Summary: School ends and a new life begins.
A/N: The end of our little tale. Thank you all for your reading and all the lovely comments and kudos. Keep an eye out for my next fic: Snape's Secret Wife. Should start up next week or the week after. Mwahaha.
Chapter 24
The year had ended, and all the students had finally left the school. Severus was packing away his belongings. Hermione came into the room and stopped short, seeing him gathering his things.
"I can't believe you won't be back next year. It really won't be the same without you teaching here."
He shrugged. "You'll get used to it."
She huffed, causing him to look up at her.
"I meant nothing by that."
She nodded. "So… you'll be spending the summer at Spinner's End?"
"I told you that my plan was a surprise."
"Well, we're leaving. Maybe it would be a good time to tell me what your plan is?"
He smirked. "Where would the fun be in that?"
She sighed, crossed her arms, and wandered over to the magical window. She stared at a selkie swimming by. It stopped and looked at her as if it could see her. Maybe it could. The enchantment on the window was marvelous.
She hadn't heard Severus come up behind her, so she startled slightly when his arms came around her. She leaned back into him and rested her head on his shoulder.
"What's wrong, Hermione? You've been on edge for the last couple of days."
"You're ecstatic to get out of here."
"Well, yes, but that isn't a surprise. I've been grumping about having to teach this year since day one."
She turned in his arms and placed her hands on his chest. "I know, but now it's a reality. Your enthusiasm has been… worrying."
"In what way?" he asked with a concerned look.
She bit her lip, causing Severus to reach up and caress her cheek. "Talk to me," he urged.
"What happens to us, Severus? Are we just done?"
His mouth dropped open, and he gazed at her in amazement. "How could you think that?"
"You haven't said anything about us. I thought…" She looked away. "I didn't know what to think. Your silence made me think that this has all been a lot of fun, but not something you want to pursue away from the school."
Leaning in, he kissed her softly. "You really think that? After everything?"
"I don't know what to think. The last few weeks have been hectic with classes, we haven't spent as much time together… I thought you were trying to let me down easily."
"I thought you knew how I feel about you."
"So did I, but then I got nervous."
"I will never want to be apart from you, love. Always know that."
She gave him a grateful look and kissed his nose. He blushed at her show of affection.
"I want to show you something once I'm done packing."
"What is it?"
"It's part of the surprise I was talking about. Are you all packed and ready?"
"I have a few more things to collect."
"All right. Let's get organized and get out of here, yeah?"
She gave him a curious look. "Where are we going?"
"Part of the surprise," he said as he released her and went back to his bag. She moved to her bag and cast a spell, causing the items in the dresser to pack themselves into it.
There was a knock at the door as they finished up their packing. Severus waved his wand, and the door opened. Minerva came in.
"Hello, Severus, Hermione," she offered.
"Minerva," Severus greeted.
"I just wanted to say goodbye, Severus. I wish you would reconsider coming back next year."
"You couldn't pay me enough to do that, Min, and you know it."
"Pish-posh. Everyone has their price."
"Freedom is my price, and it doesn't mix with teaching here."
"I understand what you're saying. I will just miss you."
Severus looked down at his bag. "I'll miss you, too."
Minerva moved up next to him. "Come here, you."
He gave her a surprised look as she enveloped him in a great bear hug. He was stiff for a moment before his arms came around her, and he returned her hug. She held him for a bit before pulling back.
"Now, don't be a stranger."
"I will come by for lunch… regularly."
"Good! I imagine we'll see a good bit of you with Hermione still teaching here."
"You figured me out," he said drolly.
She laughed at him. "I'm happy that the two of you found each other."
Hermione smiled at her. "Me too."
Minerva turned to leave. "Both of you have a lovely summer. Hermione, I'll see you in August."
"Enjoy your summer, Minerva," Hermione called after her.
The Headmistress disappeared from sight. Hermione turned back to her packing.
"That was nice of her to stop by."
"Yes, it was, especially seeing that they all gave me that insane party the other night."
"Oh, that was fun."
"Yes, but you have to admit that Hooch and Sprout dancing on the tables was mad."
"I'm right with you there. They were hilarious."
She placed the last item into her bag and zipped it shut. Looking up at Severus, she said, "I'm ready."
"Finally! I thought you'd never finish."
"You just finished yourself!" she cried.
He shrugged and grinned at her. "You know I love to give you a hard time."
She rolled her eyes and shook her head at him.
There was another knock at the door. Severus sighed before turning to it and flicking his wand to open it.
"Oh, it's you," he muttered.
"I'll miss you too," Jonathan greeted, a huge grin on his face.
The two men embraced, slapping each other on the back.
"I'm off to visit the family. I'll see you both in August."
"Enjoy your time off," Hermione said as she gave Jonathan a quick hug.
"Oh, I will."
"However will you survive being away from Draco for a couple of months?" Severus asked.
Jonathan grinned wickedly. "He's coming with me."
Hermione smiled. "That's brilliant. You two must be getting serious if you're introducing him to your family."
Jonathan blushed lightly. "Maybe."
"Draco has had a rough time, as you know," Severus told him. "He's worked hard to change himself and his life, and you're a big part of that. I'm glad you make each other happy."
"We are good for one another. Thanks, Severus." Jonathan cleared his throat. "I'll owl you in a few weeks. We can get together once we're bored with our summer."
Severus shook his head while grinning at his friend. "I will be busy all summer. There will be no boredom."
Jonathan winked at Hermione. "Oh, I get it."
"Jonathan… it's time for you to go," Severus said with an eye roll.
"Yeah, yeah. Enjoy your summer, you two," he said as he waved at them and turned, letting himself out.
"I'm going to miss him," Hermione mused as she turned toward her bag.
"Mmm, yes. He's a good friend."
Severus looked around the room.
"I cannot express to you how elated I am that I will never have to return here as a professor again."
She smiled at him. "I'm happy for you, despite knowing I'll miss seeing you here every day."
"Well, hopefully, I have a remedy for that." Picking up his bag, he moved up to her. He extended his arm, and she hooked hers with his. "Ready?" he asked.
"Yes."
He spun them away. They appeared seconds later in front of a small house that had a distinctive Hogsmeade look. Hermione looked around.
"Are we in Hogsmeade?" Hermione asked.
"We are on the outskirts of Hogsmeade. I sold Spinner's End last month and bought this home for the both of us. I hope I wasn't presumptuous in thinking you would live with me."
Hermione gave Severus an incredulous look. "You bought this for us?"
He nodded.
"You want me to live with you?"
"Forever."
Her eyes strayed to the house. It was on the end of a row of similar houses, all with that unique high roof.
"It's beautiful," she whispered.
"Hermione?"
She turned her head back toward him. She still looked a bit shell-shocked.
"I want to be incredibly clear, so you never doubt my intentions again. I love you… eternally. I want to be with you for the rest of my life and into the beyond. I never want to be separated from you. I found this home and thought it would be perfect for us with you teaching at Hogwarts."
She pulled him down to her and kissed him passionately. "I love you…. I love you," she said between kisses. "This is the most wonderful surprise ever," she told him.
"I'm glad you approve. Do you want to see our house?"
She nodded enthusiastically. He grasped her hand and led her to the front door. Tapping the door with his wand, it swung open, revealing the sitting room. Looking back at Hermione, he explained, "The wards are keyed to both of us. You simply need to use the Alohomora spell to gain entry."
Hermione nodded. "Let's go in!"
He grinned at her excitement. "After you."
She entered and looked around. "Oh, Severus, it's perfect."
His arm came around her. "I thought so too. There are three bedrooms upstairs and a finished basement that would make a great lab."
"Brilliant. Just what do you plan to make in this lab of yours?"
"That's the second part of the surprise. I spoke with Arris Sheffield at Dervish and Banges. He's willing to have me sell potions in his shop. I start in a month."
He was assaulted by his lovely witch and deafened by her squeal. "Severus, that's fantastic!"
"I was pleased," he said as his arms surrounded her. "If this goes well, I hope to do the same at Wiseacres in Diagon Alley. I also spoke with Healer Smyth, and he is looking into having me supply some of the potions at the hospital."
"I can't believe you didn't tell me about this before."
"You know my prowess at keeping secrets."
She chuckled, "Yes, but this is good news."
"I wanted all the good news given to you at once, so you'd be overwhelmed."
"Well, your evil plan succeeded. I barely know what to say."
"Are you happy with the house?"
"Absolutely!"
"And you'll live here with me?"
She nodded.
"And you'll help me brew this summer?"
"Ahhh, your ulterior motive in asking me to live with you. Free labor!"
"How did you know?"
"You're devious like that." She looked into his eyes and smiled. "I love you, you know."
"Thank God."
They kissed then. A long languid kiss. Once they pulled apart, Hermione gave him a saucy look.
"I'm excited to start christening all these rooms with expressions of our love for one another."
He arched a brow. "Which room would you like to start with?"
Her eyes drifted to the back of the main room. "I like the looks of that dining room table."
"Your wish is my command." Drawing her to the table, he gave her a smoldering look. "Do you think we can christen all the rooms in one day?"
She grinned at him. "I'm certainly willing to try."
He chuckled as he drew her into the back of the home and ravished her to his heart's content.
The End