Chapter 15: Miss Granger and Me

October 31, 1994

When Severus woke up that morning in his private chambers, he was quite happy because he was greeted by the flowery scent of Hermione and knew that their two children were just next door.

Over the years, Hermione and their children would not usually stay the nights at Hogwarts because Severus wanted to keep things as private as possible. Instead, he would usually Floo to their family residence just before bedtime – after all of his duties for the day as Hogwarts staff and Head of Slytherin House. Then, he got to see his children and read them stories before they all went to bed. In the morning, he would dress up and Floo to Hogwarts again to join the rest of the school population for breakfast. No one, aside from Dumbledore, knew that Severus always went home at night.

However, Hermione offered yesterday that she and the children spend the night in Severus's quarters so that he wouldn't have to hurry home. The impending Triwizard Tournament has made the past few days stressful. Both the staff members and Dumbledore were wrapped up getting things ready for the visitors and the ministry.

In times like this, when something big was going on, Severus felt like he wanted to ask Hermione what would happen, but he knew she didn't want to talk about things she could not prevent from happening. She knew better than to meddle with time, especially since she had been an employee at the Department of Mysteries for many years now.

Therefore, two days ago, when Severus felt a twinge of pain on his forearm where the Dark Mark was, he did not ask why and what she knew. He just told her that he felt a slight burning sensation on his Dark Mark, and Hermione just nodded curtly. Her face was unreadable.

But now, he felt that Hermione was trying to comfort him. She was trying to assure him that she was there for him, no matter what.

"I feel good because you're here," he muttered against the back of his wife's neck. He knew she was already awake because Hermione's sexy ass sought his hardness.

"Hmmm…"

He tightened his hold on her, and he pressed his manhood to her rear. He kissed the back of her neck fervently. He eventually pinned her to the bed and hovered over her to bring their faces together, so he could give her a proper morning kiss. He took his time kissing her. He did not rush. Her presence, scent, and taste soothed him. Being with his wife helped to alleviate all the pain and problems.

He ended up between her legs, licking, sucking, making her scream.

When Hermione was no longer panting, he lay beside her again and pulled her closer. "I love you, wife. How I wish we could stay like this forever." And he kissed her temple.

Hermione turned in his arms and smirked. "But we have to get up soon and work."

He checked the time with a wave of his wand. "Not so soon. We've got an hour," he replied and tossed his wand back to the bedside table. "It feels good not to rush home at night."

"You don't have to rush home. You may stay here on some nights, Severus," she assured him.

"Yes, but I don't want to be apart from my wife… not even a single night."

Hermione chuckled at that, but Severus knew she felt giddy. Even if Hermione was already 33 years old, she still sometimes blushed and felt giddy like a teenager, to Severus's delight.

"Sev, don't be mad at me tonight and at Miss Granger in the coming weeks and months, yeah?" she murmured.

He groaned. "The last time you asked me that was a day before that little Gryffindor ran with Potter and Weasley to the Shrieking Shack."

"I know," Hermione murmured against his chest, holding on to him.

"And the very first time you asked that of me was the morning before she set my robes on fire."

"I know," she sighed. "I'm sorry."

He kissed the top of her head. "Don't be sorry, angel. I knew what I signed up for when we got married, and even before that."

Hermione offered him a small smile. "Best husband ever."

.

Later that night, Severus was fuming when he walked into his private quarters but controlled himself because his little family was seated in the sitting area near the fireplace. Hermione was reading to their two children, but when they heard his footsteps, the two children looked up at him with delight on their faces.

Severus offered them a tired smile and kissed each of their heads.

"How are you doing, children?" he asked them as he sat on the sofa beside Hermione. He greeted his wife with a kiss on the temple and Hermione didn't have the chance to cuddle because Elaine and Bastian were instantly on his lap and side, clinging to him.

"Dad, Lainee beat me in Gobstones again," the youngest pouted.

Elaine smirked, looking proud of herself.

Severus chuckled and ran a hand in his son's hair. "It's all right, son. You're still very young. Practice more and don't lose hope," he said in his most gentle tone.

"But I've got Grandma's skills. I was named after her," Elaine said proudly.

The two children filled him with stories about their round of Gobstones and what other things they did today while he and Hermione were gone for work and the house elves were looking after them.

He sent the children to bed thirty minutes later, and they obliged. The two children kissed him and Hermione good night, and Severus temporarily forgot about his bad day, just seeing his beautiful and sweet children who loved him dearly.

"So, what's gotten your knickers in a twist?" Hermione teased when they were left alone, and the children had gone to the guest rooms.

He stared at the crackling fire in the fireplace a few feet away from him.

"Someone has been stealing in my private stores, and someone out Potter's name in the Goblet of Fire."

Hermione's reply was a sigh. "Does Dumbledore suspect someone?" she asked.

"I've no idea," he admitted. "He is too preoccupied, and he trusts the former Auror with everything." When he turned to face Hermione, he saw her wince.

"It's been more than 15 years for me, and they're happening right now," she muttered. "I have forgotten some details of my Hogwarts years over time, but this year and 1998 have been the most memorable and painful years." Then, Hermione turned her head to meet his gaze. "And I reckon, this will still be painful for me because of what you are about to go through. I'm sorry, love. I wish I could change things."

Severus assured her with a kiss on her temple. He held her in his arms. "I know, angel. I know. Don't fret too much about me. We both know that I will survive this year."

Hermione slapped his chest playfully, making Severus chuckle. "Not only this year, but every year, until this is all over," she promised.

.

December 1994

The night was not yet over. Food and drinks were still being served, and many people were still socializing and dancing in the Great Hall, but Severus did not care for them one bit. His focus was sorely on the witch dancing with him in his private quarters, wearing maroon robes. Her hair was in a slight mess, and she wasn't wearing any makeup. In fact, Hermione smelt smoke because she and the children grilled some fish in the backyard of their family home for dinner.

But Severus wanted to dance, and there was only one witch he would like to dance with. He didn't care if she was wearing her everyday robes. He did not care if she had not showered yet, or the state of her hair.

He just wanted her; wanted to dance with her.

So, he put up some music in his chambers and Flooed home to collect his wife. The children were safe at home, already in bed, and guarded by Severus's Hogwarts elf who could easily alert them if something came up.

"Miss Granger looks beautiful tonight," he commented not unkindly.

"Weren't you jealous when you saw her date?" she teased.

Severus chuckled. "No. Not at all. Is Mr Krum going to treat her with respect all night?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and laughed. "Nothing indecent will ever happen between the two of them tonight. Why? Are you going to defend Miss Granger's honour, if ever?"

"If I have to, why not?" Severu replied a matter-of-factly. "He's not her future husband."

"Well, that's so kind of you, Professor," she grinned.

They danced in a comfortable silence, just looking at each other affectionately. After a few moments, he spoke again. "Why didn't you tell me that night twelve years ago about Krum?"

She shrugged. "He was a Ministry case. If I told you he was a friend, you would have hexed him for just being in my flat."

"Damn right," he agreed. "I didn't know whether to spank you or send you back to your room when I saw you that night."

"You did neither," she teased. "You left me with him."

"Never again, angel," he promised. "Never again."

"I believe you," she replied with a twinkle in her eyes. "Happy anniversary, my dearest husband."

"Happy anniversary, my darling wife." He pulled her closer to him and kissed her passionately.

.

A/N:

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