Chapter 12: Love

September 1982

Hermione met the solemn gaze of Mr Dagworth before nervously sipping her tea.

It was another day at the Department of Mysteries. Most Unspeakables were busy with whatever they were doing in the different offices. She and Mr Dagworth were in the department head's office after choosing some biscuits in the department's cafeteria which had a wide variety of choices. DoM employees were not allowed to take their office breaks elsewhere, that's why. They should remain within the office premises.

Hermione wondered what kind of life an Unspeakable had.

"Miss Granger, if you have already seen this in your memory, then we have no right to stop you from pursuing a relationship with someone while still waiting for 'your time,'" the Department Head said in a fatherly tone after she confessed about her relationship with the Hogwarts' Potions Master. "We trust that you're not going to meddle with time."

"I'll take a Vow if I have to," she said earnestly.

Mr Dagworth shook his head. "There is no need for a vow, Miss Granger. We would know if you meddled with time, thanks to our brilliant and hardworking Arithmancers," he assured her.

"Thank you," she replied sincerely. "Sir, is it possible for Severus to only inform one person regarding his relationship? If things move forward, of course."

"When you decide to get married, of course."

She nodded.

"There's his employer, Professor Dumbledore. What if they decided to dig into my past?"

"You will have the same protection, even from a wizard as powerful as Albus Dumbledore," he replied kindly. "However, will working at St. Mungo be still suitable for you? Could you keep your relationship with your co-workers? As far as the Wizarding community of 1998 is concerned, Severus Snape was never married."

She was happy with her job at St. Mungo, but she could not shut her coworkers out of her private life completely while still working there. She could if she wanted to be rude. If she left and moved to another job, it would be more acceptable for her colleagues if she didn't keep in touch. They could part ways on good terms.

She sighed. "Are there other options for me in the Wizarding World?" she asked.

Mr Dagworth smiled in a fatherly manner. "Of course, dear. We happen to need an additional to our staff members due to the upcoming retirement of Unspeakable Travers. She will be retiring three months from now. She has agreed to extend for a few months to train her replacement. Working for the DoM would also tighten your protection. Even powerful wizards like Albus or the Minister for Magic would not dare to pry into your life."

Hermione looked at the old wizard quizzically. They were looking for someone who would fill the position of a witch who was going to retire. What could the job be?

"And the job is…"

"A researcher, dear… Assigned in the Love Room."

.

When Hermione arrived home that day, she decided to tell Alona that she was resigning from St. Mungo and moving to the Department of Mysteries as a researcher. She could not tell her yet about her past – about her real identity. Mr Dagworth advised that she should wait a little longer.

However, when Hermione arrived home, she found Alona preparing dinner, looking happy.

Oh, I don't think I could bear some news like this tonight. She seems to be in a good mood.

"Hey," she greeted her friend cheerfully. "Is Kingsley coming?"

"Hermione!" Alona greeted from behind the kitchen counter with an ear-to-ear smile. "No, Kingsley is not coming. This is for the two of us."

She looked at her friend affectionately. "Oh, you are so sweet! What's the occasion? Let me help!" She pulled up the sleeves of her shirt and moved to the sink to wash her hands thoroughly.

Alona cleared her throat, causing Hermione to turn her head in her direction. Alona raised her left hand demurely, and Hermione saw a gold band with small diamond stones.

"Whaaaat?!" she shrieked with laughter and approached her friend to look at the ring.

Alona was also giggling, and her eyes were smiling as well. "Oh, Mione! I've been waiting for this moment ever since we've graduated from school. I am over the moon!"

"I'm happy for you, too!" She hugged her friend, feeling excited for her as well. "Kingsley is a good man. He deserved an amazing witch like you."

"You're so kind, Hermione," Alona spoke with sincerity. "I'm sorry, I have to move out in a month, and Kings found a beautiful house in Rathlin Island for our future family."

"Rathlin? In Northern Ireland?" she gasped.

Alona offered her a hesitant smile. "He will still keep his flat in Aberystwyth. That would still be his official residence in the Ministry records, but since Rathlin is still under the British Ministry of Magic, we don't need an international portkey. We can just Apparate to the place," Alona explained. "Also… I'm resigning. You know what's in Rathlin. Master Hector Dagworth-Granger's private academy. I would like to apply as a governess. That way, Kingsley and I can focus more on raising our children."

Hermione was genuinely happy for her friend. She wondered if Alona living in Rathlin, and being a governess was the reason why people knew so little about Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt. In 1995, no one confirmed whether he was married or single. No one just talked about his private life, just like Moody. They didn't know if he had children, or if he was a widower.

"That's a wonderful plan," she smiled sincerely.

"Oh, Hermione, I know that this flat is expensive for one person. But don't worry, I'll help you figure things out."

"Thank you. I'll start looking for a one-bedroom flat."

"I said I'm helping you, all right?" Alona reminded her fondly.

.

October 1982

"The Love Room is always locked, according to some Aurors, Kingsley told me," Severus said.

She was, once again, in Severus's house that Saturday morning. Her boyfriend messaged her through the wristwatch that he had the headmaster's permission to be away from the castle for one day and one night.

As soon as Hermione was led to the kitchen by Severus for brunch, she told him about the job offered by the head of DoM.

"Are the rumours true that there is a fountain of Amortentia?"

Hermione nodded before taking a piece of her pancake and feeding it to Severus who was sitting beside her. He had his own plate, but she liked the idea of feeding him. He looked delighted by the gesture. "It's true, that's why all workers in the Love Room are married and they have undergone the traditional binding ceremony."

Severus gave her a confused look while chewing his food. "Married? How come you're…"

She cut him off with a grin. "Because in 1998, we were already married, and my wedding band was a Transfigured binding cord, so they think, technically, I'm already qualified."

Severus smirked and cupped her face. "That means you cannot divorce me, Hermione. You cannot leave me, darling."

She laughed happily. "Why would I leave a brilliant wizard who's also brave, kind, loving… and hopelessly in love with me?"

Severus feigned a hurt look. "Therefore, you're just after my cognitive and affective faculties."

Hermione smirked and leaned to press her body into his and whisper in his ear seductively. "No. I'm after this body, too."

Severus smirked and claimed her mouth, but his kiss was rather chaste. "Finish your food, and we'll take this into the bedroom."

"But…" She protested to tease him. The truth was, she wouldn't want them to abandon their meal and rush to the bedroom. She wanted their first time to be special.

"Butts are for cigarettes, darling," he said in his professor-like tone. "Finish your food or else, you might get a spanking."

She sat up straight and picked up her fork again. "Yes, daddy."

The way she said the word 'daddy' wasn't similar to how Hermione addressed her dad, her father. It was rather… different.

She used what Ginny called 'bedroom voice'. It was girlish… and horny.

Severus's facial expression hardened. He stood up, and his hardness was more obvious than ever, startling Hermione. Severus waved his wand, and the plates and utensils flew to the sink. The remaining food on the table was covered, and the table was cleaned. "Drink water, Hermione," he commanded.

Her eyes widened like saucers in shock. This was the first time Severus acted that way and used that tone to her. He looked like he was barely holding by a thread but seeing the bulge in his trousers turned Hermione on. She picked up her glass and drank water.

"Bottoms up," Severus instructed, and he did the same after Hermione was finished.

After drinking a glass of water, Severus wiped his mouth with a napkin and then threw it on the table before pulling her to him – holding her by her arse cheeks – and kissing her hungrily.

She melted into him, and if not for his firm hold, she might have fallen on the floor. He kissed her like a starving man; as if he hadn't seen her in a year. His moans were like a wild animal, and he held her up, pressing her body closer to him than ever. Hermione thanked Merlin for remembering to wear a fit and flare dress earlier this morning, for she was able to wrap her legs around his waist easily. Severus walked the two of them upstairs without breaking the kiss, and he was walking fast, Hermione noted.

Truth be told, she couldn't wait to taste more of him, so she had no plans of complaining.

When they reached upstairs, Severus carefully laid her on the bed and hovered over her, breaking the kiss to pay attention to her neck. He sucked at her pulse and his hand travelled to Hermione's chest, touching one breast through the thin material of her dress.

"I want you so much, Hermione," he said hoarsely. "You feel so good, darling. You have an angelic body, and I am such a lucky wizard."

Hermione was deeply turned on and she felt her slip shorts were wet. It became even more wetter when Severus yanked the neckline of her dress, but his lips nipped at her ear. "Can I taste you everywhere, darling?"

His voice was so low and quiet, so Hermione's body was more aroused than ever that she started moaning louder. "Touch me everywhere, Severus."

"Oh gods, angel!" Severus exclaimed before bending his head to claim her breast. Hermione felt his hot mouth cover her entire breast, and then his tongue licked her nipple like ice cream. His other hand touched her other breast gently, expertly.

"Oh, fuuuck!" she screamed.

"Am I making you feel good, baby?" he asked hoarsely before tasting the other breast.

"Yes!" she screamed.

"Yes what?" he asked.

Hermione wasn't sure what to call him. It didn't help that her breathing was rugged.

"Yes what, baby?" he asked again gently.

And just like that, her body was on fire again, and her core was drenched. "Yes, daddy!" she replied loudly.

"Oh, fucking Salazar!" Severus screamed and removed their clothes with his wand. "I'm so close, and I feel like I'm about to explode," he whispered as he pressed his forehead to hers. "But I want to enjoy this moment, baby. I… Can I come inside you?" he asked, slowing down and looking at her tenderly.

Hermione cupped his face and nodded with a smile. "Yes. Thank you for asking. Yes, as long as you know the charm."

"Aren't you taking any contraceptive potions?" he probed.

"I am on the potion, but we want to be sure, right?" she replied gently.

Severus smiled affectionately and kissed her lips again. "I love you so much, Hermione."

"I love you, too."

For the next few seconds, Hermione was in heaven. His every kiss and every touch conveyed his love and devotion to her. He took his time preparing her, using his expert mouth and fingers, sending her core in a tidal wave. She was washed with relief and satisfaction after.

Sev kissed her again, and she moaned deliciously when she tasted herself in his mouth. He moved slowly and entered her until finally, their bodies joined and two became one.