Potter would love that.

Hermione just rolled her eyes and changed the subject. "Ginny have you picked out baby names yet? When are you going to stop working?"

Harry and Severus both exchanged a glance. It amazed them how girls always asked a string of questions before allowing one to respond.

"We do have names actually, and I will quit only when I have too. I already can only work home games and training but team has been great." Ginny worked as a sports healer for the Holyhead Harpies. "Anyway, for the names, we were thinking Lily and Molly if they are girls or James and Arthur if they are boys."

Hermione looked at Severus. She knew what he was thinking, with Harry's eyes and Ginny's hair there could be another clone of his beloved Lily running around at Hogwarts in eleven years or, even worse there could be a James Potter the third terrorizing the place. Harry could see the tension in Severus' face as well.

"Or, we were thinking Albus Severus." Harry said seriously.

Severus couldn't conceal his disapproval on that one. "I do hope you are joking."

"Why would I be? Are you saying that a child of mine isn't good enough for your namesake?"

"It's an abominable name and no I am not saying that." Severus continued eyeing Harry carefully. Finally Harry grinned.

"Yeah, I'm joking. We will name them after our parents, don't worry." Harry laughed.

Severus sighed with relief. The last thing he wanted was a child of Potters to carry part of his name, especially now that he was ready to start thinking about children of his own. Severus shuddered a little at the thought. When had he become so domesticated? Severus looked over at Hermione, who was still chatting happily about names, and wondered not for the first time what kind of mother she would make. A good one he was sure. His own abilities as a parent were still in question, however.

"Severus?" Harry asked breaking him from his thoughts.

Severus just cocked an eyebrow at him and took another bite of his pie. The dinner was going pleasantly enough, as long as Harry didn't focus so much direct attention at him, but this evening Harry had been watching Severus intently as if he was dying to ask him something. Now that he was obviously about to ask Severus intended to keep his mouth full in order to prevent himself with a hasty refusal or insult to whatever his question might be.

"I have some things that you might want to see. I have a box of stuff that my Aunt Petunia sent over, things that belonged to my mother."

The room immediately quieted as they all waited to hear Severus' response. Severus at once regretted his large bite of food because now not only were they watching his reaction, they were also watching him masticating a large bit of a meat like a cow chewing a cud. It was acutely uncomfortable. Swallowing thickly down a throat that had gone dry, Severus fought to keep his face blank.

"Why do you presume that I would wish to see it?" He asked tonelessly. It was true he had not thought about Lily in a long time but that didn't mean that seeing memorabilia from her life would not open old wounds. He knew Potter was fishing for stories about Lily and he still wasn't sure he was ready to share them. Hermione reached out a comforting hand and patted him on the arm. He looked into her eyes for a moment and saw the understanding in her eyes. She could see his internal struggle even if Harry and Ginny couldn't. Ginny however, did see the look of love and accord that passed between them, and it took all of her energy to keep still in her seat and refrain from exclaiming 'awww.'

Harry looked slightly put out, "I just thought you know, since you were so close and all…"

"Very well then, you may show me what you will." Severus said stonily.

It wasn't exactly the warm reception that Harry was hoping for but it would have to do. There were a few pictures of Snape with his mother in the box and he was only hoping to get the stories behind each of those and nothing more. Anything more would've been pushing it and Harry wasn't that stupid. There was still the chance that Severus might not say anything at all about the pictures. Harry wolfed his dinner down in a hurry so they could get to the box but much to his annoyance Severus took small bites and ate slowly, clearly prolonging the moment. That man is still insufferable, Harry thought to himself.

After what felt like hours to Harry but only moments to Severus, Harry finally got him upstairs to the library. Severus had spent many hours in the library while the house was being used as the Order's headquarters and was pleasantly surprised that nothing inside of it had changed. Harry walked over to his desk and retrieved a small box from a side drawer. He opened it and spread the contents across the coffee table sitting in front of one of the long leather couches in the center of the room.

Severus stared at the first picture in the row. It was one of him and Lily when they were about ten. Petunia had taken the picture when neither of them was looking but he remembered yelling at her to give him the film that day and she had refused. In the picture Lily and Severus were sitting next to each other beneath a tree in their favorite park. She had a comforting arm around his shoulders and was smiling at him kindly while he wiped away tears. The oversized cloak that he wore at all times during his childhood was spread on the ground beneath them like a blanket. Severus touched the picture lightly with his fingertips and then pushed it aside.

The other pictures were mostly from their school days taken during summer breaks when they would spend the most time together. They were all of the two of them standing together arms around each other's shoulders. There was one there for every summer up until fifth year.

"Lily insisted that we have a picture of us taken every summer. She wanted to see how we aged from year to year. There really is not much to tell about these." Severus said startling Harry.

Harry watched Severus' face for a moment trying to decide how best to phrase his next question. "Did my mother ever like you, erm, I mean romantically?"

Severus clenched his fists tightly. "I don't know. I don't think so." Severus looked into the corner of the room and stared at a cobweb that hung from the ceiling. "She might have but I never had the courage to ask her. I never told her I loved her either but I tried to show her through my actions."

Harry thought back to Severus' memories from the Final Battle and remembered how he sat in front of Gryffindor tower all night just to apologize.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?" Severus snapped, the last thing he wanted was Potter's pity.

"That my mother never forgave you for calling her a Mudblood. Lots of people have called Hermione one but she has managed to let things go. Remus always said my mother was uncommonly kind and had a way of seeing the good in people. I think she missed it in you." Harry said quietly.

Severus picked up the first picture he had seen, the one where he was crying. "She was kind. It was my friends she didn't approve of. I was a misfit at Hogwarts and I didn't have many friends. I don't think she really understood how hard I had to struggle to be accepted in my own house."

Severus was shocked at how easily the words poured from his mouth. "Even if she had forgiven me; she still would have chosen your father. I know that but it doesn't change how I felt. I am sorry, Harry, but there is really nothing I can tell you about your mother. Would she have loved you? Yes. Was she a good person? Yes."

Harry just nodded. "I should have understood that before. You knew my mother when you were kids and I guess I expected a little too much. I treated you like you owed me an explanation when you already showed me everything there was to tell in your memories. I realize that now. I guess you were sort of right about my dad too. He was a bit of a bully."

Severus continued to turn the picture over and over again in his hands. "Your father was a bully, but I was wrong to compare you to him all the time. I know you didn't bully anyone but you did have a self-righteous attitude as you so kindly just pointed out for me. Your mother was an uncommonly kind child. She was always there to comfort me when my parents fought. Hermione does remind me of her in a lot of ways. They both advocate for those that are less fortunate and are gifted witches and potion makers. I guess the major difference between the two is that Hermione will stand up for me where Lily wouldn't. Harry, I have not forgotten your mother, but her memory is no longer the driving force that gets me out of bed in the morning. I cannot stress to you enough how strongly our discussions of her over."

Severus dropped the picture back on the table and stood up. He was not necessarily uncomfortable but he definitely wanted to find Hermione and see if she was ready to go. He'd had enough of the Potter's for one evening.

"So you really love her then?" Harry asked.

"I thought I just said this conversation was over."

Harry sighed. "Not my mother, Hermione. She is my best friend, Severus and I love her like a sister and I only want the best for her. I could stand here and say that if you hurt her I will hex your balls off, but we both know I wouldn't stand a chance in a duel with you." Harry's expression grew fiercer. "I'm serious. I understand that you came together in an unorthodox manner but Hermione deserves someone who thinks she walks on water. If you don't want to think about my mother anymore because Hermione overshadows any good memories you had of her than I think that's great. I know Hermione will make a wonderful wife and mother but I need to know if you see that too."

"Careful, Potter. Your Gryffindor sentimentality is showing." Severus said sarcastically. He realized it was an idiotic thing to say as well but he really didn't know how to respond.

"So what? You can be sentimental too. You just were a minute ago. Why can't you say how you feel about Hermione? Is it because it's me? Or, is it because the feelings just aren't there and you would rather evade my question than give me the truth?" Harry demanded facing Severus squarely, his temper rising.

"Yes, I love her Potter." Severus spat. "I can't sleep when she's not in bed with me. I miss her while she is at work. When I brew potions I actually think of how Hermione would brew the exact same one. I lay awake at night and watch her sleep because I can't take my eyes off of her. Every time I see Ginny rub her stomach I imagine how beautiful Hermione's going to look when she is carrying my child. I can't even think about what I am going to do tomorrow without thinking of Hermione first let alone fifty years from now. She gave me my life back, Potter, and I'll be damned if I'll let anything take it away. So there, are you satisfied? Still want to hex my balls off?"

"I er, I don't, I didn't…" Harry stammered utterly speechless at Severus' words.

Severus was no longer uncomfortable, now he was angry. How dare Potter insinuate that he wouldn't do right by Hermione? It was one thing for Severus to have self-doubts but it was another entirely to have Potter call him out on them. Instead of waiting for Harry to articulate a response he turned abruptly toward the door. If he was wearing his teacher's robes they would have swished and billowed impressively. Severus looked forward to the day when he would be back at Hogwarts scaring little children. He'd had enough emotional spillage to last quite a long time. If he was going to be kind to Hermione and her friends then he was going to need an outlet for his nasty side. First year Gryffindors would do nicely.

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"What do you think those two are talking about?" Ginny asked Hermione as she served them both generous portions of coffee cake. "I love this stuff lately."

"Well let's see, Harry is probably asking Severus something he doesn't want to answer, so Severus is giving him sort of snarky response, and Harry is wishing he could hex his balls off."

Ginny snorted with laughter. "That sounds about right. So tell me about that ring you have on your hand. Is that an engagement ring? You and Severus seem different tonight, but in a good way. What's going on with you two?"

This time Hermione laughed at Ginny's usual deluge of questions. She told Ginny about the job offers at Hogwarts and how Severus had told her loved and her and burned their marriage contract and proposed instead. Ginny was bouncing up and down squealing with delight as Hermione told her tale.

"Ooh, I knew Snape was the romantic type behind all that sarcasm and mystery. Someone with that kind of voice and those hands just can't be all bad. So how is the sex now that you are in love? Better right?" Ginny was bubbling with excitement.

"Oh my god, Ginny! It was so intense when we did it after he proposed. I actually told him to fuck me!" Hermione admitted blushing furiously but glad she had Ginny to tell, sex that good should not be kept secret. "But you can't say anything to Harry!"

"My lips are sealed! Do you know how jealous Parvati and Lavender would be if they could hear you now? And now you two are going to rule Hogwarts as the Snapes. It is so exciting, I know you are going to make a wonderful teacher! Now, we just have to discuss two things. First we have to plan your wedding and secondly, when are you going to start trying for a baby?"

"Ugh Ginny. We can definitely talk about the wedding but I don't want to think about a baby yet. Now that we aren't bound by the law anymore we have plenty of time to think about it. We both have new careers to start soon." Hermione said.

"Fine, but you can't wait too long. I don't want my babies to be too much older than yours. I think it would be fun if they all went to Hogwarts together."

"Ginny, my kids are going to be at Hogwarts no matter what. I will be living there ten months out of the year soon. It's going to be weird being married in that castle." Hermione took a large bite of the coffee cake and then pushed the rest away. At the rate Ginny fed her desserts she would have gained ten pounds every time they met if she had ate it all. "Can we talk about the wedding now?"

"No, I want to go upstairs and eavesdrop on our men." Ginny said pulling out two extendable ears from a kitchen drawer.

Hermione stared at her mouth agape. It was amazing how quickly that girl could switch gears. "Ginny! I can't just invade Severus' privacy that way!"

"Privacy my butt, Hermione. You live with him now; you don't have any privacy left. Besides, aren't you a little curious about what they are saying? Maybe we should intervene just in case they are ready to kill each other; they have been up there for quite awhile." Ginny pleaded.

Hermione rolled her eyes for the millionth time that evening. "You have spent entirely too much time in a large family. Of course I have privacy. We don't tell each other everything and I certainly don't talk to him about Lily."

"Come on, Hermione. How about we take a dessert tray up to them and if we hear anything before we go in it will be totally innocent."

"Innocent and you just do not go together." Hermione laughed as Ginny put her hands together as if praying and batted her eyelashes while she pouted her lips. "That won't work with me, Gin."

"Fine, I will just go without you and if I hear anything juicy I just won't tell you." Ginny said as she busied herself readying a tray. She smiled at Hermione as she started up the stairs. Sighing with exasperation, Hermione got up and followed after her, determined to stop her.

At the top of the stairs they could hear raised voices coming through the library door. Ginny looked at Hermione with raised eyebrows.

"I told you they would be arguing." Hermione whispered.

"Shhh, listen." Ginny leaned against the door. They could hear muffled voices through the door.

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"Wait, Severus."

Severus stopped without turning around gritting his teeth in frustration. The boy was absolutely relentless. "What?"

"Thanks. For everything, you know taking care of Hermione, talking about my mom. I know you don't like doing those things." Harry said to Severus' back.

Severus' expression hardened but not at Harry's words. He heard a muffled thump on the other side of the library door. "Potter I think your wife is trying to eavesdrop."

"What?" Harry walked over to the door and yanked it open. Sure enough Ginny stumbled in carrying a dessert tray. Hermione was lingering a few feet behind looking sheepish. Severus scowled at her.

"Ginny, you have got to stop doing that." Harry reprimanded taking the tray from her.

Ginny smiled up at him sweetly. "We didn't hear anything, we were just bringing up a dessert tray and making sure you weren't hexing each other."

"It's true, Harry. We didn't hear anything." Hermione spoke to Harry but she was looking at Severus. His eyes were hard and blacker than normal and Hermione suspected that he was quite furious at being spied on. And then Hermione felt it, the little tug in the back of her mind that one feels when their mind is being invaded. She immediately closed her mind off and glared daggers back at Severus. Severus had the good grace to look slightly ashamed but it did not lessen Hermione's anger.

"Harry, Ginny, thanks for a lovely evening but I think it's time Severus and I left." Hermione said hugging her friends goodbye and taking Severus' hand to lead him to the downstairs floo. Ginny and Harry stayed behind in the library looking stunned. Ginny instantly felt horrible. Hermione had warned her that Severus would not take kindly to being spied on and she was afraid that something horrible had just passed between them.

"I can't believe you used Legilimency on me, Severus." Hermione hissed as they exited the floo back at their house. She stomped off into the kitchen to make some tea, and then changing her mind grabbed the bottle of firewhiskey instead. Pouring herself a shot she downed it in one swallow. Nothing infuriated her more than having her mind invaded.

Severus was angry at Harry for prying, angry at Ginny for spying and it had been a knee jerk reaction to probe Hermione's mind for the truth regarding their eavesdropping. He was impressed at how quickly she'd erected walls around her mind and made a mental note to discuss it with her some time when she would be more receptive to the topic.

"Hermione, I really didn't mean to. It just happened. I was already angry at Harry for running his mouth about things that were none of his business and then I hear his meddlesome wife lurking at the door and you were right behind her. I lost my temper. You forget that I used to use Legilimency just about every time I looked someone in the eyes for years. I slipped and you shouldn't have been eavesdropping. I thought you had more respect for other people's privacy." Severus retorted pouring himself a glass of whiskey since she had not offered him one.

"I said I wasn't listening and I tried to stop Ginny. And don't insult my friends." Hermione said refusing to back down. "I really don't appreciate having you probe my mind. You didn't even give me a chance to explain or believe me when I said I heard nothing. How is that supposed to make me feel? What could you have possibly been talking about that would have been so bad for me to hear?"

She had him on that one but it didn't stop him from being offended by the comment. He had said nothing he shouldn't be able to tell Hermione to her face and she should know that. But, he was a private person and he had done enough sharing for one day so he wasn't going to tell her a damn thing. She was telling the truth about not wanting to eavesdrop he had gotten that much from her before she blocked him from her mind. He had really messed up and he had no idea how to fix it. If their roles had been reversed he would be livid. Severus said nothing. He didn't know what to say.

"I'm going to bed, Severus." Hermione said dejectedly. She dropped her glass in the sink and walked toward the door not looking at Severus.

"Hermione, that's not fair. I looked into your mind because I thought you were spying on me and that concerns me. I don't appreciate having my privacy invaded like that."

"And I do? Look, I accept your apology Severus. I'm not mad at you; I'm just disappointed that you had so little trust in me. I was actually going to stop Ginny but you caught her before I could. I don't know what I can do to increase your confidence in me. I'm sure that if you wanted me to know what you and Harry were talking about, you would tell me. It just really hurt that you would try to see my thoughts."

"It was an impulse, Hermione." Severus said walking up to her. "I don't know what to do. How do we stop this fight?"

"I love you, Severus."

"What?"

"That's how we stop this fight." Hermione said reaching for his hand and looking at him solemnly. "I tell you I love you, even if I don't like you very much at the moment. I forgive you for the Legilimency and I would appreciate it if you would start trying harder to trust me. I will make sure that Ginny doesn't spy on you. And you can trust Harry. If you told Harry something in confidence he will keep it, even from Ginny."

Severus pulled Hermione close and kissed her forehead. Fighting with Hermione frightened him. He was afraid that she would either leave or they would slowly start to hate each other but stay together like his parents did. "I love you, too. Even if you don't like me very much right now. When do you think you will like me again? I do apologize." He said somewhat sheepishly.

"That doesn't mean I am going to let you off the hook." Hermione said into his chest her resolve melting at the feel of his comforting arms and his heady scent.

Severus tensed and pushed her back looking into her eyes worriedly.

"I just mean you need to take me upstairs and show me how sorry you really are." She said kissing him slowly.

"Hmmm, maybe we should fight again after dinner with the Malfoys too."

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A/N: Whoopsydaisy was particularly influential in this chapter so lets all give her a big whoop whoop cuz she is the bomb diggity.

Anyway, love your reviews, your comments are great!!!