Chapter 6: Consummation of Marriage

Hermione heard the door creak open and turned to see Professor Snape entering, a tray of food in his hands. He placed it on a small table and looked at her, his face a mask of emotion. Sighing deeply, he asked, "Miss Granger, I think it would be better if I address you as Hermione within the confines of this quarters and whenever we have no audience. Are you OK with it, Hermione?" testing her first name aloud.

Hermione lifted her head and looked at her husband with a hint of surprise at his attempt to be civil with her. She nodded her head and replied, "Sure Se… Severus." She smiled at him briefly, then grimaced a little, and smiled again with more confidence.

Nodding, Snape summoned the plate of sandwiches, offered one to his wife, and he ate the one himself. They ate in silence while adjusting to be in each other's presence. Once a couple of sandwiches vanished from the pile on the plate, Snape moved it to the side table.

He pulled out a vial of potion from his robes and handed it to her. "Contraceptive," he informed.

Hermione drank the offered potion and said, "Thank you."

Nodding his head, Severus sat beside his wife. His mind was a turmoil of conflicting thoughts. He felt disgusted with himself for having to do this, for having to take his student to his bed, for betraying Lily's memory in such a profound way. The image of Lily's vibrant, green eyes haunted him, a constant reminder of his guilt and shame. But he also knew that this was necessary, that their union was crucial for the war effort.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice low and rough. "I know this isn't what you wanted."

Hermione nodded, unable to find words. She appreciated his apology, but it didn't lessen the fear gripping her heart. She is also aware this isn't what he wanted either. She drew comfort and strength from it.

Severus ran his hand along her back slowly, his movements deliberate and controlled. He could see the fear in her eyes and it made him feel even more wretched. "I will not hurt you," he said softly. "If you wish to stop at any moment, we will."

Hermione swallowed hard and nodded again. She appreciated his attempt at reassurance, but the reality of the situation was still daunting. She had no sexual experience, save for a few innocent kisses with Viktor Krum and hopeful glances from Ron. This was uncharted territory for her.

Severus moved closer, his hands trembling slightly as he reached out to touch her cheek. His fingers were cold, but his touch was surprisingly gentle. Hermione closed her eyes, trying to focus on the sensation and not the fear gnawing at her insides.

"I'm ready," she whispered, though she wasn't sure if she truly believed it.

Severus nodded, leaning in to kiss her. His lips were soft but firm, a stark contrast to the rough exterior he usually presented. Hermione responded tentatively, her lips parting slightly as she tried to follow his lead. The kiss deepened, and she felt a strange mix of emotions—fear, excitement, and a burgeoning sense of trust.

They moved slowly, each action deliberate and careful. Severus guided her to the centre of the bed, his hands never leaving her skin. He was acutely aware of her inexperience and his own conflicting emotions. He wanted to be as gentle as possible, to make this as bearable as he could for her.

He took off his robes, vest, shirt, and pants. Observing him, she took off her nightdress. When both are down to their underwear, Severus takes a moment to look into her eyes. He saw the fear there, but also a flicker of determination. He noticed her bravery, even in such a vulnerable moment.

"I'll be gentle," he promised, his voice barely above a whisper. He moved to lie down beside her. She moved nearer to him. He began to run his finger on her exposed skin to give her some time to adjust to his touch.

Taking shallow gasps, she tried to relax, to let go of the fear that was holding her captive. Severus's hands were skilled and patient, his touch soothing as he explored her body. He kissed her lips, moved to her chin, and sucked at the hollow of her throat. Hermione gasped in surprise. He moved to her neck and showered her with gentle kisses.

He moved further down slowly, taking her breasts into his hands, giving her time to adjust to each new sensation. When Hermione gasped in wonder, he unhooked her bra and let the garment hit the floor. He cupped her breasts and ran his fingers on her nipples. When her nipples hardened, he replaced his hand on his left breast with his mouth. He repeated his ministrations with the other breast. She let out a mewled noise. Her sounds are slowly making him hard too. Hermione could feel the proof of it tented in his boxers strained and pressed against her right thigh.

Severus slipped his fingers under her panty band and slowly divested her last piece of clothing. When he moved to remove his boxer, he felt her getting tensed. So, he stopped and started kissing her again. Once, she relaxed, he cupped her mound in one of his hands and slowly pressed her nub. Hermione squeaked and tried to cover herself. He then slipped one of his fingers inside her. This new sensation made her forget everything, that she was naked, or that her professor-cum-husband is touching her there where no one ever did, or that seconds before she was embarrassed.

When he sensed that she is enjoying it, he added another finger and started moving them inside her. She is dripping wet now. He suddenly crossed his fingers inside her, increased the speed, applied some pressure of her g-spot, and she became undone on his hand.

"Jesus Christ!" she exclaimed along with puffs of short breaths.

When she came down from her high, she noticed her husband looking at her with his fingers still inside her. She blushed deeply and her entire body turned crimson. Severus slowly took off his boxers, lay beside her, and pulled her into his body.

Hermione got a clear glimpse of her husband's erect penis when he took off his boxer. She can now feel it pressed into her lower back as Severus held her. Hermione felt a spike of fear at its length. She bit her lip, trying to keep her composure. She slowly turned so that they were facing each other. She moved closer, her breasts pressing against her flat chest.

Gathering her courage, she started kissing him and ran her fingers on his back. Surprised by her initiative, Severus let her take the lead for a few minutes. She kissed his Adam's apple and his chest. She noticed a lot of scars on his body. She felt the sudden urge of kiss each one of them, but, avoided it not knowing if some thing like that would be welcomed by her husband. Instead, she chose to mimic his ministrations and kissed his nipples. She then tilted her head, looking him in the eyes, she whispered, "I am ready."

Severus nodded his understanding and kissed her once again. He slowly positioned them in the centre of the bed and aligned his shaft at the entrance of her core. When the moment came for them to truly unite, he looked at her with concern. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine care.

Hermione nodded, though her heart was racing, both from excitement and trepidation. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Severus entered her slowly and paused as he reached her barrier. He kissed her lips, deepening the kiss, he slowly moved deeper into her claiming her virginity. She felt the sharp pain of the skin tear and a few drops of tears escaped her eyes. He continued kissing her as he settled himself deeply into her. "Tell me when the pain recedes", he said.

"I am OK now," she replied. He kissed her once again and then started moving slowly inside her, his actions gentle and controlled. He could feel her tension and tried to soothe her with gentle kisses and touches. Hermione closed her eyes, focusing on the sensations and trying to relax. It was uncomfortable at first, but as they found a rhythm, the discomfort began to fade.

They moved together, each action measured and deliberate. Severus was acutely aware of her reactions, adjusting his movements to ensure her comfort. Hermione found herself responding to his touch, her anxiety slowly being replaced by a strange sense of connection.

As they reached their climax together, Hermione felt a mix of relief and exhaustion. Severus held her close, his breath coming in soft gasps. He could feel her heart beating rapidly against his chest, a mirror of his own turbulent emotions.

They lay together in silence, the weight of what they had just done settling over them. Severus felt a deep sense of self-loathing, but also a strange sense of duty fulfilled. Hermione clung to him, her mind a whirl of thoughts and emotions.

"We did it," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of relief and uncertainty.

Severus nodded, unable to find words. He held her close, their bodies entwined. A few minutes later, he was about to ask her if she wanted to get into her clothes or use the facilities. He noticed that lying in the cocoon of his body, she drifted off into sleep. He took a deep breath and pulled her closer to him. He felt a sense of protectiveness towards his wife. He pressed a kiss on her forehead and closed his eyes. Soon, he followed her into the world of deep sleep.