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Unquestionable Love	By : CRMediaGal Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 3380 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is copyrighted to and belongs to JK Rowling. I own none of her associated characters. New characters belong to me. No money/profit is made from this story.

Chapter List
- 19
- 20
- 21
A/N: A smut chapter that probably isn't nearly as sexy as what most SSHG readers are used to, but hopefully someone will still enjoy it, nevertheless...

Many thanks to my wonderful beta reader, Brittny.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is copyrighted to and belongs to JK Rowling. I own none of her associated characters. New characters belong to me.

Chapter 20: An Act of Love

"Severus?"

Hermione entered her husband's office, surprised that he had left the door unprotected by some kind of defense charm, allowing her to pass through with ease. Over the years, the bright witch had grown accustomed to using her wand to gain access. Severus was always very protective and private at Hogwarts, even now, so finding the place unlocked was perplexing, indeed.

I hope he's all right, Hermione reflected nervously. I've had enough suspense and terror for one day...

Hermione searched the dimly lit office and, though a little surprised to find it deserted, had an inkling where she might—hoped, rather—find her husband. She strode off towards the Slytherin's private quarters as fast as she could.

It was now seven o'clock and her daughters were already gathered in the Great Hall for dinner, along with Harry and Ginny, Ron and Lavender, and Neville and Luna, who had shown up late to the match as usual, no doubt having been distracted by something along the way. Though still quite shaken by the day's events, Lily and Surina were in relatively cheerful spirits as they chatted with Hermione's closest friends, Albus, James, Hugo, and the others. Hermione could tell all the adults wanted to discuss what had happened, but now was simply not the time. Not with all the children about, having a great time and chatting away happily.

Although Jeannie still occasionally whimpered for her father—something that puzzled Hermione—she had calmed down a bit and was thoroughly enjoying the wonderment of Hogwarts castle. She was always giddy and excited to visit the place, no doubt yearning for the time when she, herself, would attend such a magical school.

Though they ended up spending the majority of the day at the Infirmary, Hermione was relieved just to be with her girls, whom she missed terribly. The only person missing from their warm gathering was her enigmatic husband, whom she simply could not get enough of and hated having out of her sight. She no longer cared that her possessiveness earned her much relentless teasing from Severus. She loved him too much and knew that, behind all the poking and provocation, he was exceedingly grateful—not to mention stunned—by her unfailing attention.

Hermione decided to give Severus some much-needed rest while the family enjoyed the rest of their afternoon together. It took plenty of convincing, but still less than what Hermione was accustomed to; she was both relieved and unsettled that he did not put up more of a resistance. The extremely drained look he gave her as he turned away to the dungeons earlier that day was engraved in the back of Hermione's mind, and she grew increasingly eager throughout the afternoon to seek the professor out and make sure he was all right.

After uttering the password to gain access this time, Hermione entered Severus's private quarters, which were engulfed in darkness. Hermione sighed and shook her head. Why did Severus fail to keep the place heated? It drove her insane. She aimed her wand at the fireplace at the far end of the sitting room, which, even in the dark, she knew to be abandoned.

"Incendio!" she uttered, flicking her wand and sending a bright light barreling towards the hearth. A burning fire sprung to life, its warmth immediately permeating the chilly air. Hermione wrapped her arms around herself against the cold and searched for the bedroom door as her eyes adjusted. Once she caught sight of it, she made her way over and quietly opened the door, hoping she did not wake the man she hoped to find inside.

To her alleviation, the bedroom was at least bright enough to make out her surroundings. Another fireplace off to her left was lit and this room was much warmer than the frigid sitting room she had just come from. She tip toed in gradually and shut the door, not wanting to stir Severus, who was asleep in the four-poster bed straight ahead. She could make out his form underneath the covers, as well as his unmistakable black hair, which covered most of his face.

When she reached his side, she peered down at him thoughtfully, reaching out to delicately move a few strands away from his face. She placed them behind his ear and felt the heat of his cheek against her palm.

Hermione let out a sigh of relief as she took in Severus's condition. He looked fairly better than he did earlier that day; his lips were no longer blue and his peaky visage had more color resonating through the normally translucent skin. She noted the nearly empty phials lying on the nightstand next to his wand and gathered that he must have taken the tonics before going to sleep. She knew they helped him immensely, and it angered her whenever he forgot to take them.

Hermione discreetly sat down beside her husband and leaned forward to examine the slumbering wizard more fully, praying he would not wake, on account of being such a light sleeper. Severus stirred a little but continued to sleep, his breathing and rest uninterrupted.

Hermione's genial smile returned and she reached down to lightly brush Severus's forehead. His skin felt a little warm to the touch, but that was not too alarming. She proceeded to stroke Severus's brow for a few more minutes, enjoying the serenity of the moment and the smoothness of the familiar skin she always yearned to touch. Then Severus's eyelids fluttered, suddenly aware of his wife's touch, and, slowly, they opened, squinting to make out her face. Hermione continued what she was doing, not wanting to give up the simple, loving act she savored.

"Hermione?" Severus rasped into the darkness, his head shifting a little against his pillow, though he was hardly awake or alert.

"Hey, you," she replied softly, leaning down to place a tender kiss on his forehead, coaxing him awake with her gentle caress. "How are you feeling?"

Severus let out a low groan in response, seemingly too spent to reply. Hermione inched her face closer to his and laid her free hand on his chest. She lightly shook him, though it did not do much good. Severus kept his eyes closed and shifted his head against the hand that stroked his forehead, not wanting her to stop. Hermione scanned his silhouette another moment before unconsciously moving her hand down to his neck, a sight that routinely made her heart lodge in her throat. The scars from the snake bites all those years ago were still prevalent.

Hermione's fingers unconsciously traced the disfigurements with care. The unnatural craters and dips in the professor's skin were never visible, due to the infamous cravat he wore all day, every day, except when in the company of his family. Even then, however, he loathed when the children stared at the markings because it only led to more questions...

Despite his exhaustion, Severus fought to open his eyes, aware of Hermione's fingers touching his neck, and his black eyebrows came together. He stared up at her questioningly.

"What are you doing?" he sleepily mumbled, stirring Hermione from her fixation on the horrible memory etched on his skin.

"Sorry," she hitched, swallowing hard. "I - I couldn't help myself..."

With one elegant move, Severus whisked Hermione's hand away from his neck and safeguarded it against his head, closing his eyes once more. Hermione's smile faded and she reluctantly prodded his chest again, pressing the dark wizard to stay awake.

"Severus? Are you all right? I just want to be sure and then I'll let you rest."

Severus muttered something that sounded like a "yes," and kept his eyes shut, much to Hermione's disappointment, though her heart ached for what he was going through. It always seemed to get in the way of their time together, more often as of late, but Hermione tried to fight off her selfish thoughts. It hardly seemed fair or appropriate, given the grave circumstances.

Hermione kissed the top of Severus's brow again before moving down to his exposed cheek, pecking it a few times and nuzzling her nose against the warmth of his skin. She lamented the thought of leaving him but knew she had to get back upstairs. This was a weekend that was meant to be spent with her daughters as much as with her husband, and Hermione bemoaned the fact that she was unable to give equal time to both at the present. She rose from the bed with reluctance and turned to leave when she felt her wrist being tugged on ever so gently. She whipped her chestnut curls around to find Severus staring up at her with his infamous raven eyes, his face solemn and poised.

"Don't go," he purred.

Hermione willingly allowed him to pull her back to the bed. "You all right?" she inquired again, her tone slightly alarmed.

Severus nodded before raising himself up to kiss Hermione's lips slowly, deliberately. Hermione felt an unexpected rush course through her at the addictive taste of his mouth and pushed back with equal attentiveness.

Hermione let out a small whimper when Severus suddenly pulled away, resting his head back against his pillow. "Lily," he uttered hoarsely, taking a deep breath, "is she all right?"

Realizing the blatant concern on his face, Hermione tried to offer him a reassuring smile, though the day's disturbing events were still very much on her restless mind. It was part of the reason she had sought Severus out, despite knowing that he needed to rest. It was all too unnerving. Hermione gathered that Severus evidently felt the same, judging by his distraught expression.

"She's all right, sweetheart," Hermione replied, laying her hands on top of his chest again. "Her head still bothers her a bit, and she and Surina are still pretty shook up, but they'll be all right. Lily's out of the Infirmary now. The girls are upstairs having dinner with everyone."

"Thank god..." Severus murmured, his head sinking further into his pillow.

He looked away from his wife and closed his eyes, but Hermione suspected that he was reliving the frightening incident in his mind. She preferred to block it out, but, of course, such a feat was impossible. The image of Lily falling, her body contorting helplessly as she tumbled to the ground, her head smacking against the goal post with a force that left Hermione's stomach in knots... And Surina's broom whizzing this way and that, her Slytherin daughter barely able to maintain a grip and, for a fleeting moment, looking as if she would fall as well... It was all too horrifying and almost surreal in hindsight.

Hermione gulped and attempted to calm her nerves before turning her attention back to her husband, who still had his eyes shut, his pale face calm despite what she suspected was going on in that very active head of his. "Severus?" she breathed, and his eyes fluttered open and towards her again. "What happened today? The Bludger. Surina's broom. It's doesn't make any sense."

Severus scanned her pretty face and took one of her hands into his own, gripping it tight. He let out a prolonged sigh and gave a slight shake of his head.

"I don't know, Hermione. I've been going over the matter for hours."

Hermione's frown deepened. "I thought you were resting, Severus."

The Potions professor snarled in his usual, irritated fashion. "When do I ever sleep for more than a few hours?"

Hermione bit her lip, the worry in her face mounting, but she chose to ignore the unnecessary rift. "You sure it wasn't just a freak accident? We could be reading into this for nothing."

"No," Severus asserted, his figure stirring a little against hers. "It was deliberate, Hermione. Without question. You saw the way Surina's broom was moving. It was perfectly fine until she tried to rescue Lily. It wanted Lily to fall, and I daresay Surina, too."

"But who..." Hermione paused, not really wanting to continue her question, but she forced it out. "Who on earth would want to harm our children, Severus? What have they ever done?"

She inadvertently squeezed Severus's hand tighter, her fingers clasping his black, flannel shirt beneath their intertwined hands. Severus did not flinch or stir, he only stared at her with his intense, stark eyes. They flickered against the light of the flames dancing in the fireplace.

"I can only imagine it's someone from the past... Perhaps yours or mine, though mine would be more likely."

Hermione's eyebrows came together in dismay. "Why do you say that?"

To Hermione's surprise, a smirk formed on Severus's lips and he arched an eyebrow. "Did you know that I was a Death Eater once? That I served the Dark Lord? I thought you were the brightest witch of your age, my dear, or was that all hogwash?"

Hermione slapped her husband on the shoulder with her free hand, staring him down with a deadly scowl. "Shut it!" she warned, partly teasing, though also quite serious.

Severus gave a mocking, smug smile just for her, but Hermione's expression remained sober. "Severus," she uttered faintly, her lips suddenly trembling, "I - I'm frightened..."

With those words, Severus's smile disappeared, replaced by a reserved underlying concern that Hermione picked up on immediately. He reached out and tugged the panic-stricken witch towards him.

"Come here," he spoke softly.

Hermione succumbed without question and willingly laid on top of him, her upper body covering his in an instant. As his hooked nose touched hers, Hermione watched Severus's eyelids shut and his face gently strain upward to feel her lips against his own. Hermione drew in a breath before shoving back, wanting nothing more than to deepen the kiss. Their tongues twined, their lips massaging one another's with vigor. Hermione instinctively removed her hands from Severus's chest and ran them over his pillow before grasping some of his hair. She ran her fingers through it, relishing its thick, coarse texture.

Severus suddenly drew back onto his pillow, needing respite from their unremitting passion. Hermione nuzzled the tip of his nose in response, not at all ready to cease.

"What's the matter, love?"

"Nothing," he answered in a hoarse whisper that made Hermione draw back.

"You sure? Are you all right?"

Severus nodded emphatically, but Hermione drew back further at his labored breathing. His black eyes squinted, taking in the worry on his wife's face, and he fought the exhaustion ravaging his body. He wanted her. He needed her. She would be leaving tomorrow, and it seemed as if they barely had any time together as it was.

"Do you need a moment?" Hermione whispered, her tone serious as she touched his cheek.

Severus's eyes flickered and an unexpected growl erupted from deep inside. He ignored the lack of oxygen in his lungs, and, in one fell swoop, seized Hermione by the arms and heaved the petite woman against him so quickly that she let out a gasp.

"Severus!" she breathed, before bursting into small fits of laughter at his animal-like possessiveness.

"No, I don't need a moment," Severus replied, his upper lip curling in response to her soft cackling. "I need you."

He planted a much firmer kiss on the beautiful Gryffindor's lips this time. Hermione allowed herself to feel his eagerness engulfing her, and a tingling sensation ran from her toes up through her entire body. She let out a moan, which did not escape Severus's ears, and he happily moaned back and tossed her over onto the bed beside him with ease.

Hermione opened her eyes to find her man in black now towering over her, his imperfect, yet tempting, features inches from her own. To her delight, his gentle hands began exploring her exposed skin. She closed her eyes, wanting to savor every moment, every contact of his fingers upon her. She longed for his touch when he was not present, and now he was fulfilling all of her needs without fail.

Hermione's breathing quickened as Severus began kissing her passionately while simultaneously tracing her jaw, then the dip in her neck, spreading his fingers along her collarbone before his index finger reached down to the center of her chest, where the outline of her sweater began. His palm then caressed one of her breasts, tenderly enveloping it with his strong hand. Every move was thoughtful, considerate, and mindful of Hermione's reactions. She treasured her unconventional lover's attentiveness, the way he always seemed to know exactly what she needed. His hands were truly masterful, and Hermione made no objection.

As the expedition continued, Severus never stopped kissing her. When his hand reached her bosom and delicately fondled it, Hermione drew her fingers up and over the firmness of his back underneath his shirt, tracing some of his revealing muscles, his ribcage, and the unusual softness of his skin, which no one would ever suspect the Slytherin to possess but Hermione adored. It all belonged to her.

Severus reached under Hermione's lightweight sweater and massaged her skin, thoroughly investigating the fetching witch that was his, wanting to tease her further as his hand slid further down her stomach. Then he unexpectedly stopped kissing her, much to Hermione's frustration, and she breathed hard. She was about to ask what he was doing when he turned away from her and reached for his wand on the nightstand to remove her clothing. Hermione squeezed his sides and pouted. He gazed at her stunning, heated face questioningly.

"No," she murmured, her soft curls spread out over his pillow as she stared up at him like a goddess. Her cheeks were flushed, clearly enraptured by where they were headed, and an unmistakable hunger was growing in her eyes. Severus felt her dainty hands move along his chest, her warm palms enjoying the rhythm of his uneven, excited breaths. "Don't stop," she implored him, "I want you to do it. Please... Touch me, Severus..."

To Severus's surprise and pleasure, Hermione reached for his outstretched arm and forced it back onto her, guiding it underneath her shirt with care towards the bottom of her stomach, pleading with him silently to continue the direction he was headed. Severus relished how badly Hermione wanted and desired him.

A wicked grin formed on his still weary face, though both decidedly ignored his fatigue. Their needs were far too acute now. He nodded and reached down to suck on her neck. His lips rubbed the skin on her throat, causing her to gasp for air. She instantly grabbed a fist full of his black hair and, in return, nibbled his ear lobe several times. She delighted at feeling his body shake against her in response to her soft flirtations.

Severus moved his lips around her neck and chest, slowly progressing downward. Hermione finally reached down, unable to withstand any more delays, and ripped her sweater up and over her head as Severus continued to caress her skin with his lips. She sat up a bit, fumbling to remove her bra, and tossed it aside in a flash, her eyes pleading with Severus to do the same. He stopped and gazed down at the ravishing beauty underneath him while she, in turn, examined the flawed, sensual body that was his.

She smiled up at him as she reached up to savor his lips just as lovingly as before. At the same time, Hermione traced her fingers down Severus's chest ever so gradually. Despite the fact that he still had his shirt on, she could feel the shape of his body underneath, and it gave her sweet gratification.

Severus Snape was not a perfect man by any means, but it was exactly those endearing blemishes that Hermione loved. His chest was sturdy but not rock solid, his stomach hardy but not ideal. He had put on a healthy weight gain since the end of the Second Wizarding War and was no longer the extremely thin man he had once been. Hermione did not care either way. Though Severus was now a man in his fifties, he was still physically fit for his age, especially given everything he had been through in his life. Wizard age was not like Muggle age either, and he hardly looked a day older than when she first fell madly in love with him all those years ago. The evident exhaustion he bore was harder and harder to ignore; however, she relished the dark man's physical flaws all the same. They only made him all the more captivating to her, and she did not mind that he did not understand his appeal, or how he drove her completely mad.

Severus's breathing quickened in her mouth once her warm hand reached the center of his pants, her fingers massaging ever so gently, pleading with him for what she wanted. Hermione felt herself shiver at her husband's low groans of contentment, sending sparks through her core. His eyelashes fluttered as they kissed one another with even more excitement than before. She continued to rub her hand tenderly against his shaft, completely enraptured by the faint growls and moans of pleasure that escaped Severus's lips. He, in turn, drew his hands down around Hermione's inner thighs, rubbing and stroking in accordance with her desires.

Neither wanted to stop pleasuring the other, but the physicality of it all—the sheer bliss of each other's touch—was becoming too overwhelming. Severus snatched one of his hands away from Hermione's frame and tried to pull down his pants beneath the covers. Hermione assisted him, no longer able to contain her craving for more. Her need was so dire now that she could scream. Hermione easily removed her pants as well, kicking them in a huff down somewhere near the edge of the bed, underneath the covers.

She grasped Severus again, her lustful eyes boring into his with the utmost intensity. She needed to experience his weight on top of her. She needed him, the man that she loved with every fiber of her being. The lascivious stare Severus returned only made the insatiable urge more dire.

"Oh, please..." she groaned, her inner passions breaking through her sweet exterior. "Severus..."

Severus snarled happily and complied without hesitation. His firm hands clutched her thighs with tremendous force and he pulled her lower body deep onto his. A hard thrust brought them together in an instant of sheer ecstasy, and the two hesitated, their mouths gasping and bodies arching at the act that had finally brought them together as one.

Then they began rocking back and forth in perfect harmony beneath the covers, gradually at first before growing increasingly more desperate. Hermione's arms shot over her head and she gripped the pillow with both hands, biting her lip hard against the cries of elation that wanted to explode from somewhere deep inside her. Severus's face was right beside hers, his breathing accelerating with every pulsating thrust, tickling her cheek each time. She moaned and leaned the weight of her head against his, enjoying his response to being inside her.

As their lovemaking continued, drawing faster and faster towards its peak, Hermione found herself unable to subdue her cries any longer. Her arms shot out and wrapped themselves tight around Severus's back. He could feel her nails digging into his skin. He clutched at the sheets, desperate for something to hold on to as the indescribable waves of passion crashed over him, urging him onward, forward, so much deeper... His entire being groaned in reply, his mind no longer able to suppress his fierce sentiments.

"Oh! Severus!" Hermione exclaimed, letting out one of many intense gasps.

Severus continued to plunge into her, arching his back as his breathing grew ever quicker. "Hermione..." he rasped against her ear, sucking in a heavy breath before the moment came at last.

Their climax exploded—a pinnacle moment of absolute rapture—and the two succumbed to the pounding waves that spilled over them. Their minds and bodies forgot everything as they held and caressed each other for a moment, allowing the ecstasy to fill them up before the wave passed over them, allowing air back into their lungs.

Severus's collapsed on top of Hermione, but she welcomed it with every part of her. She turned her head and affectionately pecked his cheek, rubbing her nose against his skin. Her arms wrapped themselves around his back, half afraid that he would pull away at any second. To her relief, Severus did not move but continued to lie on top of her, his chest heaving against hers.

After a time, he turned to face her and they kissed several more times, reveling in their intimacy before Severus finally threw himself off of her, slumping onto his back at her side. A broad, satisfied grin emerged across Hermione's mouth as she laid one arm across his chest, which was quite warm to the touch. She threw a leg over top of his and cuddled against his perspiring frame. Severus made no objection and, for a while, neither one said anything.

Then Hermione glanced up at Severus, whose face was still ashen and extremely tired. She was relieved to at least see some color in his cheeks again, though it also made her blush a little. She shifted herself closer and pushed her lips against his, taking his jaw in her palm.

"Thank you," she whispered, as she withdrew her mouth from his, surveying Severus with her unfailing love and regard; it was a look which, after so many years, never ceased to amaze him.

Severus exhaled, his arm pressing against her back to bring Hermione as close as possible. She smiled at him with her unyielding affection, and it took him a moment to compose himself.

"No," Severus purred, pecking her forehead lightly before resting his chin on top of her soft curls. "Thank you... For everything..."

His head collapsed onto the pillow they shared, his eyes flickering against the overpowering weariness trickling back into his consciousness and his worn, aching limbs. The change did not escape Hermione's notice. She spread her arm out across his chest to hold him and did not try to coax him from fighting his exhaustion anymore, instead watching with interest as he closed his eyes and reverted from saying another word.

After a few moments of lying in the darkness amidst the permeating heat of the fireplace and that of her husband, Hermione sighed and reluctantly reached for her clothes at the edge of the bed, shuffling underneath the covers before locating their whereabouts. She forced herself out of the cozy, warm sheets and rose from the bed, dressing quickly and fumbling with her long hair as Severus looked on silently.

"Where are you going?" he murmured, causing Hermione to whip her head around in surprise.

"I thought you were asleep!"

Severus rolled his tired eyes dramatically. "When do I ever sleep?"

Hermione's shoulders heaved and she cocked her head to one side, regarding him for a while before she kneeled onto the bed and reached over to kiss his cheek. The mere suppleness of his skin against her lips was intoxicating, and she could not help but yearn for more. Perhaps a second round...

"Well, you have to try," she urged with a gentle smile, looking him over attentively as she always did.

"I'm sorry to not be joining you and the girls for dinner."

Hermione leaned her face into his, nudging his hooked nose. "It's all right, Severus. I can bring you something to eat? For later?"

Severus gave a pacified growl and shook his head. His hand reached out from underneath the covers to stroke Hermione's jawline.

"No," he muttered in his rich, velvety voice, "just bring yourself. I haven't finished devouring you yet."

A/N #2: Another flashback in the next chapter...
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Unquestionable Love