A/N: Hope everyone is staying safe and washing their hands! Here's something to distract ya!

—

There he was, his cock still buried deep inside her pussy and he had uttered two words she'd least expected.

"Marry me."

Hermione stared at him, completely dumbfounded and also wary. Was this strictly born out of the heat of the moment? After all, it had been months since they had sex. Maybe Severus's mind was delirious from the orgasm? Or could it really be from the heart. Was it too soon? No. Not by a long shot. She was definitely ready to be his wife and spend her days with him. At this point it was hard for Hermione to imagine her life without him. But did he really mean it? "Um, d-did you mean that Severus?" She asked hesitantly, her hand reaching up to cup his cheek.

"No," he said quickly and she flinched, her heart plummeting into her stomach. "No wait! I mean yes, I do. But I hadn't planned on asking like this!" Severus rushed out, his eyes wide with worry and alarm. He must have seen her desolate expression.

Instantly she smiled, sitting up from the desk and hugging him tightly. "Oh Sev, I don't care how you ask, just as long as you meant it when you did!" She giggled, and started pressing kisses all over his face and neck.

The responding chuckle was deep and Hermione thought it was probably the best thing she's heard in awhile. "I take it from your enthusiastic response that the answer is yes?" His deep voice rumbled in her ear.

Hermione grinned and stared into his eyes, "How about you ask me again when we're fully clothed?"

His answering smirk was devilish. "Sounds good, until then…." he kissed her lips and Hermione moaned as she felt him harden inside her again.

—-

Thirty minutes later, they were both dressed, in pajamas actually and Severus was busy rooting through his drawer. "What are you doing love?" Hermione asked, coming up behind him and resting her hands on his shoulders.

He peered over his shoulder, his long hair framing his patrician features. "I'm getting your ring of course." And then he proceeded to get on one knee, taking her hand gently. It suddenly made the situation all the more real.

"Y-You, you already have a ring?" Hermione questioned, staggering slightly. "But I thought-"

"Hermione I meant it. I've wanted to propose for a while," Severus answered, squeezing her fingers tenderly. "In light of recent events, it was hard to find the right moment. I wanted to do something far more romantic but now...well I don't want to wait."

More romantic? Hermione smiled warmly at the seemingly dark wizard. If everyone else knew this man's capacity for love and gentleness...well, she'd have more competition that's for sure. When she thought back to how things started, the way he tormented her and her friends, or when they unknowingly made his job harder, leading up to when they reunited at the party. She never imagined that they would be like this, so many months ago. "Severus, I can guarantee you that I don't need anything else. Just you."

The answering smile melted her heart further. "And this ring too. Now then," The raven haired wizard flipped up the black velvet box, and plucked out the shiny diamond and alexandrite ring. "Hermione, my heart was wounded for several years and after it healed I doubted that I would ever open it up again. I wasn't willing to take the risk and frankly I didn't think anyone would ever be interested. But luckily, you and I seem to have shared passions…. and hopefully, we'll have shared last names. That is, if you'll do me the express honor of being my wife?"

At this point she had tears in her eyes, but she managed to keep it together. "Yes Severus, I would love to be your wife!" Hermione said, her voice shaking in awe of the situation and she was nearly bouncing as her new fiancé secured the ring on her left hand. As soon as that was done, Snape was standing and gathering her up in his strong arms.

And at the same time Lola popped in the room. "Lola begs your pardon Master, but I sensed the change in the wards. Is there going to be a new Mistress?!"

Hermione grinned and nodded at the beaming elf, "Yes there is! How did you know Lola? I'm not familiar with the way elf magic works…."

"It's simple Mistress, Lola is tied to Master Snape and Master used a Prince family heirloom as a bonding ring. I sensed the addition as soon as the ring was on your finger. Plus I was with Master Snape when he got the ring out of his Gringotts vault," the little elf added with a smirk eerily similar to Severus's.

Hermione laughed, wiping away the few tears that finally came. "The both of you are two peas in a pod."

"Now we can be three peas, Mistress! Lola really is so happy. She cannot wait to help with the wedding," the jittery female elf added sweetly.

Severus cut in, "We look forward to that Lola. We are lucky to have the services of such a talented and devoted house elf."

Lola looked like she might fall over. "Oh Master Snape, you is going to make Lola cry," and then she proceeded to start bawling.

It was so endearing that Hermione was helpless but to rush forward and engulf the tiny elf into her arms. Cooing and rubbing her back gently. "Shhh, it's alright Lola. We're just grateful that's all."

"Yes, exactly," Severus echoed, moving forward to hug them both. "Now, my sweet girls, how shall we go about celebrating such an auspicious day?"

Suddenly the elf stopped her tears, "Oh! Lola has idea! Lola will make cake for you both! Lola have to get started now!"

And just like that she popped away; just as quickly as she came.