Chapter Thirty-Five
Practice Almost Makes Perfect
A/N: Guys, guys! I have written yet another chapter!
Disclaimer: I only own Aurora and any other OCs. Remember, I will occasionally use quotes from both the books and/or the movies; I do not own direct quotes or phrases. The chapter images (ArchiveOfOurOwn, Quotes, and Wattpad) do not belong to me. I have either found them through Google or through Pinterest. I take absolutely NO credit.
~ oOo ~
Severus did nothing else other than stare at his wife. All he did was just…stare. Had the man heard her correctly? Did Aurora just say that she was pregnant? Holding a hand to his chin, Severus again merely stared. Wide-eyed and with a blank expression. What else was he supposed to react? He, the Potions Master of Hogwarts, was left utterly speechless. To the man, it seemed moments like this only seemed to happen when he was around Aurora.
"Severus…?"
Tilting his head up, the wizard noticed how Aurora had leaned forward, placing her hand on his knee. Itching to take her hand in his, Severus retracted his fingers just before they could touch. At the last moment, Severus made the decision to stand, that he had to move around. But when he stood, Severus instantly noticed the dejected look on his wife's face.
Thinking back over the past year, the man remembered what it would be like to be a father. But not just a father, but one to his and Aurora's children. It wasn't the thought of him now potentially being a father, but it was the sudden moment that Aurora just admitted she was pregnant. Taking a step toward the dresser, Severus reached forward and grasped a photo of him and his wife. It was taken the day of their wedding, being the first photograph taken just after they had been declared husband and wife.
"You're pregnant."
A statement, not a question.
Severus was no longer questioning the situation. Was this something he expected to hear this afternoon? No, absolutely not. But he was ready to take action. Severus Snape was ready to take care of the family he wanted with Aurora.
He could envision it now.
Aurora would be sitting in the nursery, humming to herself as she organized the tiny baby clothing in the nearby dresser. Her baby bumpy would be visible beneath the sundress she wore. Though she wasn't far along, the witch still rubbed her small belly lovingly. All the while Severus would watch from the doorway, in denial that this was his life. He was married to a beautiful woman who was in the process of growing his child inside her delicate body. Standing there, the wizard couldn't wait to hold the tiny bundle in his arms. He couldn't wait for the late-night feeds, teaching the child potions, and even waiting for his child to receive their letter from Hogwarts.
That's the notion that scared him was that he wanted this. He wanted to take care of a pregnant Aurora; he wanted to be there at the birth of his child; he wanted to become a better father than the one who raised him. Severus was ready to take that step, he was ready and willing and -
"No, I'm not pregnant."
Photo nearly slipping through his fingers, Severus gently placed it back atop the dresser. Slowly turning around he was surprised to see Aurora standing mere feet behind him. She was twiddling her hands together nervously. Face having fallen, Severus asked, slightly stuttering, "What…what are you talking about?"
"I'm not pregnant."
"N-No, no I heard that part, but why did you…?"
"Because your last question to me before I answered was about earlier before I visited Poppy. You had asked me what I thought could be wrong with me." She took a few steps forward. "At that moment, the first thought that came to my mind was that I was pregnant."
Severus took a few steps forward as well until they were standing right before one another. "What made you think that?" He reached forward and placed the palm of his hand against her cheek.
"Well, the nausea, for starters…the constant fatigue, just not feeling like myself. Plus there was the soreness I was feeling in my breasts and I'm also a few days late for my period." Rubbing her face in his palm, Aurora stared sadly up at her husband. "I…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause you any distress or fear, I was just trying to get across what had happened." She started to hyperventilate.
Cupping her cheeks, Severus brought their faces together. "Shhhh, calm down, everything is alright."
A few tears escaped down her cheeks as she shook her head. "No, it's not. I freaked you out because I answered so stupidly…"
"Shh," Severus said once more. "You did not freak me out and - "
"Yes, I did!" Aurora interrupted, adamant with her answer. "I was watching you the whole time…Your face turned white and you were just staring at me l-like you couldn't believe what I had just said."
Sighing, the wizard realized she had been right. Taking hold of his wife's arm, he led Aurora back to the chairs by the window. Having her sit, Severus reclaimed his seat, taking her hands within his own. "Aurora, I…I am the one who is sorry about my reactions. I should have considered you more in the moment when you made that statement. But when you said that I…" Swallowing, the wizard continued after he inhaled and then exhaled deeply.
"At the moment, I was afraid for several reasons. The most prominent was me thinking of me as a father. I can't…I couldn't see myself as one. Based on the father figure I was raised with, how could I raise a child? How could I raise a baby when I don't know what a father is supposed to be, how they're supposed to act? So…yes, I was momentarily afraid."
Another tear fell down Aurora's cheek. She opened her mouth to speak but Severus raised his palm while shaking his head. There was still something he needed to say.
"I'm sorry, there's just something…"
She squeezed his hand in hers. "No, no, you say what you need to say, please," she said.
"Thank you." Falling silent, Severus reflected for a moment but it was quick before he spoke. "And yet…even though I had all those thoughts, there was still this…small ball of hope inside me. I wanted what you said to be true. I realized I wanted you to be pregnant."
"…Severus?"
Letting go of her hand, the wizard stood once more. Suddenly embarrassed, he moved toward the bed, grasping the wooden pole on the corner of their bed frame. Head tilted down, the man grew confused. He knew he could tell Aurora any and everything, not just because she was his wife, but, just as she had said before, Aurora was his best friend. Outside of possibly Albus, and sometimes Minerva, Aurora was his only confidante, the one true person he could fully reveal himself to.
Knowing his head was still slightly hung low, Severus finally said, "I've had these thoughts since last year. After you…after you woke up from being petrified, you told me you had a dream." Without looking back, he asked, "Do you remember what you told me?"
He could hear her shuffling from behind but couldn't tell where she was. "Yes," she muttered quietly.
Fingers grasping the pole of the bed frame, Severus watched as his skin turned white. Flexing his fingers, the wizard merely stood there, trying to piece together what he was going to say next. So caught up in his mentality, Severus jumped when he felt Aurora's hand take hold of his arm lightly.
"Severus…?" Covering her hand with his, the wizard turned his head though he still his behind his hair.
"Ever since then, I've had these…thoughts of you and me but they're all the same. All the same yet, they're different too. And in each scenario…you're pregnant."
Aurora's eyes widened a fraction. "…in all of them?"
"Yes," Severus answered honestly and quickly. "You're pregnant and just sitting in a chair, or you're getting the nursery ready, or even singing to the baby. But my favorite?" He finally turned to his wife, all embarrassment and vulnerability lay bare for Aurora to see. "Of everything I've envisioned, my favorite is you being full-term and we're just standing in the kitchen. I hold you from behind and rub my hand across your belly. And I swear I-I can feel the baby kick."
Aurora remained quiet, merely staring into the eyes of her loving husband. After a few moments to contemplate what should be said, Aurora finally broke the silence. "And you've had these thoughts all this time?" Severus slowly nodded. Grasping the man's face, Aurora pulled him down to her height, brushing a loving kiss against his lips. "Oh, Severus…I cannot explain how incredibly sweet that was to hear." The man visibly cringed, leaving the witch to chuckle at his antics. "Thank you," she said. "I know you so I know that was probably not the easiest thing to tell me."
Diverting his eyes briefly, Severus moved back to stare at her. "You're not…bothered by what I said?"
"Absolutely not! Oh, Severus, if you thought I would be perturbed by this, you are completely wrong."
Taking her hands from his face, he dropped to hold them between their bodies. "I thought, I honestly thought you'd think I was crazy."
The woman chuckled. "Then we're both crazy because I've been having similar thoughts over the past year. Yeah, I've imagined myself pregnant, but mainly I've thought of how you would be as a father."
"But I wouldn't be a good father, I - !"
"Severus, enough with the self-sabotage. I know you," Aurora poked his chest as she spoke. "Sure, you had an extremely shitty father, but that just means you know what not to do. You would be caring, and patient, and kind, but most importantly, you would unconditionally love our child."
Still apprehensive, Severus glanced down at their hands. Aurora, his wife, his best friend and confidante, had never led him astray. Never had this woman purposely left him with fictitious information. She was pure of heart.
At that moment, he decided to trust her words.
Leaning his forehead against Aurora's, Severus took a deep breath, ready to make the plunge and be momentarily selfish. "I want a child with you, Aurora."
The room fell silent.
Until Aurora's heavy breathing broke that silence as Severus realized she was crying. Pulling the woman against his chest, Severus grew confused. Had his statement caused her to be happy? Sad? Hurt or confused?
"Aurora, speak to me, what's wrong?"
Stepping back, Aurora tried to clear her face, trying to rid her cheeks of all the tears. Lifting her eyes to stare into Severus', she said, "Please don't misunderstand. I am extremely happy to hear you say that. B-But…it also saddens me because…" Despite everything, more tears fell down her face. "This afternoon? I honestly thought that I was pregnant. I-I thought I'd be able to give you good news when we were to next see each other."
"So…is that why you seemed so sad when I walked in?"
"Yeah." It was all making sense to Severus now. "When Poppy told me the news, I immediately broke down, that's how confident I was in thinking that I was pregnant." Quickly turning from her husband, she covered her mouth to prevent any sobs from escaping. "Severus, I'm sorry, I'm so unbelievably sorry that I can't…!"
She couldn't finish her sentence as Severus wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her against his chest as he kissed the woman's head.
"I've had the idea of becoming a mother for some time. I want that experience and joy but I want it with you." Her body wracked with slight sobs, causing Severus to tighten his arms around her.
They fell silent once more. Severus knew what he wanted to say, but felt his wife deserved this moment. Giving her the space to cry, Severus kissed her head multiple times, listening as her sobs gradually reduced and the crying slowly faded. When all was quiet in their room the wizard finally spoke.
"We can still make that happen."
Shook by his words, Aurora froze. She turned her head in his direction, barely able to make eye contact. "Sev, what…what're you saying?"
The man chuckled slightly. "Oh, my darling wife." Rotating around the woman, Severus stared into her beautiful blue eyes, a thumb rubbing gently across her cheek. "It may not have happened this time, but…if this is something we want, then…" Kissing her cheek, he added, "We can try."
Gasping, Aurora covered her mouth, her breath quickening. "You're not serious, are you?"
The man shook his head, exasperated. "Aurora, we can go back and forth on this issue or we can face this head-on. Clearly, we both have some notion that this is what we want. So, let me ask you this: is this something you want to happen?"
More tears slowly escaped and fell down her cheeks, but the woman smiled. "So…we're really going to do this? We're…?" She moved her arms around her husband's neck. "We're gonna try to get pregnant? We're really going to try and have a baby?"
"If that is what you want, it's what I want. Oomph!" Grunting, the man smiled as his wife tackled him against his chest, tightening her arms around his neck.
She remained in that position for only a moment before she let go and stepped backward. "Oh, Severus, please tell me this is what you really want! I don't want you to decide on something you're not ready for."
"Tch, you dunderhead of a woman, you…" Grasping her cheeks, Severus rubbed his hands together, squishing the woman's face together. "You know me the best out of everyone in this world so you should know that I don't do anything I don't want to do." Relaxing his hands, he dropped a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I…I still have my doubts. I still believe that I would be a terrible father but…with you by my side, I want to try. I want to do this with you."
Relaxing into the man, Aurora smiled brightly. "I-I can't believe we're doing this. We're going to try and have a baby?"
"We're going to try and have a baby," Severus repeated.
Screeching, Aurora yelled the same sentence out of excitement. "We're gonna have a baby!" Tackling Severus again, the woman threw herself into her husband's arms, linking her legs around his waist. Openly laughing, Severus nearly fell backward as his wife dropped kisses across his entire face.
Aurora continued her kissing onslaught as Severus made his way toward the bed, slowly sinking down to the edge, keeping the woman tightly in his arms.
Pulling her head back just enough, Aurora bopped the tip of her nose against Severus'. "This has nothing to do with what we just agreed upon, but I love you so fucking much."
With a roll of his eyes, Severus returned the affectionate gesture by hitting her nose with his. "And I love you, my beautiful wife. I hope you know that."
"I do," she said. "For you, Severus, your actions have always spoken louder than your words. You may not be vocal about your love for me, but you always make it known. As long as you never stop being yourself, I will know you love me." Curling her head into his neck, Aurora sighed, a sudden thought entering her devious mind. "I…have an idea."
Peering down at her, Severus probably saw something in her eyes as he said, "And what would that be, my little minx?"
Staring straight into his eyes, Aurora gently pulled at his cravat. All the while Severus watched, enjoying the spectacle before him as his wife seductively bit her lip. "You said we could try…would you be opposed to starting right now?"
"And, pray, my darling wife, why should we start this minute? Besides, if you said you're a few days late, shouldn't you be starting your period soon?"
She grinned. "You are correct that my period should be here any day so there's little to no probability for me to get pregnant just yet." By now she had removed his necktie, tossing it behind her as she tackled the numerous buttons. "But…who says we can't make the process fun?"
Smirking, Severus moved several strands of hair behind her ear. "Hmm, my minx wants to play, is that it?"
"Your minx really wants to play."
"Then play we shall."
Rotating around the bed, Severus moved Aurora off his lap, placing her on the mattress. Attaching his mouth to her neck, the wizard sucked gently, lips forming to her neck as he desired nothing more than to leave a wondrous mark on his wife. Soft grunts and hearty moans escaped Aurora's mouth as she opened her neck, inviting Severus to bite her flesh. Mouth hung open, the woman curled her fingers into her husband's long locks, holding him closely, wanting more, Severus tenderly lowered his mouth down her body, leaving a heated trail of kisses down her skin. Meeting the collar of her shirt, Severus pulled his wife upward, grasping the material as he nearly ripped it off her body. Material tossed who-knows-where, Aurora tore her bra from her body, pulling Severus back to her as he sought out her nipples.
Taking one nipple into his mouth, Severus suckled, enjoying the movement of his wife as she was trapped beneath his weight. Taking hold of the nub between his teeth, Severus pulled, immediately lapping at the hardened flesh as Aurora arched her back, a silent moan escaping from her mouth. Wanting more, Severus moved to the other side, taking the second nipple into his mouth as his fingers traced invisible designs across his wife's stomach. Crying out his name softly, Aurora cupped her husband's cheeks, pulling him upward, capturing his lips with her own.
"Severus," she cried, pupils large and wide with her unbridled lust. "I need you."
"In due time, my darling wife.," he commented, biting her bottom lip. "First, I need to check and see if you are ready for me." To emphasize his point, the man unsnapped the button to her jeans, slowly inserting his fingers underneath the elastic of her underwear.
"Oh, poppycock," she giggled which then turned into a delectable moan. "I'm always ready for you."
"That may be true, my dear," his fingers brushed her brown curls. "But what kind of husband would I be if I didn't take care of my wife's needs?"
Openly sighing, Aurora tilted her head back against the pillow. "S-Sev…"
The wizard was smug with his smirk, loving the reactions of his wife based on his ministrations. Lips finding the juncture of her neck, Severus attached his lips once more, sucking gently, lapping at her beautiful skin. Fingers meeting the warm wetness of her womanhood, the man swirled the liquid around, easily finding her sensitive clit. Applying minimal pressure, Severus swirled his forefingers, circling his appendage as Aurora's body curled forward.
"Fuck Sev, don't stop!"
"Oh my dear…" Kissing his way up to her lips, he peppered her face. "You get so bossy when I touch you."
Despite their current predicament, redness coated the woman's cheeks out of embarrassment. "I-I do not!" She stuttered.
"Don't lie to me, my dear wife." Sinking his hand further, he slipped one finger into her depths, moving in and out slowly, drawing out more moans from his woman's mouth.
Her hand shot forward and grabbed his wrist. Their eyes met as he smirked once more. "Bossy or not, I need you, Severus. I need my husband."
"You do, do you?" Removing his hand, Severus quickly lowered her jeans, taking her underwear off simultaneously within the blink of an eye. Once all her clothing was gone, Severus sucked on his finger, enjoying the tanginess of her juices on his tongue. Groaning himself, the man eyed his wife, easily noticing the way hers widened. Taking hold of the man's hand, Aurora brought the finger into her mouth, sucking the remaining liquid off his skin. "Bloody hell, Aurora…" Staring down into his lap, the man eyed his erection, only moments away from sinking his cock into her soaking hole.
Aurora's heated body met with the coolness of their bedroom, she shivered, slightly recoiling into herself. Regaining control, Aurora's hands shot forward, immediately unbuttoning the remainder of her husband's outer frock. Having done this hundreds of times, the woman had perfected this action as she was done within a quick moment. Outer layer now open, Severus took control, unable to watch his wife any longer. Standing from the bed, he hastily removed the rest of his clothing.
Now both naked as the day they were born, Aurora outstretched her hand, seeking her husband's. Pulling the man atop her glorious body, Aurora wrapped her arms around Severus' neck, connecting their foreheads together. Without words, Severus lifted her legs to wrap around his waist. Sighing, the wizard angled his cock towards the witch's pussy, easily slipped his hardened member into her soaking core. The woman instantly sighed, immediately adjusting to her husband's size. Though they'd had sex and had fucked each other's brains out on numerous occasions, Aurora still loved that first thrust. She loved that moment when her womanhood accommodated her husband's girth.
Allowing his wife only a moment, Severus needed to thrust. Palm flat against the mattress as the other took hold of Aurora's cheek, the man pulled his hips back and thrust forward with just enough force he caused a squeak to fall from his wife's lips. Beneath him, Aurora clenched her walls, purposefully tightening her nether region, taking as much of her husband as she could.
"Bloody hell, Aurora…" Severus gasped, dropping the hand from her cheek to take hold of her hip, holding the woman in place. As if he would go anywhere. Never would she leave the presence of this man.
"Please Sev, I-I need…!"
Dropping his forehead to hers, the man stared into her beautiful eyes. "What is it you need, beautiful?"
Emotions heightened, Aurora could feel the tears form in the corner of her eyes. She didn't want to cry, didn't feel she should cry but at the moment, Severus was treating her so special and she just loved this man so much. Forget the reason they were intimate, that they were technically practicing to try for a baby. Severus Snape was a precious sweetheart and he was treating her so special.
Leaning forward, she placed a haste kist against his lips. "I just need you, Sev. Please…whatever you can give, I want it all."
"Aurora…" Cupping her cheeks with both hands, Severus momentarily stilled his movement. Attaching his lips to hers, his kiss was quick as well, pulling back just enough from her face for the man to say, "For you Aurora, I will give you the world and more."
Chuckling, Aurora had to admire his honesty for she knew he was telling the truth. "I don't need the world, I just need you."
Feeling his heartbeat increase, Severus was at a loss for words. Forever would he love this woman in his arms. Forever would he protect her, guide her, simply be by her side. Aurora was his wife and his best friend. Always would he love her.
Needing to continue feeling her, Severus recaptured his thrusts, slightly increasing his speed as he grunted. "I'll give you everything, Aurora. How badly do you want it? Tell me what it is you need."
Arching her hips to meet his every thrust, Aurora could feel herself on the cusp of a wondrous orgasm. Replacing her hands, she wrapped them around her husband's muscled back, fingers clawing in his heated flesh. "Everything, whatever you can give me. I…I feel close!"
Straightening his back, Severus pulled Aurora with them until he had the woman in his lap, legs curled around his waist. Pushing through, Severus thrust upward, his movements forceful but languid. He wanted Aurora to feel every bit of him inside her while wanting to savor the moment and bring it to the cusp in a slow manner. Beads of sweat started to trickle down the side of his face. Seeing this, Aurora swiped at the droplets, kissing the man's cheeks down to his neck. One particular thrust jutted Aurora upward as she bit down on the man's neck, groaning in satisfaction.
"Do that again!"
Following through with the woman's wishes, Severus copied that movement, tightening his thighs in order to drive his cock into her core. Aurora was soaked, as usual, her juices leaking past her walls down onto Severus' thighs, the squelching sound pleasant to both ears knowing she was taking his length as easily as she was accepting it. Needing her lips, Severus slammed his mouth against his wife's, tongue firmly molding with hers. They danced a dance they had created and perfected. This was a rhythm only they knew, a beat that matched the love they held for one another.
Sensing the end, Aurora gasped as her wizard drifted ahead down between them, sneaking his finger straight to her core where he played with her swollen clit. Head falling into the crook of his neck, Aurora choked another gasp, everything within her body tightened as her core exploded unexpectedly. Silently screaming, her body twitched and squirmed, telling Severus she had just orgasmed and was suffering the beautiful aftershocks as he continued to piston his cock deep within.
Feeling the vice grip of her muscles, Severus quicker his pace knowing his impending orgasm was upon him. Watching his wife squirm within his arms was the beautiful image he needed to help achieve his orgasm. Pushing through the last few thrusts, Severus suddenly stilled a vicious roar of a pleasured man caught in his throat as he grunted, hips vibrating intensely.
Expelling his orgasm deep inside his wife, Severus was suddenly overwhelmed with the previous notion that they had agreed to try for a baby. At that moment, the man hoped with hope and wished a wish that his seed would take inside Aurora's womb. He knew it would be nigh impossible to happen this second, and would probably not happen their second or third attempt, but the man still wanted this. He hadn't just agreed to try for a child simply because Aurora had stated she wanted to be a mother. Severus was ready to take that next step.
He wanted to be a father.
He wanted to raise his child with Aurora by his side. He wanted to wake up every morning knowing his child was happy and healthy while going to sleep every night knowing that he had created this happiness for himself.
"…thank you."
Pulled from his reverie, Severus pulled his chest away slightly from his wife to peer down, noticing that she had several tears falling. Thumbs curving against her cheeks to wipe them away, Severus dropped a kiss to her lips. "Whatever for?"
"Everything and nothing at the same time. I'm just…" She sighed, relaxing into the man, the one place where she felt safe. "I'm so thankful to have a loving husband like you in my life."
Breath quickly escaping from his chest, Severus was unexpectedly caught off guard. He'd heard Aurora mention such words in the past, but considering the conversation they had prior to their intimacy, the man was left feeling warm. He believed every single word Aurora ever told him but it was different at the moment. Right then and there, Severus Tobias Snape was content and happy and loved.
It was everything he had wanted in his life.
Taking this moment to just feel, Severus gently lifted Aurora from his lap, pulling his softened state out before he lay her against the pillows, soon joining her as he held her close to his still ever-beating heart. Head against his chest, Aurora sighed, content with the moment, pleasured beyond belief.
Holding the woman in his arms, Severus felt relaxed. It was like this any and every time the two became intimate. He could forget about his worries, the students, and all his responsibilities. Thinking back over the course of the day, Severus realized there was one question he had yet to ask his wife.
"So…" his voice began, slightly nervous to ask his question. "If Poppy was able to denounce that you're not pregnant, was she able to find anything that was wrong?"
"No, she didn't diagnose me with anything. Remember last year when I collapsed from lack of sleep?" The man nodded. "Well, this situation is somewhat similar. Poppy thinks my period being late is natural and I shouldn't worry about that, though the stress I've been feeling could be related to that. With everything else I'm experiencing, she gave me some potions she wants me to take for the next week and see if anything persists."
"Ah, so just like last year, she thinks your symptoms are all physiological?"
"Yes."
"Bloody hell, you dunderhead," Severus groaned, though he tenderly rubbed his head against his wife's. "What am I going to do with you?"
This caused the woman to giggle. "Absolutely nothing because you love me."
"That I do, Aurora," he kissed her temple.
Falling silent, Aurora thought back to the Hospital Wing when Poppy was asking her questions. "I mean, I'm not trying to make excuses, but Poppy questioned me earlier too, acknowledging that I've had a lot of stress placed on my shoulders recently."
"Why would you say that's making an excuse? There has been enough stress on you lately. First, there was Skeeter and her bloody article, then there was the dinner we had at the Malfoy's."
"You can't forget about Harry," she added.
The man quirked an eyebrow. "…and what does Potter have to do with this?"
"Ever since he was chosen as Champion, I've been worried about him partaking in these tasks."
Sighing, Severus grasped the bridge of his nose. "I will never understand the relationship you share with the infamous three."
"And that's ok," Aurora patted his cheek lovingly. "Because you don't have to."
The man huffed. "You are so unbelievably cheeky, you know that?"
Aurora smiled brightly. "You wouldn't have it any other way."
Deciding to hold the woman closer, Severus pulled Aurora tighter into his chest. Sighing, the wizard lowered his head almost in defeat. "Look, you…do and feel however you want, Aurora. I will never understand the relationship you share with Potter, but know that I won't stop it either."
"Not like you could," she said simply, earning yet another huff from the man. "But the sentiment is incredibly sweet and I appreciate it all the same." Kissing his bare chest, Aurora remembered his absence while she was in the Hospital Wing that afternoon. "Hold on, there's something we haven't discussed. Earlier today, what did Albus need you for?"
"Ah, that…" Rubbing his temple, Severus sighed, annoyance dragged from his depths at what he was now supposed to be responsible for. "Hogwart is hosting the Yule Ball this Christmas Eve."
"A Yule Ball? Oh goodness, there hasn't been one at the school in a long time! Not since…"
"Not since your Seventh-Year."
Seemingly shocked, Aurora's mouth fell. "Ah! You remembered?"
"Of course, I remembered," the man answered smugly. "You wore…a gorgeous velvet dress and I so desperately wanted to dance with you that night."
"I thought you said you remembered?"
"Hm?" Severus peered down at the woman, her eyes wide and sparkling.
"After midnight, you snuck me away down to the dungeons and we danced there, well into the night."
Having seemingly forgotten that part of his memory, the moment the words had left Aurora's lips had the man instantly recalling that night. "I…I did honestly forget about that. You were…so unbelievably beautiful that night."
Being his first year as a new professor, Severus had hated the thought of being a chaperone for a mix of teenagers at a silly dance. However, he knew he'd be able to bear that night all because Aurora, in all her wondrous glory, was to be there. She had declined several invitations to attend the ball with another classmate, instead attending with her friends. Her eyes, however, had remained on Severus the entire night, just as he had been staring at her.
He would never forget what she looked like, the dress she bloody wore. Severus remembered lingering outside the Great Hall entrance, ushering students inside so they wouldn't linger. He had just nudged the last Hufflepuff inside when an itch in his abdomen was screaming at the male to glance upward; something inside of him answered the wavering call. Lifting his head, he froze, catching himself as one foot stepped back in denial.
No, not in denial, in utter shock at the young woman who stood before him.
Aurora suddenly appeared underneath the awning that led into the Great Hal entryway. Her hair was delicately pinned on her head with curled strands framing her face. The young female never wore makeup and this night was no different. Even if she decided to wear any, it was very minimal. A small, diamond stud necklace was placed around her throat, introducing the sweetheart neckline of her velvet dress.
Severus remembered his knees weakening at the thought she wore a fucking velvet dress.
It was blue in color, a blue so deep it mirrored the depth of her gorgeous eyes. That moment has lived within the recesses of the wizard's mind as he knew, in that moment, that he loved Aurora and wanted her for himself. But because of their age and placement in the world, they couldn't have each just yet.
However, once the clock struck midnight, that didn't stop the wizard from having her. They snuck away to the courtyard where Severus then whisked her away down to a spare classroom in the dungeons. Having prepared the classroom before the ball even started, the wizard had placed charmed candles everywhere, illuminating the room with a beautiful sunset glow. He had even gone so far as to enchant a record player to sing softly the moment they walked in. They stayed there for hours, dancing to the beautiful recording. By the time their night ended and Christmas morning was upon them, the couple separated, promising each other the first kiss of their relationship.
"Well, then," Aurora's voice brought the man back to the present. "I'll just have to top that dress this year, won't I?"
He tightened his arm around her. "I mean, no offense, but nothing could compare to your wedding dress."
The woman blushed, slightly casting her head into Severus' chest. "There's your mushy side again, I love it."
"Of course you do," he lovingly mocked. "There is one last thing about the ball." She peered back up at the man. "Albus wants all Heads of Houses to teach their students how to dance."
"Ick, that sounds torturous, if I can be honest," she admitted.
"That's why I'm going to ask for your help. Please," The wizard scooted upward until his back was against the headboard. "I admit, I will not be able to manage my Slytherins alone with this matter. Will you help me?"
"Heh, you don't even have to ask me, Severus, of course, I'll help you," she kissed the tip of his nose, causing the man to scrunch his face in annoyance, which, in turn, left Aurora laughing. "With Christmas only a few weeks away, when were you wanting to start these lessons?"
"To be honest, I don't want to do too many lessons, but knowing my Slytherins, one, maybe two lessons tops."
"And you think your Slytherins will learn the appropriate dance in one to two lessons?"
"I doubt all of them will want to participate in the formal dance. Besides, the formal dance is at the beginning of the night, followed by dinner, which is then followed by a performance of the Weird Sisters…so the students won't be exposed to much formal anything, to be honest."
"You're kidding me. Albus booked the Weird Sisters?"
"That's obviously what I just said, Aurora."
"Oh…hush you," she poked him in the chest. "How about we do two weeks before the ball and we'll go from there?"
He kissed her head again. "I think that sounds just fine."
"Then we have a plan.
At that moment, Aurora's stomach rumbled loudly, she sheepishly glanced up at her husband. "Oops."
He squinted his eyes. "…when was the last time you ate?"
"…last night."
Severus sighed, completely exasperated. "Did you intentionally not eat breakfast? I know you slept through lunch, but…ugh…" He tossed the thin blanket aside, and Aurora immediately curled into her husband, the comfortable warmth she had now gone. "Well, as much as I would like to spend the rest of the night, naked, with you, considering your lack of self-care, you need to eat." He stood from the bed and extended his hand for her to take, which she did.
Taking hold of her arms, the moment she was on her feet, Severus couldn't but marvel at the beauty of his wife's body, suddenly feeling the effects.
"You mean we can't stay in bed the whole time? I mean, we still need to practice, don't we?"
The mighty wizard chuckled. "My beautiful wife Aurora, you didn't think we were done, did you?" She quirked an eyebrow as he leaned down, heatedly whispering in her ear. "I plan to ravish you every single moment we have, starting with as soon as we get back from dinner."
~ oOo ~
The following weeks sped by quickly as students and teachers prepared for the end-of-term exams. When two weeks before Christmas Eve was upon everyone's doorstep, Severus sent a notice to all his Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh-Year students that they were to meet in a specific spare classroom in the dungeons the following Saturday, expressly stating that this was not optional. This would be the first, potentially, the only, dance lessons these students would receive. Keeping her word, as she also didn't want to miss such an event, Aurora stood next to Severus at the entrance to the classroom. The wizard merely nodded to his students as the witch actually welcomed all who stepped through the door.
As Aurora had asked Minerva what she had done with her Gryffindors, the witch placed numerous chairs on both sides of the room; one side for the boys and the other for the girls. As they walked in, Aurora directed where they were to go, catching several students sitting where they weren't supposed to be. Once the room had been filled, the two professors stood in the center of the room, making sure they could be seen. Severus cleared his throat, gathering their attention. Aurora had to admit that, despite the Slytherin House being known for their behavioral concerns, they all respected their Head of House.
"I won't sugar coat why I have gathered you all here today. I am very much aware there have been rumors floating throughout the castle about an event that's to happen in the next few weeks." Several hands raised to ask questions, but Severus waved them off. "I don't want to hear what you think it could be because you'll just be wrong. Aurora, would you please?" He gestured for her to speak, wanting her to be a part of this.
Smiling, she nodded as all heads turned to her. She could tell that there were several individuals sneering at her and she had only had to guess the reason why. "This Christmas Eve, Hogwarts, for the first time in over a decade, will host the Yule Ball." Instant murmuring began, heads turning to each other to ask exactly what a Yule Ball was. Opening her mouth to speak, she was overruled when the Slytherins began to speak louder.
That's when Severus stepped in.
"Silence!"
The entire boom instantly fell quiet.
Crossing his arms, the wizard scowled. "I expect better behavior. My wife is taking time out of her Saturday to help so you will listen." That seemed to get the point across but Aurora swore she saw even more nasty looks shooting her way.
"As I was saying, the Yule Ball is typically a yearly tradition here at Hogwarts that occurs on Christmas Eve. Not only is it a dinner, it is also a dance." This earned some squeals of excitement from the girls and audible groans from the boys. "Yes, yes, I'm very aware that some of you are more excited than others, but nonetheless! This is an important event, the last of the year. The reason we're here is because Professor Snape and I are here to teach you how to dance!" She said with a smile.
Before there could be any commotion, Severus stepped forward. "Now, this ball is to be a little different. This event is to celebrate the four Champions for the Triwizard Tournament. So, the ball will start with the formal dance, followed by dinner, which will then be followed by a performance by the Weird Sisters which will be - "
That earned a positive response from the entire group of students.
Shaking his head, the wizard grasped his nose, annoyance creeping up his shoulders. Both he and Aurora raised their hands to halt the student's conversation.
"The reason for today's gathering is to properly teach you the formal dance. I will not…" Severus took several steps forward, eyes narrowed at all students in the room. Even Aurora had to snicker at the uncomfortable looks the students wore. "I will not tolerate disrespect at this event. We are accommodating two other prestigious schools and I will not have the Slytherin House be the laughingstock at the Yule Ball. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Professor Snape," was the unified chorus that echoed across the room.
"Good," Severus stated. "Now, my wife and I are going to demonstrate the proper technique on how to dance with a partner." Unlacing his arms, Severus held out a hand. "Mrs. Snape," he said, just quietly enough.
Aurora took hold of his hand, feeling the stares into her back. "Mr. Snape," she replied softly. Peering around, she said to the room, "Gentlemen, you will take hold of your partner's hand and lead her onto the dance floor. When you're there, you will keep your left hand in hers while your right hand is placed on her waist. Like so," she and Severus faced each other, his left hand holding her right as his other hand lay perfectly still at the dip of her waist. "Ladies, you will then place your left hand on your date's shoulder." She and Severus demonstrated perfectly.
"This is the easy part," Severus commented. "Next comes the actual dance." Waving his hand in the direction across the room, soft music began to play. "As long as you follow the 1-2-3 step rule, this dance is simple." With the music playing, Severus cleared his throat, and the two of them easily began moving their feet.
The married couple had danced a handful of times since their wedding, but nothing like this. Although they followed the beat of the music, the two slowed their movement so all students could see their feet and what they were doing. After a minute or two, Severus increased his speed, a sudden desire to dance with his wife. Catching on fairly quickly, Aurora smiled, following her husband's tempo, up until the man decided to change course and start waltzing around the room. Now the students were really staring. Some were interested, some were intrigued, while others were disgusted. Aurora couldn't tell if the latter was from their Head of House dancing with his wife or the fact that their Head of House married her specifically. Either way, all that mattered in that brief moment of time was the two of them.
But soon that had to come to an end.
When they finally did stop, they tenderly pulled apart from one another, both crossing their arms as they looked on ahead. Severus was the first to speak.
"Well, we didn't gather here just so you could gawk at us. I want everyone to find a partner and start practicing." There were more groans of annoyance from his Slytherins. When no one moved, Severus sneered, "I'm sorry, I didn't think that was a suggestion, now everybody partner up. You will not leave here today until I see proper etiquette and dancing from everyone in this room."
This time, there was a more collective sigh as the students begrudgingly stood from their comfortable seats. The girls quickly moved to the boys while the boys were slow with their movements. It took some time with the push, and slight encouragement from Severus and Aurora, to partner everyone up with one another. By the time everyone had someone to practice with took nearly ten minutes and Aurora could tell her poor husband was already done with the matter.
With the current situation finally handled, Aurora called everyone to attention, silencing the room. "Ok, now that everyone has a partner, I want everyone to follow my lead. Gentleman, take your lady's hand with your left," she and Severus mirrored the action together once more for everyone to see. "Good, good!" She exclaimed when all the students did exactly what they had done. "Now, ladies, take your spare hand and place it on your partner's shoulder. Gentlemen, your hand will go on her waist."
There were snickers across the room when Severus intervened. "No funny business!"
Once everyone was in the proper stance, the two professors walked around the room, correcting the student's forms. Some understood the assignment while others didn't seem to grasp what they were doing. Severus was more stern with his Slytherins while Aurora was more patient, walking around the room with a smile on her face. Surprisingly, most, if not a majority of the students, smiled at her and thanked the witch for her help. This left Aurora ecstatic. She knew she had a slight bias against the Slytherin House, mainly from her past experiences and the unfortunate stereotypes that fall upon those who are sorted into the darker House. Though, today, Aurora was happily working with these students.
After the initial embarrassment, the students were more open with their dancing, some moving on to the actual dancing part without the encouragement of their professors. Most importantly, the students seemed to be having fun. The groans of annoyance from earlier soon turned to laughter, and smiles appeared on almost everyone's faces.
After an hour, possibly more, Severus stopped the practice, calling all attention to the center of the room. Next, all students were to form two lines with their partners and they would demonstrate what they learned in front of either Aurora or Severus. Which thus took about another hour. The professors watched every single pair, making sure they had the proper form and how they were dancing. Once either professor felt a pair was on the right track, the students were free to go.
Gradually, the room dwindled as the number of students slowly lowered. When the last pair had been assessed and allowed to leave, the couple leaned against each other and sighed. Smiling up at her husband, Aurora kissed his cheek.
"Now that wasn't so bad, was it?"
The wizard shrugged. "It definitely could have been worse or gone by quicker."
"Yeah, well, two and a half hours isn't bad considering it easily could've been longer."
"Very true," the man sighed again. Pulling his wife into his arms, Severus kissed the top of her head. "I am…sincerely grateful for your help this afternoon. Though they were decently behaved, I could not have done this without you."
She giggled. "You are so very welcome, handsome." Taking a glance at her watch, she noticed lunch was about to begin. "I'd say we timed that fairly well! Lunch should be served soon."
"Would you like to eat in the Great Hall or would you like - ?"
The door to the spare classroom suddenly opened and a Slytherin head poked through the open doorway. Severus and Aurora stepped slightly away from each other as the student entered the room, followed by two other students. They were all Sixth-Year students. The one who opened the door walked forward while the others stayed right behind her.
"Ms. Anderson," Severus called out, arms crossed. "You've already been dismissed. What is it?"
"W-Well," She said confidently, though she slightly stuttered. "My friends and I, we just…" She looked back at those behind her who then moved beside her.
Severus sighed, about to bark at his Slytherins when Aurora gently placed a hand on his arm to halt his unnecessary attitude. "Come now ladies, what can we help you with? Surely you all are hungry for lunch?"
Ms. Carol opened her mouth next. "We all wanted to say…" She peered at her friends who smiled.
"CONGRATULATIONS!"
Blinking, Aurora and Severus stared at one another, the wizard quickly asking, "C-Congratulations on what?"
"Goodness Professor Snape!" Ms. Anderson said, almost exasperated. "On your marriage, of course!"
Aurora blinked, seemingly confused for a moment but then she smiled. It had been several weeks since their marriage had been released to the public, but no students had offered their support since the article. She didn't, and wasn't expecting, any students to be vocal towards them about their marriage.
Clasping her hands, she smiled brightly. "Oh my goodness, you guys! That is so incredibly sweet!"
Another girl, Ms. Claire, pulled something from behind her back and presented it to the two professors. Reaching to grasp it, Aurora realized it was a homemade card. She held one edge as Severus took the other. The student that handed it to her said, "Um, there have been some rumors around the c-castle, and w-we, well…"
Ms. Carol finished for her friend. "A lot of what people have to say are Slytherins and we don't like what they've said!" She genuinely seemed flustered, catching Severus off guard. "We know it has been a while since that article was published in the Prophet, but we still wanted to do something nice. You two are our favorite professors so we were really happy when you learned you two had married each other!"
This had Aurora smiling so widely that her cheeks were getting sore. Wiping at the corner of her eyes, the witch could feel the tears building up. She knew there had been rumors about her and Severus and she had a feeling that most were coming from the Slytherins, as unfortunate as that was. Handing the card to her husband, Aurora engulfed the three students into a giant hug. Their kindness was just what the witch needed. She thought back to a few weeks ago when Ron and Harry had suddenly visited, albeit rather rudely. No other students had mentioned her marriage to her face. Pulling back, Aurora still found herself smiling; at this point, she didn't think she'd stop.
"This was absolutely sweet from the lot of you!"
Beside her, Severus nodded, and the tiniest hint of a smile ghosted his lips. The girls must've noticed because their cheeks began to burn red as they erupted in a fit of giggles. "I must concur with my wife," Severus said. "We are very appreciative of this gift."
"Y-You're welcome!" Ms. Claire stumbled, though she was beaming.
"Well, we don't want to keep you!" Ms. Anderson said. "Don't stop being our favorite professors!" They all waved, quickly exiting the classroom just as quickly as they had entered.
Positively taken back, Aurora turned to her husband who was staring at the card. On the front were numerous hearts with two hand-drawn portraits of both of them, which caught the wizard off guard with how well-drawn each image was. Opening the cover, the inside was written, "Congratulations on your wedding! Always stay magical!" And just as they opened the card, red hearts floated out of the card, floating to the ground where they popped into bubbles.
"Oh my goodness, that was incredibly sweet of those girls!" Aurora cried.
"That's the third time you've said what they did was sweet."
"What else am I supposed to say?" Aurora cried as she laughed. "It was sweet of them because they did not have to do anything at all!"
Chuckling, Severus nodded in agreement. "I must admit the same. That group of girls are some of the kindest Slytherins I have in my House."
"Considering they're in my N.E.W.T.S. class, I've known that," Aurora offered. Holding the card to her chest, she said, "This is so going on our kitchen counter!"
Her words had the wizard chuckling again, "Then how about we go place it there before heading to get some lunch?"
"Now that sounds like a plan. I could really eat a sandwich. Plus, Merlin and Sapphire need their lunch too."
"And we can't forget about your fur babies, now can we?" Severus held the door open as they left the classroom, heading in the direction of their chambers.
"I mean, yes, but Severus," she turned and patted his cheek. "We're married now so that means they're your fur babies now, too."
"Lovely," he said, with a voice full of mock annoyance, though his smirk said otherwise.
"Think of it this way," she said as they rounded the corner. "This could be practice for when we have babies of our own."
Smiling so handsomely, Severus stopped them right outside their chambers. Placing a warm hand against her lower abdomen, he asked, "No chance of that happening any time soon, is there?"
Aurora instantly shook her head though she covered his hand with hers. "Not just yet," she replied sadly, yet still full of hope. "Even if it is, it's too soon to tell. But we shouldn't be dissuaded, this might take time. I didn't think it would happen this quickly after only a few tries."
"Practice can make perfect, though, right?" The man smirked devilishly.
"Oh hush, you evil, evil man, you," Aurora jokingly shoved house shoulder with hers.
Whispering the password, their portrait opened; Severus held his hand out for his wife to enter first. Nodding, the woman stepped forward, but the moment she was barely in the entryway when she froze, her head swiveled around the room, gazing at the unexpected sight before her.
The lighting had been dimmed, a soft fire glowed in the fireplace. And floating candles across the entire room. The sight before Aurora reminded the woman of the night Severus proposed at the astronomy tower. Transported back to that night, Aurora was just as bewildered now as she was back then.
"Severus, what is…?" Turning to face her husband, the witch turned, taking a step back when she acknowledged the man before her.
He stood with a gentle smile on his face, a small bouquet of hellebores in his hand.
Taking a step forward, Aurora reached out and gently touched the petals of the flowers, leaning forward to smell their sweet fragrance.
"What…what is this, Sev?" Aurora asked slowly.
"Obviously they're flowers, Aurora, and…they're for you." He nudged the bouquet toward the woman who tenderly took the bundle into her hands, her eyes wide in wonder.
"Severus Tobias Snape…these are so beautiful!" Her mouth fell slightly. "Why do you always one-up me for being romantic?"
"Because you don't need to be romantic for me. You being by my side is…romantic to me. But this," he gestured to the flowers and their current environment. "There's a reason behind all this."
Smiling with admiration in her eyes, she asked softly, "And what would that be?"
Halting for a moment, Severus then placed his hands on hers that were holding the flowers. "Aurora-Nyx Snape," he started slowly. "Will…" He took a deep, calming breath. "Will you be my date to the Yule Ball?"
Though she heard her husband's words, Aurora momentarily froze, mind blank. Despite her brain stopping for several seconds, she found herself saying, "Yes!"
Flowers still in hand, she latched her arms around the man's neck, squealing into his ear. Staying like that for some time, the woman jumped for joy the she took a step back. "Wh-Why did you feel you had to ask me, Sev? I thought it was obvious we were going together?"
Redness coating his cheeks, the mighty wizard tried turning his head away, but Aurora wouldn't let him hide. Taking hold of his chin, the woman slowly had the man turn back to face her.
"I…I wanted to make up for the last time."
Eyebrow quirked, Aurora tilted her head. "And what do you mean by that?"
Swallowing, Severus answered. "Your last year as a student, I…because I was a teacher and you were a student, I couldn't ask you to be my date. So I-I wanted to give you something you were deprived of before."
"Oh, Severus," she tilted his chin and tenderly kissed his lips. "I've said this before and I'll say it again: you are the most thoughtful, the most considerate, the most loving husband I could have ever chosen. I just…I just can't believe you planned something so beautiful just to ask me such a wonderful question."
"Tch," he snapped slightly. "I-I'm none of those things."
"Fucking poppycock!" Placing the flowers on the kitchen counter, Aurora cupped her husband's face. Forcing the man to stare into her eyes, she kissed his nose, wanting to kiss him again and again but she had to knock some common sense into the blubbering fool. "Severus, I don't think you understand how wonderful of a person you are." He tried opening his mouth but she held a finger against his lips. "No, you need to hear this. Everything you do for me is genuine, and considerate, and sweet and it makes me love you more. Not that fact that you do something like this," she waved her hand around the room. "For me, but it's the fact that you want to do these things for me. Please…" She tilted his forehead down to hers. "You need to start loving yourself. It doesn't have to be this moment, but please…if I love you, then you must love yourself."
"But…everything I've done…?" His eyes seemed pained.
"None of that matters. You're trying to atone for that, and that's what matters. For now, let's revel in the fact that, despite being married, you asked me out on a date." She kissed his cheek. "I think we should celebrate."
An eyebrow lifted at her statement, Severus seemed to put the previous conversation on the back burner, if only for the time being.
Biting her lip, the witch gently ran a finger from her wizard's top lip down to the first button of his frock. "Well…I say we work up our appetite by practicing."
"Ah, my little minx. At this point, should it even be called practice when we know what it is we're doing?" The evil man smirked, hand snaking around her waist her grab her taut ass.
"Practice or not, I want you to fuck my brains out," the witch smirked, lips slowly grazed his as she nipped at his chin. "Whether I end up pregnant is more of a bonus at this point."
"Well…" Severus backed the woman until they were in their small living room, the backs of Aurora's knees hitting the edge of the couch. "If I am the loving and considerate man you claim me to be, then how can I refuse my wife's request?"
"See? I told you you were a good man."
"Now you're just saying that because you know I'm about to make you cum at least three times."
"I'll be more impressed if you can do the in ten minutes."
"What will be most impressive is if you'll have the ability to walk down to lunch when I'm done with you."
~ oOo ~
Is that what you guys were expecting? More will come but it will take some time :)
DragonGoddess629