Summary: A nervous proposal

A/N: Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy this next installment.

Chapter 3

Severus made his way through the Ministry to the Auror division. He wound his way through the cubicles until he came to an office that said 'Head Auror, Chief of Security, Frederick Lutz.' He knocked on the door and opened it when he was bidden entry.

"Auror Lutz," Severus began. "I have a report on the potion you requested."

"Severus, welcome. Please have a seat and tell me of your progress."

Severus put a vial on the desk in front of Lutz and took a seat.

"It is ready. I have tested it several times, the first one resulting in a vision a year and a half in the future. I feel that is the extent of the potion's range. Afterward, I did several trials with a time and subject in mind. In every trial, I was able to envision my timeframe goal before imbibing the potion. I tested different time frames from a day to three months. It worked every time."

"Are you sure? Have the visions you saw come to pass?"

"Yes, the three-month vision just occurred yesterday."

Lutz picked up the vial and turned it back and forth so the light would catch it.

"Remarkable," he said finally. "Thank you, Severus. This will be a game changer."

"I will ship the rest of them to you tomorrow."

"And I'll have payment put into your Gringotts account this afternoon."

Severus stood. "Let me know when you need more. It takes a week to brew."

Lutz rose and extended his hand. Severus frowned but shook his hand anyway. With a slight bow of his head, he left the man's office and made his way out of the Ministry, using the Floo to get back to Hogwarts.

Hermione was waiting for him in his quarters when he got back.

"How did it go?"

"He shook my hand," Severus said with a grimace.

Hermione laughed. "That's good, isn't it?"

"Yes, but you know how I am about people I don't know."

"Torture, love. You should have hexed him."

Severus frowned. "That would have been detrimental to my payment."

"Yes, but he would have never offered you his hand again."

Severus scowled. "Stop teasing me."

She put her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"I'm sorry. I know you're not fond of people you don't know touching you in any way. I was just trying to lighten the mood. I wasn't trying to make fun of you."

"Hmmph."

She kissed him again.

"That's better," he grumbled.

"I know this sounds crazy, but I find your grumpiness totally endearing."

"Woman, you are nutters."

"Only when it comes to you."

He couldn't help himself. He kissed her senseless.

oooOOOooo

The end of the year was almost upon them. Severus was preparing to ask Hermione to marry him. His vision hadn't really ever left him, and he wanted to give her a chance to plan everything without being stressed. He knew from his vision she would say yes, but he was still nervous. What if this one time the potion was wrong, and she wouldn't want to marry him? What would he do then?

Shaking his head, he looked in the mirror. He was ready for the day. He patted the ring box in his pocket. He would ask her that evening. He hoped she'd accept.

Heading into the Great Hall, Severus sat down. Hermione wasn't there yet. As he took some toast and eggs, he felt his nerves getting the better of him. By the time Hermione arrived, he was wound up so badly that he just glared at her when she sat down.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he said in a clipped tone.

"Well, good morning, then."

"Hmmph."

"Are we still meeting for dinner?" Hermione asked.

"Have I said otherwise?"

"No…"

"Then our plans haven't changed," he snapped.

Hermione gave him a hurt look. Taking one last sip of his tea, he stood.

"I will see you later," he ground out before making his way out of the Great Hall.

He stomped down the stairs. What the hell was wrong with him? Why did he have to turn into a giant arse when he was nervous? He would need to apologize to Hermione when he saw her again.

Storming into his classroom, he found it empty, which was perfect. The students shouldn't begin arriving for at least ten minutes, and he could use the solitude. He sat at his desk and mulled over his overreaction at breakfast. Sighing he called out to a House-elf.

"Diddle."

"Yes, Master Snape?" the elf said as he appeared from nowhere.

"Diddle, I need your help. I was rude to Professor Granger this morning, and I'd like to make amends sooner rather than later. Could you possibly procure a rose for her and deliver it to her classroom?"

"Of course, Master Snape."

He took out a small parchment and began to scribble a note to her. Looking at what he wrote, he crumpled it up. Pulling out another parchment, he simply wrote 'sorry' with his initials. Handing it to the elf, he gave further instructions.

"Would you deliver this with the rose, please? And make sure it's a red rose."

The elf took the paper and bowed low.

"I will get it done immediately, sir."

"Thank you, Diddle."

After the first-hour class was over, he was surprised by Hermione running up to him and kissing him soundly.

"Thank you for the rose, Severus. It was lovely."

"You're welcome. I'm sorry about earlier."

She rubbed his arm. "You're forgiven, but please try not to snap at me like that. It makes me want to crawl under a rock."

"I didn't mean for you to feel that way."

"I hate it when people are upset with me. I feel like I've failed them."

He caressed her cheek. "You could never fail me, Hermione. Always know that. I was nervous about something I must do later, and it was affecting my mood. I shouldn't have taken it out on you, though. I apologize."

She kissed his nose and backed away quickly before any students came into the room.

"I'll see you at dinner."

He nodded and watched her leave. He was happy that he had been able to resolve this so quickly, but he was angry with himself for making Hermione upset. He needed to remember that everything wasn't about him and that others had emotions that he could easily hurt if he didn't watch his mood. He would need to be careful in the future–not just with Hermione, but with everyone he cared for.

oooOOOooo

They were headed for Hogsmeade and a new cafe that had opened recently. They chose to walk into town. Severus' arm reached around her, and he pulled her close as they walked.

"I'm sorry about earlier," he murmured.

"We already took care of that, Severus. You don't need to keep apologizing."

"Well, I feel I do. After you left, I thought a lot about what you said. I've always made everything about me. I haven't given thought to how my actions affect those I care about."

He stopped and turned to her.

"Especially you."

She hugged him.

"I love that you thought about all of that. It means you truly listened to me, and I appreciate that."

"Hermione, I appreciate you too. I… I love you."

Hermione gasped. "I love you too, Severus."

He dropped to one knee. It wasn't his plan to propose right there in the middle of the lane, but now it seemed like the perfect time.

"I love you, Hermione. I can't bear to think of not being with you forever."

He removed the ring box from his pocket and revealed a marquise diamond solitaire engagement ring.

"Please be my wife."

Hermione covered her mouth with her hand as she gasped.

"You want me to marry you?"

He only nodded, unable to form any more words because he was so nervous.

"Yes!" she cried and knelt down with him, throwing her arms around his neck. She kissed him furiously as the ring appeared magically on her finger.

"I love you, and want to be your wife."

He smiled finally. She would be his. Unable to contain himself, he leaned in and kissed her in excitement. Pulling back, he looked at her shyly.

"I will love you forever," he said.

"Oh, Severus, I love you so much."

They were absorbed with one another once more as they kissed again. At long last, they composed themselves, stood, and headed into Hogsmeade for their date.

oooOOOooo

A year later, the vision that Severus saw with the potion finally came true. He stood at the head of the Great Hall with Kingsley standing in front of him, smiling brightly. Turning behind him, he caught his first look at Hermione. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. Her flowing gown trailed behind her with a small train that moved a few feet along the floor. As she came up to him, her hand came out, and he grasped it.

"I love you," she whispered.

His eyes burned with passion and love for this woman so willing to accept him for who he was.

"And I, you," he whispered back.

The ceremony flew by, and like in his vision, he was in a daze for most of it. Looking down at her, he kissed her to seal their binding. It was sweet and sexy all in one. When he pulled back, Hermione's love for him shone through her gaze. He wanted to pull her to him and hold her forever, but they were in front of a group of people who were waiting for them to separate so they could cheer them on. He reluctantly pulled back, giving her a shy grin. She smiled back before they turned to the crowd.

Severus was surprised at the enthusiasm of the guests as they moved back down the aisle. Students cheered, whistled, and cat-called. The rest of the guests vigorously clapped for them too. They made their way to the back of the hall where a small line was already forming to shake their hands. Severus steeled himself. This was not something he was looking forward to. He was bound and determined to just give a head bow to everyone but Hermione's parents and the faculty.

He was expecting Minerva to hug him ferociously, but he was still shocked. His eyebrows showed that shock as she pulled him down and gave him a motherly hug.

"Congratulations, Severus. I'm so happy for you!" she crowed before releasing him.

He still blushed as he looked at her. "Thank you, Minerva."

Before he could recuperate, Hermione's parents were hugging him en masse. He gingerly put his arm around both of them. They gushed over him as if he were their long-lost relative. He supposed they were happy because Hermione was happy. They'd said as much when they'd had dinner the previous night.

They finally released him and moved over to Hermione. Severus breathed a sigh of relief. He wouldn't need to shake anyone else's hands. He began to nod and bow his head to those who were passing by them. People got the hint and didn't offer their hands, which made Severus quite pleased. They certainly made up for it with Hermione. She literally hugged everyone. All of them.

Hours passed. At least that's how it felt. The Hall transformed itself as Severus and Hermione finished up greeting their guests. Tables appeared all along the sides. Everyone moved to them, and plates appeared in front of them. Speeches were given, and the Goblin wine flowed freely.

The reception stretched on for hours. Severus was having a good time, but he was finally at the point where he wished everyone would just go home so he could have some alone time with his wife.

"Isn't it time for everyone to clear out?" he whispered to Hermione as they danced.

She shook her head and gave him a knowing smile.

"Everybody is having a good time. Let them be."

"But they're impeding my good time," he said with a cheeky grin.

"I want to have some alone time too, but we just need to wait. People are starting to leave. I don't see Harry and Ginny, and my parents ducked out at least half an hour ago."

He looked around the room, which was still quite full of guests enjoying themselves. Looking back at Hermione, he arched a brow.

"Do you think they'd notice if we left?"

She laughed. "Yes! And they'll know exactly what we're going to be doing, too."

He shrugged. "Let their suspicions go wild. Let's go. If I remember correctly, we left early in my vision."

"You don't remember fully?"

"I was too involved in watching you and noting how absolutely beautiful you are to remember silly little details like how we left. I just know that we did, and it was early."

Hermione blushed at his compliment. She hesitated for a moment, thinking about whether they should leave or not. "Okay. Let's go."

He grabbed her hand and started tugging her along.

"Severus!"

"Come on, let's go!"

"Severus!"

He stopped abruptly and turned back to her.

"We need to say goodbye to everyone."

"Merlin, that will take hours."

"No, it won't. We can do it right here."

She put her wand up to her neck and began to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we'd like to thank you for joining us for our special day. We're glad you're all here and want to urge you to stay as late as you want to… except for students. Curfew for you is ten thirty… As for us, we have an early day tomorrow catching our Portkey to Paris, so we are going to leave you to your revelry."

She turned to Severus and put her wand up to his neck. He glared at her before looking at everyone surrounding them.

"Thank you, and have a good night."

Hermione gave him a break and removed the wand from his person. Everyone surrounding them clapped as they turned and left the Great Hall. Severus drew her away and out the doors, quickly moving down to the gates. They Apparated to their hotel in Diagon Alley and were soon enjoying the honeymoon suite at the Plaza.

"This is lovely, Severus," Hermione noted as she walked around the large living area of their room. She moved over to the bedroom and noted there was a heart made out of red and white rose petals on the bed. In the center was a bucket with champagne and two glasses.

"That's a nice touch."

Severus moved up next to her and looked into the bedroom.

"Pity it's going to be messed up in a matter of minutes."

She chuckled as she moved to the bed and pulled the champagne out of the ice. With a wave of her wand, the cork had exploded from the top of the bottle, and she poured for both of them. Handing him a glass, she offered a toast.

"To a long, fulfilling life… together."

"Absolutely," Severus agreed as he touched his glass to hers and drank.

Draining the glass, he placed it on the bed-stand and took Hermione's half-full glass away, placing it next to his.

"Hey, I was drinking that."

"And you can drink it more in the future. But now…"

He pulled her to him and kissed her passionately.

"I see what you're getting at," Hermione said with a devilish grin.

They spent the rest of the night recreating Severus' vision over and over.