Chapter 10: One Granger, Two Granger, Three Granger

He rubbed absentmindedly at her ankle as he read the parchment. The horrible translation was giving him a headache. He wished he had not offered to help the Bulgarian scholar.

The previous night he had arrived at the homestead of the Granger's and had been glad to see that Hermione was happy to see him; She was house-sitting and caring for the Granger tabby whilst her parents were away. Since Severus' arrival, the white tabby had taken a liking to the Potions Master - wandering around behind him through the house, and rubbing up against his bare ankles at every chance the small cat got.

He looked over at Hermione. She was seated at the other end of the settee, her leg extended over his. And, the book on her chest, her eyes closed, and a small smile plastered on her face.

As of late their real lives were imposing upon their personal arrangements. They had not had the chance to meet for several weeks, and over the last couple of months, Severus and Hermione had only wrangled a few stolen hours. He smiled towards her; he was glad he had escaped to come to her.

'Oie!' He nudged at her ankle.

Her brown eyes fluttered open and she looked over at him.

'Hmm?'

'I thought you were meant to be doing work.'

'It is a little difficult to do work -'

'Oh?'

'- when you rub, just there, just so..' Her voice trailed off as his fingers continued rubbing gently against her again.

'Like this?'

'Mhmm…'

He grinned to himself. Her eyes had closed again. She melted into the couch at his touch. With his free hand, he wandlessly levitated the items scattered amongst their laps and the rest of the settee to the small coffee table. And, then both hands set to work.

Hermione remained silent for some time, speaking up only to utter, 'Harder.'

He complied. The rain continued to pour down outside. The pitter, patter echoed through the house. Severus rose up and moved across the settee. Lying above her, he leisurely kissed her, their lips brushing and meeting softly, lightly, wantonly. An arm resting against the side of her head let his fingers move through her hair, massaging her scalp lightly in circular motions. His other hand sliding freely under her skirt traversed the skin between the crook of her knee and the jut of her hip. Squeezing and gripping at her as his hand traveled languidly along her supple skin.

She wound her leg against his hip, pulling him hard against her. The fabric of his pants brushed against her skin, and his hardening bulge pressed into her thigh. Her hands had already begun marching down his shirt, her fingers brushing and pressing against the exposed skin as she unbuttoned.

So consumed with one another, neither heard the small black cab that pulled up just outside the house on the street. Nor did they take note of the two doors that shut with an audible thud, which was soon followed by a similar noise echoing from the boot. It was when the key turned in the lock that the two lovers paused, stunned, listening for the noise coming from a mere few meters away.

It happened fast. The door swung open and Hermione and Severus were on their feet. Both dressed quickly, thanks to wandless magic, as they wands zipped from the small coffee table into their respective hands. Into the foyer stepped Adam and Jane Granger, bags in hand.

The Grangers were greeted by the witch and the wizard armed with their wands ready. It was a moment still before both lowered their hands.

And not a moment after that, Hermione had rushed around the settee to properly greet her parents.

'I thought you weren't back until tomorrow evening.'

'Your father feigned illness to get out of having dinner with Walsh and Devonport.'

'I did no such thing, Jane.'

'Oh, pish-posh.'

'I actually did feel ill-' he grinned slyly at Hermione before continuing, 'Walsh's theory on tartar control and sugar water is ludicrous.'

'You have a guest, pumpkin,' Jane Granger drawing her attention back to the stranger in her home.

All eyes turned to Severus.

'I'll be on my way. Hermione. Mr. and Mrs. Granger,' he spoke as he was already gathering his parchments.

'Nonsense,' Jane Granger turned to her husband, 'Adam put those bags away and I'll set the table for dinner.'

Then she turned to Severus, 'And, you will have to join us.'

Her smile was genuine.

'Thank you, but I must be on my way.'

'Severus-'

'Nonsense my boy. We stopped at Mi Chongs', and the little lady went a little overboard. You will sit, tell us about yourself and we will eat some spring rolls.'

Severus glanced at Hermione. She smiled nervously at him.

Sighing quietly, he resigned, 'Yes, spring rolls sound lovely.'

'Good, good. It isn't every day we get to meet Hermione's boyfriend.'

'I'm not her boyfriend—' 'He's not my boyfriend—' Both Severus and Hermione spoke up at once.

Looking between the pair, Adam Granger did not try to hide his smile, and picking up the bags he headed towards the stairs.

Moving to action, the Potions Master moved to assist him, gaining himself an appreciative smile.

'Jane, see if there is white in the fridge,' Adam bellowed towards the kitchen, 'Or else we can grab the Merlot.'

Severus silently followed Adam Granger up the stairs. Looking back over his shoulder he caught the brief appreciative smile Hermione sent his way before she disappeared through the archway to join her mother in the kitchen.

A/N: Reviews, om nom nom

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