Before I start the chapter, I would like to express my thanks to all my reviewers so far, as well as all the people who have read, favorited and followed this story. I don't think I've ever actually said it before, but you are all wonderful and you can't imagine how happy it makes me to know that people like this pairing. I confess, I started this fic without much hopes. I really did it for myself because I like the pairing. Because of this, I was really glad to receive all those reviews. Thanks to all of you!

I have received quite a few reviews talking about whether Muggles can brew Potions or not, and I went with the hypothesis that they can do those that don't require wand waves and other such clear magical skills. More complicated potions might be out of reach for Petunia but she should be able to do simple ones and some medium-level ones.

I haven't mentioned this before but I'm started to be a little lost myself so I thought I would make it clear: in the last chapter, Severus was in fourth year. He has now finished and is in the summer before his fifth year.

After Christmas, Severus had departed once again, the scarlet train taking him away to Scotland so that he could resume classes at Hogwarts. Petunia didn't see him off at King's Cross. She said her goodbyes in the privacy of Spinner's End, which suited the both of them just fine. There would be a time when they could be open about this relationship they dared not name, but not yet. Not that they felt particularly bothered by it. Were they able to, Petunia doubted they would be the type to kiss in public. They were both private people, and maybe it was for the best.

By the time summer rolled around once more, Petunia had turned seventeen. Severus had told her when sending her birthday present, that in the wizarding world she would have been of age. Petunia had greeted the news with slight consternation which had given way to deep reflection. Yes, she had concluded, she felt like a woman. She had a suspicion that her relationship with Severus had something to do with it. When she made her way to Spinner's End and stepped inside the house. She felt her heart swell with a mix of pride and happiness. This felt like home. This was a place she could see herself living in, along with the boy that currently held her heart.

Sometimes, thoughts of marriage floated in her mind and she quickly banished them. Embarrassment making her eager to occupy her thoughts elsewhere.

Still, she felt at home, she thought to herself once more as she stood in the sitting room in silent contemplation while waiting for Severus' arrival. Her gaze lingered on the glass door leading to the garden. On a sudden impulse, she crossed the room and pushed the door open, taking a few steps outside. Up until that day, she had never really thought of the garden. She knew it was there, but had never considered using it.

As it was, of course, using it would prove a bit challenging. To say it was a jungle would be an endearment. Or possibly a gross understatement. Rather than a garden, it looked like a piece of wildlife had somehow made its way to the back of the Snape house. It was all overwhelming greenery which had been allowed to grow far past what was reasonable and a multitude of smaller lives that ran free in the crowded space.

She decided then and there that she would tame it and make it a little piece of heaven.

Strong arms wrapped themselves around her from behind, and she leant easily against the male torso pressing against her back. At first, they said nothing, simply revelling in the proximity in the mere fact that they were together.

Then, Petunia turned around. With a deliberate slowness and without leaving the boy's embrace, she manoeuvred herself so that she would be facing him. She delicately pressed her lips to his before murmuring next to his ear:

"Welcome home, Severus."

In response, he captured her lips in a soft kiss. She shuddered in delight when she felt his tongue seeking passage in her mouth and lost no time in allowing it, leaning forward as she did.

After they broke apart, Petunia announced her decision concerning the garden which was greeted by a huff which might also have been a sigh. She chuckled lightly and sent the boy to unpack. With the ease that seemed to characterize them, they had fallen back into their homely life.

As promised the next few days were shared between taming wildlife and Potions lessons. As it happened, one fed the other as Severus proposed to start with Potions which might help them with gardening. From magical pesticides, to insect repellents, they brewed a number of mixtures which would come in handy. Once they had succeeded in cutting the overgrown grass and clearing the dense mass of plants that was. Weeding alone took them several afternoons.

It only took them a few days to fall into a sort of routine which allowed them to juggle between homework, brewing, housework and gardening. It was a peaceful routine, which Petunia thoroughly enjoyed. When it was time for her to head back to her family home, she would often find herself thinking longingly of what it would be like to be a permanent resident rather than a guest. She knew that Severus perceived her regretful gazes, but whether he had rightly interpreted them or not she didn't know. Either way, he hadn't said a word about it.

She felt it might have to do with the thoughtful and slightly worried light that would at times appear in his eyes, as the boy lost himself in his thoughts. Severus hid it well, but Petunia knew he was worried about something. Something he couldn't tell her about. She didn't take offence for it, but she felt worry gain her in turn.

He would tell her when he was ready, she told herself. She wouldn't force him to confide in her. Knowing Severus it would only serve to irritate him. There would be no point. Still, she could not deny the lump of worry that settled in her throat when she caught the look of thoughtfulness on the boy's face.