26
*******Hermione********
They eventually reached the restaurant and Hermione was happy to find that Vonn and Remus were already sitting at a table waiting for them. Hermione noticed that Teddy wasn't present and Remus informed her that Molly was watching him. "So, I know you just returned from your check up; how'd it go?" Vonn asked as they sat down.
Hermione and Severus shared a look and after his subtle nod, she went ahead and told the good news. "We're having triplets!" She cheered, and giggled at the shock shown on Remus and Vonn's faces.
"Merlin! You two have always been overachievers," Remus teased, still a bit in shock.
Vonn grinned. "Well you're bound to have your hands full for quite some time. But I know if anyone can handle triplets it's you two...and Molly Weasley," she chuckled. "So these babies, are they identical or…?"
Severus shook his head, a ghost of a smile on his face. "No, two boys and one girl. And with any luck they'll all be as beautiful as their mother."
Hermione beamed, "Aww Sev, you are too kind. Besides, you're rather handsome yourself you know?" She replied, pecking his cheek tenderly.
"I never thought I'd see a mushy Severus Snape," Remus remarked, a teasing lilt to his tone.
Vonn swatted his arm playfully and he caught her hand, "Don't tease him, I think it's sweet. With everything that's happened it's nice to know that love can still bloom after tragedy."
Lupin's eyes cut to Vonn's and Hermione noticed he still held her hand, "Yes….you're right. I may not have believed you before, but I'm definitely coming around."
Hermione smiled, "Good. There are many people around here that you love and Teddy. And we're here if you need anything." The conversation hit a lull but by that time a waiter came to take their orders. While they waited for their food, Hermione excused herself to the bathroom and Vonn followed suit. Once they were alone in the bathroom Hermione questioned Vonn. "Was that a moment I witnessed between you and Remus or am I reading things wrong?" She asked from her stall.
Vonn grimaced as she leaned against the sink. "Hmm….I'm not sure. Remus is….reserved. But in the months since the final battle I feel like he's opened up to me. I know he trusts me at least. I have watched Teddy during his transformations. Normally he'd ask Molly, but even he says Teddy has sort of latched onto me."
"Okay….that sounds promising," Hermione replied, flushing the toilet and then coming out to wash her hands. "But what about when you're alone together? Any sparks?"
Vonn shook her head. "It's complicated. There's….there's like a tension between us. There will be times when our hands touch or if I'm over to watch Teddy and our eyes meet, I can feel something there. But part of me wonders if I'm reading too much into things."
Hermione snorted, "Sounds like sexual tension to me. Severus and I did the same dance although our situation was a bit more unique."
"How did you get past it?" Vonn asked.
Hermione grinned. "Well for us, it started with a bath. Severus might have considered it a moment of weakness, but I think it was fate conspiring to get us together. He needed to show a vulnerable side. Even if that simply meant giving into his hidden desires. Perhaps you can suggest something similar? Tell you what, if Molly doesn't want to keep Teddy tomorrow night, we can take him. I want you to be free to seduce that stubborn wolf."
This earned several giggles from her new friend, "I thought we agreed I'd take things slow?"
"Well there's nothing wrong with giving the man a gentle push," Hermione murmured. "Now, I'm not suggesting you do exactly as I have done. Waiting in his bed with a bowl of grapes while wearing lingerie may be a bit much."
"You did that?!" Vonn screeched.
"That and other things," she admitted, chuckling. "The point is, he needs to see you as an object of desire. Or more importantly, that it's okay to want you, because you want him too. If he's anything like Severus, he's holding back. He wants to protect you and himself. This war…it's brought on so much trauma and pain. It's tough, especially for relationships. But it's not impossible. I did a lot of personal soul searching and therapy whilst I was sitting at Severus's bedside and I knew that even if other people couldn't understand or even if they thought our relationship was inappropriate; I didn't care. I know my heart, my mind and for me, loving Severus is more than acceptable. Remus is probably going through that same struggle. Losing Tonks was….well I can only imagine how excruciating that was, is, for him. It could feel inappropriate to now harbor feelings for you. He's ultimately got to choose for himself, but there's nothing wrong with helping him find his answer. Right now, the acceptable boxes he's placed you in are likely just as an auror, a friend and even a babysitter. He needs to see you as a lover."
Vonn's eyes shimmered with hope, "You are so wise and kind, Hermione. That's exactly what I've been thinking this whole time. You know, even I was a bit worried about you and Snape. After all you two have an interesting history, but I think it's plain to anyone who takes the time to really talk to you that you're not going into this blindly. And I'm glad you got some therapy. I encouraged Remus to do the same. I think it helped, but now it's my turn to do my part," she said smiling, "and I think I have just the thing."
*******Severus********
Once the women had left, an awkward silence settled over the table. Finally, Severus broke the tension, "So uh…..I've noticed you spend lots of time with our American witch friend. Something developing between you two?"
The wolf looked rather bashful as he shook his head. "I….no, I don't think so. I mean, come on Severus. I had my shot with Tonks and she gave me a beautiful son. I couldn't ask for more."
"But what if more was offered to you? I know you loved Nymphadora, but do you really think she'd want you alone and unhappy? I think not." Severus countered.
Lupin arched his brow, "Are you really giving me relationship advice Snape?"
The dark wizard chuckled. "I know. It seems surreal even to me, but I don't want you to do something you'll regret. I had a mind to push Hermione away. But I know now how big of a mistake that would have been. I see the way Vonn looks at you, I implore you to seize the opportunity while it remains. I know you love Nymphadora, just as I will always love Lily. But that doesn't mean there isn't room for someone else."
"When did you become so wise my friend?" Remus asked, shaking his head.
Severus sighed, a wistful smile on his face. "The day I opened my eyes and saw love staring back at me." He took a sip of his water before continuing, "As much time as I have spent with wise old Albus Dumbledore, it was a chat with Minerva that had one of the biggest impacts on my life. You know she used to be married right?" At Lupin's nod he went on, "Right, well her husband died early on in their marriage. But she told me the greatest thing she ever experienced was looking into her husband's eyes and having love look back at her. That is what I see when I look into Hermione's eyes. It is the greatest feeling in the world. Do not deny yourself the chance to feel that feeling again."
