Disclaimer: I do not, swear to it, don't own a thing. Just the plot really.
A/N: I cannot begin to tell you how amazing you all are. Thank you so much for all the response this story has been getting, and all the support that comes with it. You guys rock. Like really, totally rock. And so, I have worked to get this update done, in a timely manner this time! I do hope you enjoy. It is a rather fun chapter I do say think. Not to toot my own horn or anything, not that there is anything wrong with tooting your own horn now and again…sorry, it's late, and I am really really tired. I get a little loopy when I'm tired. Am I still rambling on? Oh dear.
Any who, the point was: THANK YOU! For the reviews, the favorites, the alerts, the unwavering support! I love you guys. Things are a little rough for me lately, but your reviews and messages mean more than you could know. I hope you like this chapter, and the light hearted turn the story has taken. It wont last, of course, there is much more drama and darkness ahead. But for now, a little more fun! Enjoy.
~ fresh new lily ~
The warm early morning sun streaked through the curtains rousing Hermione from a very peaceful sleep. She had dreamed of days spent brewing with Severus, and nights curled up with him on the sofa, reading a good book before other pursuits became more pressing. She dreamt of his touch, so feather light on her skin, as his fingers trailed up the curve of her calf and over her soft thighs. His touch was so different from every touch she had ever known and she found herself wondering how much longer she could stand to sleep curled in his embrace and not beg him to make love to her.
She was still frightened, but her fears had changed. No longer did she quite fear his touch would send her into the throes of a flashback, or that she would be forced to relive that sort of pain ever again. She was simply afraid that she wouldn't know what she was doing. Hermione truly hated not knowing anything.
Of course, that was why she had let Luna buy her the books she had while they were out in London. Hermione thought she might die of embarrassment as Luna happily placed several rather risqué books on the counter at the shop. But now, with her leg wedged between Severus' strong thighs, and her chest pressed against his, she was feeling a little more eager to learn.
Without truly meaning to, Hermione shifted her leg, dragging her thigh further up the sleeping man's legs, pressing ever so lightly at the bulge between them. Her silky nightgown, another purchase from her London outing with Luna, bunched up around her waist, exposing the creamy flesh of her hip.
Hermione looked up into Severus' sleeping face, softened and slightly smiling in his dreaming state. She felt so blessed to wake up to such a sight. Nestling back into his embrace she placed several feather light kisses to his chest, right above his heart, before deciding to let sleep take her again.
Severus woke slowly, the feeling of Hermione curled against him, pressing soft kisses to his chest, heating him more than the early morning sun. The little minx had no idea what she was doing to him. And he had thought that her little sleep shorts had been bad, the little silky nightgowns that Luna had helped her pick were going to be the death of him. When she had come out of the bathroom last night, dressed in a little green slip of a thing that barely covered her thighs or her ample breasts. He had wanted her so badly in that moment, but he had managed to control the desire to drag her to bed like a caveman and instead gave her a very appreciative look before turning down the covers and sliding into bed, beckoning Hermione to join him.
He had simply held her the night before, as she snuggled against him and drifted peacefully into sleep, whispering words of love and gratitude as she did.
Now looking down on her as she drifted back to sleep, he wondered, not for the first time, how he had gotten so lucky. The petite woman had chiseled away the walls he had built to protect his heart and his tormented soul from breaking further. She had breached his defenses when he wasn't looking and become the most important thing in his life without him even knowing it had happened. Now he couldn't be more grateful that she had managed, or even wanted to try, despite the horrid and violent way their path had been paved.
As he looked down over her sleeping form he couldn't help but notice the way her night gown had ridden up her thigh and exposed her lacy golden knickers. How she didn't see what a beauty she was he couldn't fathom. He knew it would take time for her to reclaim her life after all she had been through, but he vowed to do everything in his power to help her see how lovely she was. He would show her that she was worth a soft touch and a gentle kiss.
He ran his fingers through her soft curls, loving the silken feel of it against the calloused pads of his fingers. He trailed them through to the ends of her hair and brushed them lightly over her shoulder and collarbone. He couldn't seem to help himself as he let his knuckles graze the swell of her breast, barely hearing the light whimper that escaped Hermione's parted lips.
He trailed his fingers down over the green silk covering her stomach and side, letting himself briefly splay his hand over her still swollen abdomen. He let himself dream of a life where she hadn't had to lose her child, where she hadn't been so alone, where he hadn't been so alone.
There couldn't be children, not from her womb. But there could be life. He would see to that. There would be life, and love, and passion.
Slowly Severus let his fingers slide down past the hem of her night dress to the soft creamy skin of her thigh. Merlin she was heavenly.
Hermione's breathy moans alerted him that she was waking again. She was starting to shift and wiggle against him again, as his hand roamed over her thigh and slid behind her bum, pulling her more tightly against him.
Hermione blinked awake, smiling softly at Severus. "Mmmmm. I thought you were sleeping?" she asked him groggily.
Severus smiled, and squeezed her rounded bum firmly. "I was, but I was awoken by the sweetest little kisses. A man could get very used to this, very, very used to this," he told her, his voice deep and seductive. "Waking every morning to your kisses, I could get very used to that indeed."
Hermione blushed prettily as she lifted her head and locked her eyes with his, silently begging him to kiss her.
Severus didn't need words to understand the pleading in her eyes. Slowly he lowered his head and captured her lips with his.
Hermione's soft lips responded instantly to his, moving slowly and sensually as he took easy control of the kiss, leading her while silently promising to never hurt her.
Hermione softly moaned against his mouth as his tongue flicked against her lower lip, tasting her slowly. She rocked her hips against his, feeling more sure of herself in the early morning light, with the evidence of Severus' acceptance and desire for her pressing firmly against her thigh.
Severus slipped his hand back up over her hip and under the hem of her night dress, slowly letting his fingers move over the scarred planes of her back, pulling her closer while he deepened their kiss. He could feel her tense slightly as his fingers grazed the scars that marred her creamy skin, pulling it taught across her back, but he wouldn't let her pull away in shame. He was determined to prove to her that he found her beautiful and pure.
Hermione wanted to pull away, to save herself the pain when he rejected her. But Severus wouldn't let her. He just held her close as his fingers sent electric shocks down her spine. He whispered sweet words against her mouth as he kissed her deeply, making her feel more of a woman than she ever had before. She didn't know whether to weep or moan, or both.
Her body decided to take the decision away from her as she felt the tell-tale wetness seeping through her cotton bra.
Severus could feel it to, the warm wetness that was slowly leaking from her breasts as they pressed against his chest. She broke the kiss and made to sit up but he buried his hand, now freed from beneath her body, into her mess of curls and pulled her in for another kiss.
His kiss was hungry and powerful and this time Hermione's moan reverberated around the small room.
Slowly, so as not to scare her by taking too much too soon, Severus propped himself up on his elbows and began to plant kisses down her neck, suckling lightly at her skin. He kissed a path down to the exposed swell of her breast sand slowly peeled the straps of her gown and bra down in one slow, and sensual motion.
Hermione's breath caught as the cool air hit her now damp nipples. She felt exposed, and wanted, and needy, and scared, and hot, and so many things at once. She wanted to tell him no, but she wanted to feel whatever he was about to do. And when she looked into his face and saw nothing but desire and love she found she could deny him nothing. Her eyes locked with his, and she could see the question in them. Her own eyes fluttered closed as she nodded her head ever so slightly, giving him permission to take what he wanted, to give her freedom from her past as he did it.
Severus worked to suppress a growl deep in his throat. Hermione truly was an amazing witch. And for whatever reason she was his. Severus slowly leaned forward and pressed light kisses to her exposed breast. He flicked his tongue out to catch a bead of milk as it dripped from her taught nipple.
Hermione whimpered as his mouth suckled at her breast, kissing and licking closer towards her nipple. Milk was slowly leaking out and Severus made to catch it all on his tongue as swirled it around the darkened flesh of her areola. When he finally took her nipple in his mouth it was all she could do not to cry out and wake Luna, who was hopefully still blissfully asleep in the guest room.
"So sweet," Severus moaned as he sucked her nipple into his hungry mouth. He marveled at the sweet taste of her milk, mixed with her skin as he sucked fervently on her breast. It was like nothing he had ever experienced and more than he ever could have imagined it would be. Her milk was sweet, and pure, and as her hands wove into his hair and massaged his scalp he wanted nothing more than what she was giving him in that moment.
His hands roamed over her hips and thighs as he took his time savoring her breasts and the sweet milk slowly dripping from them. He sucked and kissed each of her nipples in turn, swirling his tongue around, laving at her tender and soft flesh. Each of her breathy moans only served to drive him on, to make him want more. He wanted to never leave, to never stop. He felt his cock grow harder as she pulled lightly at his hair, holding him firmly to her breast. As she whimpered "please," softly, begging him not to stop, it took all his will power not to come right then. Instead he sucked harder, pulling her nipple further into his hot mouth drinking her sweet milk.
It was simultaneously the most intimate and the most erotic thing Severus had ever done. Hermione was breathless and panting by the time Severus flicked his tongue over her nipple for the last time, sliding back up her body to capture her lips in a passionate kiss. He knew that he needed to stop. He didn't want to take things too fast, even with the pain from her memories gone Hermione still had to heal; emotionally and physically. One thing was certain; he would never let her think she was undesirable. He desired to do that again, very much.
"Mmmmmm. Good gods witch. I have wanted to do that for days. You are so amazing darling. So pure, so beautiful," he told her honestly as he moved to lie beside her again, pulling her back into his arms, snug against his side.
Hermione ducked her head in embarrassment. Never had any man looked at her with such sweet reverence and desire. Severus made her feel as if she could be all the things he said; beautiful, amazing, and pure. She hadn't been able to see anything good in herself in so long, but he told that he saw it in her in such a way she was finding it impossible not to believe it true. "I don't deserve you Severus," she said quietly, biting her lip as she burrowed under his arm, seeking protection from her own thoughts.
Severus shook his head lightly and placed his fingers gently under her tucked chin, raising her head to look up at him. "Don't hide yourself away Hermione. Believe me when I tell you that I am the lucky one. I do not know what I did in this life to deserve you but I will thank the gods every day that I wake by your side. I love you," his voice was strong and sure as he spoke. He kissed her forehead and breathed in the clean smell of her.
Hermione couldn't help the tears that escaped her eyes at his honest confession. Closing her eyes, and snuggling into his protective embrace she felt free. "I love you too," she whispered.
They stayed like that for a few minutes, holding onto each other and the unspoken promise that they would make it through all of this together.
Eventually, as Severus felt his erection deflate to be replaced with a more urgent need, he shifted his weight to let Hermione rest against all the pillows on the bed. Hermione's little whine was almost too cute. Severus just cocked an eyebrow at her. "None of that now; I need to use the facilities, you should perhaps pump a little. You are still looking a little engorged," he told her, leering appreciatively at her ample chest.
Hermione grabbed one of the pillows from the bed and tossed it at his head. "Prat!" she laughed, as he lunged across the bed to give her a quick kiss before heading to the loo.
When he was gone Hermione sunk back against the pillows and breathed heavily; feeling lighter than she had in so long. Severus was right though, his sensual kisses and suckling hadn't really done much to lessen the pressure building in her breasts, and as her milk came in more day by day and her supply increased, so did the pain and engorgement in her breasts when she woke, or went too long during the day without expressing her milk.
With one last deep breath Hermione got up and left her room, heading downstairs to start her day.
When she reached the kitchen Hermione was surprised to find Luna sitting at the table sipping a cup of tea, having assumed that the closed door leading to the guest room had meant that their guest was in fact still sleeping soundly.
"Good morning Luna," she greeted cheerily. "Have you been up long?" she asked, hoping that if she had she hadn't heard anything coming from the room she was sharing with Severus.
Luna smiled at her friend who was starting to blush. "Oh don't worry Hermione; I don't sleep much, so your moaning didn't bother me. I did think to come downstairs and have a cup of tea however. The professor doesn't seem like the type who likes an audience. Pity," she explained to a mortified Hermione.
Hermione wanted to bury her head in her arms and hide, but the way Luna said 'pity' like she really wanted to see Severus Snape in action had her giggling like a school girl. "I love you Luna," seemed to be the only appropriate thing she could think to say. "And, no, I do not really think he would appreciate an audience much, nor would I for that matter," she told her as she went to retrieve her breast pump from the drying rack by the sink.
Hermione left a giggling Luna in the kitchen and made herself comfortable on the sofa and began to pump as she waited for Severus to come down.
When he finally emerged he was classic Severus Snape, dressed head to toe in black, and as imposing as ever.
Hermione smiled at him and shook her head. If he thought that dressing like a dark avenging angel would scare Luna he really had a thing or two to learn. It was sure to be a rather amusing morning.
Severus merely responded to her with a raised eyebrow and a slight smirk before gliding towards her to place a soft kiss to her temple. "You need to drink more," he said sternly.
Hermione couldn't help her giggle. "Why yes Professor. How silly of me to forget. I shan't let it happen again, I promise," she responded, in her best school girl voice; finding it easy to slip into the role with him looking so very much like he was trying to be Professor Snape – Dungeon Bat.
His smirk just grew wider. "See to it that you don't." And with that he turned and headed to the kitchen.
Hermione simply laughed at his retreating form. He really did look good in black.
Severus walked into the kitchen to find Luna sitting crossed legged on the counter with a tea cup precariously balanced on her knee browsing through Hermione's ridiculously large Breast Feeding book.
"Miss Lovegood. Chairs were invented for an express purpose, namely to be sat upon. Surely that has not managed to escape your attention," he sneered, though not nearly as roughly as he had initially intended. Merlin that woman is making me soft; he thought "Besides, you are blocking the coffee pot. Move."
Luna never even looked up from her reading. She simply unfurled her legs and hopped down off the counter, tea cup clutched in one hand, and the book clutched in the other, just to slide to the floor beside the back door, cross her legs, and continue her reading.
Severus pinched the bride of his nose, certain that the Lovegood girl would drive him mad if he let her, and set to making coffee, very strong coffee. He was after all going to be spending another day with Weasley's and he could use all the energy he could get if he was going to make it through the day without hexing anyone. At least, he realized with no small amount of glee, it was sure to be one hell of a show.
With the coffee pot steadily brewing Severus went to the fridge and pulled the carafe of orange juice out and set to pouring a generous glass for Hermione before settling on something to make for breakfast.
The smell of food could not be ignored as Hermione finished pumping every last drop of milk she could, happily noting that Severus' indulgence hadn't seemed to even make a dent in her supply. Perhaps, she mused, it wouldn't hurt to indulge him more often.
Hermione walked into the kitchen, laden with her breast pump and two half full bottles of breast milk and had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. Severus Snape was standing shoulder to shoulder with Luna, apparently being scolded for using the wrong spices.
"No, no, no. Not the cumin. Cumin, really Professor? Caraway seeds, and just a small dash please. No, no, no, just lightly toast the bread, with the oil in the pan it really shouldn't take long," Luna explained, sounding giddy and exasperated all at once.
"And what, pray tell, Miss Lovegood, makes you such a culinary expert? Last I noticed there was no recipe section in the 'Quibbler'," he drawled, as he never the less followed her instructions.
Luna began to bounce on her toes. "Well there was the most wonderful Wizard in Peillon, that's in France; he was really a wonderful chef. I stayed with him for some time while I was looking for proof of the Spindlekated Roothnap. It's a fascinating creature really…" she went on, before noticing the ever deepening crease between her old Professor's brows. "Right, culinary expertise, where was I? Louie was very gifted in the kitchen, better in bed but…"
"Oh for the love of all that is sacred, Lovegood, forget I asked. Please, forget I said anything. Thank you for the tip. I have it from here. Go make yourself useful and set the table. Breakfast will be ready shortly. Perhaps we can make it through one meal without you making me want to purge everything I have ingested," he said through clenched teeth. He was certain the chit was doing it to drive him crazy.
Hermione couldn't hold it in anymore. She deposited her burden on the table and sunk down into a chair bursting into hysterics. "Oh Luna, I am so glad I invited you over. I haven't laughed so much in… well I don't really know how long. Thank you," she said, between peals of laughter.
Severus, annoyed though he was, and dangerously out of his comfort zone, couldn't help but smile at the glorious sounds coming from Hermione. Perhaps having Lovegood around wasn't all that bad. He admitted, very begrudgingly, and only to himself.
Later, after all three had enjoyed what even Severus had agreed, was a very satisfying Sunday breakfast, they all went about their way getting ready for their day.
Severus, who had showered and dressed that morning before coming down, mainly to cool his raging desire for a particular curly haired Witch, settled himself on the sofa with a cup of coffee and a book he borrowed from one of the many shelves in the room. He had gotten well into a story about a Yorkshire Police Detectives search for a serial killer when Hermione and Luna descended the stairs in tandem. Severus hardly noticed Luna, despite her sequined tunic and purple turnip earrings. Hermione was dressed simply in a flowing yellow top cut much lower than anything she had owned previously, and a simple classically cut pair of white jeans, with the hem rolled up exposing her calves. Of course all Severus noticed was that in her gold wedge heels, with her calves exposed, and her ample chest peeking out of gossamer layers of yellow fabric, Hermione looked something like ripe goddess. Gods he was a lucky man.
Luna nudged Hermione in the side with her elbow and giggled. "Told you he'd like it," she whispered.
Hermione just smiled and ducked her head, blushing furiously under the heated gaze of Severus.
When finally, the trio made it to the Burrow, with more than a little pushing from Hermione to get Severus moving and out the door, they were greeted by utter chaos. Of course, chaos and Weasley's seemed to go hand in hand, but this was something altogether different and suddenly Severus Snape was very, very happy he was there to witness it.
Hermione wasn't sure how many house elves were there, but she was certain that not a single one belonged to the Weasley's.
"Oh Hermione dear, I hadn't been expecting you so…oh look at the time, I can't believe how late it is," Molly prattled on. "I can't begin to tell you what a shock it was you know. And I hadn't really intended on doing any more renovations, but he did offer so nicely, and well, we do want him to feel welcomed by the family, I couldn't very well tell him no, now could I? He really is such a dear. Oh the roses he brought, Hermione you must see the roses!" she went on, as Hermione stared at her completely befuddled and Severus had to push his fist into his mouth to hold back a bark of laughter.
They had arrived at a mad house.
Luna had already managed to disappear, having flitted off to investigate something that had caught her eye down the hall, leaving Severus, Hermione, and a very excited Molly standing in the kitchen.
"Mum, what on earth are you talking about?" Hermione asked, throwing her hands in the air.
Molly immediately set to pulling things from the ice box as she worked to explain all the commotion. "Well, it was so early, we had barely sat down to breakfast, and hadn't been expecting company till this afternoon, but sure enough the floo opened up and Harry came stumbling through. That boy, never does get his landings quite right, well, certainly we were shocked to see him, what with no word since he left Tuesday, but we certainly hadn't been expecting him to bring anyone along with him," she went on as she continued to pull food and prepare snacks and cakes without thought. "Oh, and it is just so wonderful. He really is such a sweet boy. I never would have thought, for my George, but I can see it now. And really, he is rather handsome. And to hear them tell it, we were lucky he was there when he was, poor Harry's still a little rough for wear, but he was lucky. And of course, when they started talking, and Harry, clever boy, pieced it all together, he thought, why not just bring him over and surprise George. He hadn't been expecting him back until later this evening. And well, he knew George was nervous about telling us, so he decided to do it himself of course, and well, we got to talking about decorating, and that boy sure does know his decorating, he could put Lockheart to shame really. And well, at first it was just one house elf to help plant the roses, and then there was another few to help move some furniture, and really he insisted it was the least he could do, us being so understanding and welcoming him to the family, and all," Molly showed no signs of stopping, and Hermione hadn't seen her so worked up and excited since little Vicky was born. She was rather confused though.
"Mum, who are you talking about," she asked, sharing a bewildered look with a rather amused looking Severus.
Molly was about to answer when Severus felt a hand clamp him solidly on the shoulder.
"Uncle! I didn't know you would be here! Oh how lovely, isn't that just a treat," Draco piped in cheerfully, his shoulders bouncing up and down as he took in the confused looks on Hermione and Severus' faces.
Hermione just stared at the blonde rather slack jawed for a moment before a few things began to make sense.
"Draco?" she asked uncertainly, having not seen the man in some years, and still wrapping her mind around what she thought was going on.
"Hermione, love the new 'do. Very fetching. I had hardly believed Potter when he told me you and my Uncle here, but I see. Well it certainly does explain some things, doesn't it? You know, he manages to bring you up nearly every time we get together. 'Insufferable girl this…'" he gestured wildly with his hands as he talked, "'maddening Witch that…' Oh but I do see now," he said gently nudging his 'Uncle' in the arm.
"Well, Draco. I am certainly glad that someone sees," Severus drawled. "I however, fail to see what you are doing here today."
Molly couldn't help but pipe in and answer. "Oh Severus, didn't Hermione tell you. Draco has been seeing our George for years. I admit it was a shock, I mean, well the Malfoy's and the Weasley's have a long history between us. But we can easily see how much he loves our Georgie, and he's gotten him through so much. He is welcome here anytime."
Severus and Hermione hardly had the time to glance at each other and ponder what to say when Draco's high pitched squeal broke through everyone's thoughts. "Georgie Pie!"
Hermione spun around to see George standing in the door way, Kingsley a few steps behind, and neither remotely aware of what they had just walked in on.
George smiled broadly, having become friends with the oft over the top designer over the years. "Drake! What are you doing here? You look smashing as always," he said, giving his friend a hug just as the flash of a camera went off.
Molly was wiping her eyes as she set the camera down. "Oh George, I am so happy for you. Why didn't you tell us earlier dear? We would have understood, we do understand. Oh my sweet boys," she said, pulling George and Draco into a hug, squashing both men against her bosom.
George pulled out of his mother's embrace looking quite confused indeed. "Huh?" was all the reply he could muster.
"Oh don't play coy, Georgie. I explained it all to them already. I knew you were worried, but it's okay now hunnikins. We don't have to hide our love anymore." As if to prove his point, Draco grabbed George and kissed him square on the lips.
Kingsley, who had been watching the proceedings, mostly unnoticed, from just outside the door had seen just about enough. In a few quick strides he had grabbed Draco by the collar and was pulling him forcefully away from George. "Not your brightest move Malfoy. I would not advise touching him again. I am not usually a violent man, but I did not get where I am by sitting on my arse while others did the fighting," he said, deathly serious. "The next time you wish to kiss another man's partner, you may just want to find out exactly who you are messing with." With that Kingsley strode out of the kitchen leaving behind a very gob smacked room of people.
Draco looked like he didn't know whether to turn tail and run or bow down to the man who had snared the rather hunky Minister for Magic.
Molly looked like she might faint.
Hermione and Severus were both fighting back laughter at the absurdity of it all.
George looked like he was ready to pounce on his lover and drag him upstairs to his old bedroom.
It was going to be a very interesting dinner indeed.
A/N: Okay, so I am dying to know what you think. Reviews are as always adored. I cant believe this story has nearly 400. I am gob smacked myself! More Sunday dinner to come, as well as some Ron and Verity updates shortly. I want to again thank all of you for sticking with me.
Oh, so before I go. Brief question… I have been thinking of keeping Luna around in a more prominent place in this story. She was always going to be there, more towards the end than anything, but now I am thinking of keeping her around for the long haul. Thoughts? (and no, in case you were wondering, I am not referring to a Hermione, Snape, Luna triangle, though that does have its perks, it is not the story I am trying to tell)
Reviews Please! They are caffeine, as I am sure I have mentioned before, and sadly my ulcer wont let me drink coffee at the moment, so I am begging you! Give me a shot! He he. Love you!
~ fresh new lily ~