Chapter 17: You Belong With Me
December 1982
After two hours of being in the Granger residence, Severus and Hermione finally bid their goodbyes. Little Hermione would soon wake up and perhaps ask for food.
Severus did not mean to speak to any of Hermione's family. But he was feeling very lonely that day. He had not heard from his witch, so he thought of visiting the younger version of her, just to make sure nothing happened. It was easy for him to locate the house. He remembered one of Hermione's stories when things were still smooth between them. She had told him about her parents' dental practice, the neighbourhood where she grew up, and even her family's favourite bookstore.
He went to a Muggle convenience store, thinking of buying cigarettes, but then decided against it in the end. Instead, he bought a packet of chewing gum. At the counter, he stood after a man the cashier called Dr Granger and Severus thought it was Hermione's father. Severus bought the Muggle newspaper and sat on a bench outside the store for a couple of minutes. He didn't find something interesting in the Muggle news, so he left.
When he passed by the Granger residence, he saw little Hermione playing alone, and then she was suddenly flying up to the tree. She called for her father to help her get down. She was already crying. Her father seemed to be in the bathroom (Severus heard the shower and flushing of the toilet) and did not hear her immediately. Little Hermione panicked, and she fell off the tree. She landed on the pavement and what would Severus do? That was an innocent child and his future wife, so he quickly helped her. Unluckily for him, William Granger, Hermione's father, recognized him from the convenience store and knew that he wasn't from the neighbourhood, so he accused him of spying on them. Severus insisted that he could help Hermione and there was no need to call for an ambulance. He said that his potions would help her recover faster. He was already waving his wand over Hermione to stop her from bleeding, so William just watched him heal Hermione. Then, he called his wife who was at a bookstore – their favourite bookstore. Coincidentally, Hermione – his witch – was there.
Adult Hermione had no choice but to confess that she had traveled back in time. She said she did not mean to bump into Helen Granger. She explained that she must not be seen by little Hermione, for she had no recollection of seeing an adult version of herself, or someone called Hermione Puckle. She also had no recollection of meeting Severus Snape prior to Hogwarts.
Helen Granger believed her right away, and the older woman pulled his witch into an embrace. She doted on Hermione – and told her that she turned into a beautiful young woman, to which Severus openly agreed.
Hermione's father, on the other hand, was quiet, but Hermione clearly longed for him, so they hugged, too, in the end.
"If there's anything you need, especially for Hermione, please don't hesitate to contact us," Severus offered and gave them his address at Spinner's End.
With one final goodbye, he and Hermione left. Outside the residence, Hermione hugged him all of a sudden. "Thank you for saving me," she whispered.
He instantly returned the hug. Who was he to deny her? He had longed for this moment. He kissed her crown. "Anything for you, darling."
She smiled at him, and for the first time in what seemed like forever, he felt hopeful. "I'm famished. Care to join me for early dinner?" she asked.
"It'd be a great pleasure," he replied with a smile.
They walked together, hand-in-hand. He did not know where they were heading, but he allowed Hermione to lead the way. He did not suggest Apparating because he was enjoying walking with her, holding her hand. Hermione looked happy and contented. They walked for a good twenty minutes before they reached a modest-looking restaurant.
They found a booth and they sat across from each other. After ordering food, Hermione turned to him with a smile. "How have you been?" she asked.
"Lonely without you," he admitted with a small smile.
"I'm sorry…"
He shook his head slowly. "There is no need to apologize, love. I was at fault."
"Me, too." Severus could see the regretful look on her beautiful face. "I… It's nice bumping into you today. Unexpected. But a pleasant surprise."
"You have no idea how glad I am to hear that," he beamed, reaching for her hand and kissing her knuckles.
"Maybe we should do this more often," she suggested when he placed her hand back on the table.
"I would not oppose that, darling. I'll tell my employer that I have to leave the castle on weekends," he grinned.
Hermione chuckled. "Not every weekend, silly. You cannot let your Slytherins be on their own on weekends. But a lunch out or dinner date once a week or every other week would be nice."
He nodded with a smile, squeezing her hand affectionately. "I would love that."
When their food arrived, they ate comfortably and talked about the kinds of dishes Hermione longed to eat when she was on the run; how she, Harry, and Ron ate different Muggle brands of potato crisps every single day for two weeks when she was finally living in a proper house and no longer worried of her own safety.
"Where did you live?"
"At first, we lived at Number 12 Grimmauld Place… The house Harry inherited from Sirius Black," she said casually. "But when I finally returned to Hogwarts, Harry and Ron rented a flat near Diagon Alley. After Hogwarts, Ginny and I wanted to rent a flat, but we could not afford it yet, so Molly suggested staying at the Weasley residence in the meantime. She and Arthur were the only inhabitants, that's why." Hermione sighed and she looked sad. "I guess, when I return, I no longer need to find a flat for me and Ginny."
Severus squeezed her hand. He did not have the heart to say that maybe she and Ginny would not be friends anymore because of the years that passed. He did not want to upset her even more. "That's right. Because you'll be living with me," he said with a wink that made Hermione giggle.
"I would like to hang out with you some more if you don't mind. Do you have to go back to Hogwarts?"
His heart warmed. Hermione did not want their night to end just yet. "Unfortunately, I do. The headmaster is expecting me to return two hours before midnight."
"We still have more time, then," she smiled.
"What would you like to do?"
"Would you mind if we go to the movies?" she asked, looking hopeful.
"Oh, darling. You know that I would give anything for you," he said affectionately.
He was not fond of watching movies, but he could not say he did not like it. It was one of the good things in the Muggle world, Severus decided. He had let Hermione choose the film, and he was not surprised when she bought two tickets for a historical drama. Inside the movie theatre, Hermione snuggled into him. Of course, he welcomed her in his open arms and played with her curls while trying to watch the movie. His witch seemed focused on the storyline, and she even reacted – laughed, cursed, and cringed – at the different scenes while in his arms. Two hours later, they were emerging from the movie theatre, and walking to the Apparition point. Hermione was bidding him goodbye.
"Uh, Sev… Could I ask one last favour?" she asked bashfully. She was standing in front of him at the Apparition point.
"Anything for you, angel," he said solemnly.
She peered at him. "Meet you after an hour at Spinner's End before you return to Hogwarts?"
He nodded in affirmation. "I'll see you again in an hour, angel."
.
Hermione was making a very big decision in her life. Nothing was set in stone, she knew. But for her, since she seemed to be in a time loop, why should she delay the inevitable? Would that just be wasting time? She and Sev would have more than ten years to get to know each other better. She could also tell he loved her, no matter what they really knew of each other's past. Hermione believed Alona and Kingsley, too, that Severus had never courted any witch in the past. She was his first.
And truth be told, she wanted to be the only one. His first and last.
When she arrived at her flat, she packed her clothes with a wave of her wand. While she still had her beaded bag with the Undetectable Extension charm, she wouldn't put all of her things in there because she wouldn't punish herself for searching the bag for a few minutes for every single thing she needed. Therefore, she only kept her old things in the beaded bag. She transfigured a small bag into a suitcase and placed all of her daily clothes there. She could come back for her books and other things. She still had until the end of the month in the flat.
When she was done packing her clothes and toiletries, she grabbed her suitcase and appeared at Severus's doorstep.
Knowing he was inside, she knocked. He opened the door only after a few seconds. She peered at him, biting her lower lip.
What would he think of this decision I made? She thought.
Severus looked at her curiously, and then he noticed the suitcase she was holding. He looked at her again in awe, and she just smiled bashfully.
Severus smiled affectionately and grabbed the suitcase from her. With his free hand, he held her hand and pulled her inside. He kicked the door close, put down the suitcase on the floor, and held her by the waist with his two hands gently, before kissing her passionately.
.
In the morning, though Hermione woke up alone in bed, she felt happier than the past few days. Severus could not spend the night in his childhood home because Dumbledore was expecting him to return last night and do the rounds before midnight. He told her that if she needed anything, she was welcome to Floo to his private chambers at Hogwarts anytime.
Hermione assured him that she would do so, but she thought she would be fine on her first official night in his home.
Severus kissed her passionately last night. She could feel his longing, his desire, and his love for her. She returned his fervent kiss. However, he did not rush her. He told her that they would do everything at her pace. He wouldn't do anything until she made the first move, except for kisses.
Hermione smiled at the memory of last night's events. She also nuzzled the pillow and sheets. She was in his bed. In his room. She was almost ready to belong to him. Almost.
For now, she was enjoying their rekindling of romance.
But I guess once I start dragging him into the bedroom, there'd be no way to stop him, she giggled.
.
Severus hated the headmaster, his fellow teachers, and the entire Hogwarts population right now, more than ever.
Hermione, his witch, moved in last night. It was a very welcoming surprise. A pleasant one, he would say. He was over the moon that he thought if he would try the Patronus Charm today, he would be able to cast a corporeal Patronus.
His witch finally moved in. Finally in his bed, in his house. It wouldn't be long until she took his surname, he was sure.
He wanted to pay her a visit – cook her some breakfast, help her rearrange things at home, and do all the mundane things he would not mind doing as long as she was around.
But instead of being at home with Hermione, he was stuck in his potions laboratory, brewing possible cures for a hex invented by a student in the N.E.W.T. level of Defence Against the Dark Arts.
Filius was also stuck in the library, scouring every book for a possible counter-spell. Only Merlin knew what Minerva and Pomona were doing right now, but he hated them all at the moment. His schedule and workload would not allow her to meet Hermione today, Sunday.
They had been communicating through their wristwatches, but it was not enough.
Hermione: I am doing well and feeling at home. How are you?
Severus: I fucking hate all of them. I could not even drop by to visit you.
Hermione: Be patient, my love, and when the time is right, fate will reward you.
The only reward he wanted was for Hermione to agree to marry him.
.
On the last day of classes, Severus joined his fellow staff members in the staff room for a meeting with the headmaster. He was itching for the day to end. Tomorrow, the students were going to board Hogwarts Express to return to their families for the winter holidays. And after that, he could finally see Hermione after six bloody days.
No, he wasn't expecting sex, but he wanted to hug and kiss her. He wanted to hear her voice, her laughter, see her smiling directly at him, flirting with him. He wanted to watch her work around their kitchen or sit at the counter while he made her breakfast.
Hermione knew that she could Floo into his private quarters at Hogwarts anytime. But she did not. Severus thought she wasn't ready. He promised they would do everything at her pace, so if she was not comfortable yet visiting him at Hogwarts, then, he had no problems with that. For Hermione and Hermione alone, he could be patient. His colleagues were exiting the staff room when his wristwatch warmed. He checked the message from Hermione.
Hermione: Are you coming home tonight?
Severus: Sorry, angel. I have to stay here tonight.
Severus: I'll be home tomorrow after the students leave for winter hols.
Hermione: Okay.
He sighed, knowing she was frustrated. He was really blaming Dumbledore now.
Severus: Floo if you need anything. I love you.
Hermione: I love you, too.
.
Hermione could not sleep. She had expected Severus to Floo, even for a quick visit. Surely, he could have ten minutes of free time. But then again, she might just hold him back when he popped in for a quick visit. He might return to Hogwarts late because of her.
Severus had been doing anything to please her. Perhaps, it was time to give him something in return.
She turned to the wall clock. It was a little before two in the morning. Severus said good night an hour ago. Maybe he was too exhausted.
Making up her mind, she pulled on a robe over her black chemise nightgown. She grabbed her wand, the only thing she would need, and went downstairs. She made sure that the house was warded and protected before Flooing to Severus's private quarters.
When she stepped out of the fireplace, she was greeted by darkness.
"Lumos," she whispered.
Using her wand's light, she scanned the room. There was a massive four-poster bed in the centre of the room, and she could see Sev's sleeping figure. She took a few steps to the bed to take a good look at him. Sev was sleeping on his back in the middle of the bed, his chest was bare, and a green sheet was covering his waist.
"Nox." She put her wand on the bedside table, next to his wand, and sat on the edge of the bed, removing her robe and the sheet from Severus's body. She found him naked, and that sent a tingling sensation to her core. She lay beside him, her head propped on one hand. She leaned to pepper his face with gentle kisses before wrapping her free hand around his waist and kissing him on the lips. "I love you, Severus Snape," she whispered.
His eyes popped open, and one hand gripped her arm that was around her waist. "Hermione?" he asked sleepily.
"Were you expecting someone else?" she smirked, running her free hand on his abdomen, and then eventually stroking his member.
Severus reached for her face and touched her cheek gently. "You're here…"
"Yes. I'm ready. I'm all in," she whispered. "I'm done sleeping without you by my side."
She saw his Adam's apple bob. "This better not be a dream."
"Oh, I'll show you this isn't a dream," she said sneakily and moved to kneel between his legs. She ran her hands on his thighs, before leaning forward to take his growing erection into his mouth without the help of her hands. She sucked him, rolled her tongue at his tip, and bobbed her head. Sev's hands held her curls and followed the movement of her head while he was groaning, moaning, and making other sounds that turned her on. When he was coming, Hermione unlatched from his member and instead stroked him, making her one hand wet.
After his climax, Sev reached for his wand and cast a cleaning charm on the two of them. She crawled to return to his side. He instantly pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. "Amazing, my love," he whispered to her fondly. "You are truly amazing."
She looked up at him with an ear-to-ear smile. "It seems that you are very easy to please," she teased.
He smiled and caressed her face. "Whatever you do for me makes me happy."
"I'm glad." She rested her hand on his chest again and wrapped an arm around his waist, but Sev cupped her face.
"Look at me, love."
She rested her head on the pillow next to his and met his eyes. "Yeah?"
"Do you mean what you said earlier?"
"That I'm done sleeping alone at night? Yes. I'm all in," she confessed. "I can't bear another day without seeing you."
"Oh, thank Salazar," he sighed in relief and kissed the tip of her nose. "You know what that statement entails. You belong with me now, Hermione."
"That's what I want," she smiled contentedly.
Severus raised his hand and a few seconds later, a small thing was zooming towards them. Hermione was utterly impressed by his wandless and non-verbal magic.
She cast Lumos using her wand to look at what Severus was now holding. It was a small velvet box. Severus opened it and removed the diamond ring sitting inside. He turned to her. "Make me the happiest man on Earth, Hermione. If you would please marry me," he said affectionately.
She gave him an equally affectionate smile. "Yes."
Sev slipped the ring on her left finger and gave her a chaste, yet sweet kiss to seal the deal.