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The Headmaster's Wife	By : Mrs_HH Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 96752 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 23
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 25
- 26
- 27
To charm a snake

One Apparition and International Portkey journey later, Hermione felt like her stomach would never be settled again until she looked up at the large 17th century house.

"Where are we?" she asked.

"How's your French?"

"C'est bon. Mais je n'ai pas été en France depuis trois ans. Pourquoi?" Hermione giggled nervously.

For some reason she didn't expect Severus to respond in French. "Tu as deviné où nous sommes, ma chérie ?"

"Vous parlez français?

Severus arched an eyebrow incredulously. "Bien sûr."

"So this is your French estate," she said, trying not to let Severus know she found him speaking French quite arousing.

Severus put his arm around her as they walked up through the ornamental garden towards the house. "Well, I suppose it is, but," pausing to plant a kiss into her hair, "I thought it was ours now."

Hermione felt the blush rising. He was certainly very sure of where their relationship was going. Not that she was complaining; it was what she wanted too, but it always surprised her how open he was being about it, at least with her. "Is anyone else here?"

"The elves are at Hogwarts so it's just us. Oh, apart from the estate manager, Armand, and his family who live in those buildings over there." Severus pointed to a thick veil of trees. The location of the house was given away by the faint trail of chimney smoke.

"The stables are there as well. Isabelle, Armand's eldest, keeps her horses here. She said we could take them out but I thought we'd give it a miss this time, especially as I haven't been on a horse for Merlin knows how long."

Hermione smiled at the thought of being completely alone with him. "I used to love riding..."

"I thought you still did," Severus quipped, bracing himself for either the glare of death or a dead arm. Neither were forthcoming!

Hermione narrowed her eyes. "I was talking about horses, not you. Although I love..."

"I know! But feel free to refresh my memory later," he teased.

Hermione slipped her hand into his. "My Muggle friend had horses and before Hogwarts we'd go riding together. I used to borrow her black horse..." and then a sudden realisation hit her. She cleared her throat. "His name was Prince."

"Were the Fates giving you an insight into your future?" Severus snarked.

"What, that my partner would have a penchant for black and his family name would be Prince?" Hermione asked, wrapping her arms loosely around him as they continued walking.

Severus chuckled deeply, draping his arm around her shoulders. "That, or your partner would be hung like a horse."

"Oh, shut up, you insufferable man," Hermione groused. "Did you used to ride Lucius' horses?"

He nodded. "I always took Prometheus out. I'm not sure if he's still alive."

Severus told her that he and Lucius would take Draco riding before he went to Hogwarts but that Theseus, Draco's horse, seemed quite intimated by the much larger Prometheus and Lucius' horse, Helios, often resulting in Draco ending up on his arse.

"Oh, he's still alive. Lucius said he's a cantankerous old bastard but I think he's beautiful. An absolute beast but beautiful," Hermione said wistfully.

"You are talking about Prometheus aren't you?"

"Will you stop it, Severus," she snarked but he was enjoying winding her up too much.

"You're in an incredibly good if annoying mood...certainly better than the mood you were in when you came back from London," Hermione mused as they reached the doors leading from the sun terrace into the largest of the sitting rooms.

Severus opened the door and allowed himself an unguarded smile. "I am, although apologies for being annoying."

Hermione laughed as he tried to keep a straight face. "Are you going to tell me what happened with Pius?" she asked before suddenly gasping as she entered the room. All previous thoughts left her head.

"Is this all original?" she asked as she took in the beautiful decoration of the room and ornate antique furniture. Snape Manor's décor was very dark with heavy wood panelling and rich, coloured walls, but the décor here was much lighter; much more French and it was giving Hermione ideas.

"I believe it is," Severus said as he strode towards the large double doors on the other side of the room. "As far as I am aware Gauis Prince, I have no idea how many generations ago, purchased the estate shortly after the Muggle French Revolution. Now, if you have finished gawping, would you like some tea?"

"Are you making?"

"I'm making."

"May I observe this monumental occasion?" she smirked.

Severus narrowed his eyes before growling, "Cheeky witch."

Severus always looked so much younger when he was relaxed and Hermione noted with great satisfaction that this evening all the stress of the last few days seemed to have dissipated as they ate dinner on the veranda.

The air was still; the candles hardly flickered as they talked well into the evening. Even though there was a slight chill in the air as the wine flowed, neither of them noticed especially when Severus brought out dessert.

"How did you know I love profiteroles?" Hermione asked as she picked one up and licked the chocolate sauce from it slowly.

"Years of observation. Whenever there was a feast you could have put Galleons on the fact you would gravitate towards them," he chuckled lightly before adding, "That, and Ginerva told me."

"Well, I approve," she uttered seductively as she popped the cream filled pastry into her mouth.

Severus felt something stirring both in the pit of his stomach and in his trousers. She had only just finished swallowing when his lips captured hers lightly, whilst he picked up another profiterole. Breaking the kiss he teased her with it, letting chocolate sauce drip onto her chin before licking it off and then brushing it against her soft lips. She accepted it hungrily; her eyes fixed on his as the morsel slipped down her throat. They took it in turns to repeat the exercise; each bite punctuated by kisses of growing intensity.

"I can't believe you cooked for me," Hermione said breathlessly as Severus' lips moved down her throat.

"Is that can't believe I would or could?" he asked as his ministrations continued.

She felt herself flush. She wasn't quite sure what she had meant. "I don't know. I just know this was far better than going out. Everything's perfect."

"I haven't even started yet," he muttered against the base of her throat as he slowly began to undo the top button of her shirt.

It was the simplest of acts and yet it had Hermione practically writhing on her chair in anticipation as his mouth slowly explored the exposed skin of her chest. With one hand supporting her head; fingers ensconced in her hair, he suckled along her clavicle as she breathed a low, soft moan into the night air. He followed his mouth's ministrations with the feather-light touches of his fingertips, causing her to squeeze her thighs together as she tried to assuage the growing ache between her legs.

Whilst Severus moved his head down, her fingers raked through his hair and his name dripped from her lips as he eventually found the swell of her breasts. His tongue dipped into the valley between them whilst his fingers gently skimmed under the lace at the top of her bra causing her to increase the pressure on the back of his head, willing him on.

Her chest was rising and falling, steadily hastening as if to encourage him further but suddenly his lips were on hers again, his tongue seeking to explore her mouth. She granted him access as his hand encompassed and squeezed her breast firmly, making her groan deeper into his mouth.

As the kiss broke, Severus pulled away and observed the delicious way her lips were still parted whilst her eyes were heavy with lust. He smiled wickedly. "Coffee?"

It took a few seconds for Hermione to register that Severus had pulled away but as soon as she realised she growled, "You bastard. You get back here and..." but he cut her off with a kiss.

"All in good time," and then he sighed. "Sweetheart, there's something I want to give you but I need to clear my head a little before I make an arse of myself as per usual."

"And there was me thinking you were a potions master. There's this little potion called Sober Up potion and..."

"Coffee works better for me these days," he interrupted her, looking slightly sheepish.

As Hermione sat on one of the love-seats on the veranda, her knees drawn up to her chin, she realised she was falling in love with her new surroundings. Snape Manor was too big to be practical. Not that this house was small; it was still too big for two. But there was a sense of tranquility about the place.

She could retire here. Except would Severus ever retire? Would he be allowed to retire? Her thoughts suddenly rushed to Dumbledore. He was still headmaster at 115 years old and died to save their world; died at the hands of a dark wizard. And by that she didn't mean Severus. All Severus did was end Dumbledore's suffering.

Many still didn't see it like that but she knew. She knew because she'd seen his memories. She knew because she was often woken in the middle of the night as he wept during his nightmares; pleading with Dumbledore not to make him do it. She knew because she heard the affection in Dumbledore's voice when he spoke to Severus. She also knew that she would do everything she possibly could to make sure Severus didn't have to face a similar fate.

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a hand on her shoulder and a soft kiss planted on her neck. "You are thinking far too loudly, sweetheart," Severus whispered as he handed her a cup of very black coffee.

"Sorry, love, I was just...I love it here," she said, snuggling into his side when he sat down.

"I thought you would," Severus said as he placed a kiss into her hair. "I fell in love with it when I came here a couple of months ago. I was originally going to take you to Tuscany but when you told me how much you loved France I decided upon a change of plan. Luckily Armand and his wife managed to get everything arranged on time."

"Do they know what we are?" Hermione asked.

"They're Squibs, although Isabelle is a witch and went to Beauxbaton. In fact, she came over with their delegation for the Triwizard Tournament."

"So she must know Fleur and Gabrielle?"

"I suppose she does," Severus said dismissively. "I hadn't really thought about it. Actually, you know the Lupin's child quite well don't you?"

"Oh he's adorable. He's an metamorphmagus like his mum. Harry said Andromeda had a fit when his hair turned blue one day."

Severus chuckled lightly. "I remember Nymphodora pulling similar stunts in class. She often made teaching seem less tedious."

"I can imagine. He's got Remus' eyes though and I think he'll be a right heartbreaker when he's older," Hermione giggled.

"A status his father sadly never attained...and he could have if...well if he hadn't been afflicted. Is young Mr Lupin exhibiting any of his father's...traits?" Severus asked with an air of genuine concern.

"No, but isn't it too early? He's only six months old. Anyway, why the concern? I'm surprised you're even asking considering how much you hated Remus."

Hermione instantly regretted her words as Severus shot her, not so much an angry but hurt look. Something which surprised her greatly.

"I never hated Remus. I hated the company he kept and I didn't like the danger he posed, but then again he didn't ask to be infected, especially over a grudge," Severus said, leaning forward and putting his coffee on the table before him. He rested his elbows on his knees and looked out into the dark.

"What do you mean a grudge?"

"As I understand it, Remus' father offended Greyback and he repaid him by attacking his son," Severus said turning to look at her as he noticed her shudder at the mention of the werewolf. His eyes softened as he told her, "I heard from Sybil what happened to Lavender Brown."

"I'd rather not talk about it," Hermione muttered. She turned away from him as she recalled the sight of Greyback mauling the girl. She'd never liked her; she had, on occasion, wished ill on the girl. But after seeing what that vicious bastard had done to Lavender, Hermione was grateful death had found her.

Severus went to speak but thought better of it. Instead he just reached over and squeezed her thigh, almost beckoning her to come him. Which she did. She lay against him, his fingers raking through her hair as she tried to expel the visions in her mind.

Finally she asked, "Why were you asking about Teddy?"

"It was just something Bill Weasley said. Seemingly his wife is concerned for their unborn child," he replied as his hand moved from her hair to her hip.

"She did seem quite uptight. Mind you, Molly telling us all about her six pregnancies was enough to wind anyone up," Hermione chuckled.

"Molly does have a rather open policy with regards sharing her comments," Severus considered, which made Hermione giggle as he reached forward and picked up both their cups of coffee.

Sitting up Hermione looked into her coffee. "So if you didn't hate Remus, what about the others?"

Severus slowly ran his finger around the rim of his cup. "I hated Black. He was the one with the agenda. Potter was always seen as the front man but that was how Black wanted it. It deflected everything away from him. Potter was an arrogant bastard but he grew up a lot; something Black never did. Remus...well, when he was younger he was more of a pet than a friend to them. And as for Pettigrew...he was a simpering fool. He wanted to fit in but he saw through them in the end. I just wish he hadn't..." his voice trailed off before he continued.

"It struck me this morning when Kingsley told me about the awards that from the moment I overheard that prophecy I had it in my power to prevent everything that happened. Icould have kept my mouth shut. I could have gone into the Shrieking Shack that night with a cool head, heard about Pettigrew's betrayal and stopped or at least hindered Voldemort's resurgence. Instead I let my petty anger consume me and..."

"Hindsight is a wonderful thing, Sev. You didn't know...none of us knew...about Pettigrew. You were faced with Black and let's be honest, it wasn't just you who thought he'd betrayed Harry's parents. What's important is all the work you did do," Hermione said as she knelt up next to him and took his hand in hers.

"And anyway, that night wasn't a complete disaster," she continued in a more seductive tone. "I was saved by this really sexy wizard."

"Had he left by the time I got there, then?" Severus snorted.

"Yes, he had, and then I had to put up with you but you grew on me," Hermione teased before adding in a concerned tone "You've gone all sad, love"

"Have I? I apologise wholeheartedly," he said snarkily.

"I forgive you. In fact...," she purred as she leaned in to steal a kiss, "as it isn't my birthday until tomorrow, I have something I want to give you tonight."

"Oh really?"

"Yep."

"And what pray tell is..." His words stopped only to be replaced by a low groan as Hermione's mouth moved down his throat and then along his scar. The mark that could so easily have caused his death was now becoming the surest way for him to know he was still alive as she laved and sucked on the sensitive pleasure point.

Her hands travelled down his front and up under his jumper. Her fingers ghosted over his skin and he gasped as the strip of flesh exposed by her ministrations was hit by the cooling air. She kissed down his clothed chest as he wrapped his fingers through her hair, watching her avidly as he felt the fire being lit in his groin. With one hand still against his skin, she moved the heel of her other hand down over the front of his jeans, applying a firm pressure over his hardening member.

She began kissing his stomach, licking down the thin line of hair from his belly button to the top of his jeans. Severus hadn't realised he was holding his breath until she moved her mouth over his jeans and traced along the outline of his cock with her lips. He gasped hard, causing her to look up and bite her bottom lip. Tugging on his jumper she purred, "Take it off"

"Let's go inside then," he choked out.

"No, now."

"It's too bloody cold!"

She pinned him with a lustful glare. "You're a wizard, aren't you?"

To hear the words he so often said to her paraphrased back at him, sent a jolt down his spine and before Hermione could blink his jumper was lying on the floor, a warming charm had been cast and she was straddling him, grinding down on his erection. Their lips crashed together as Severus pushed one hand up under the hem of her shirt whilst the other slid down inside the back of her jeans.

Gasping for air, Hermione pulled back and said, "No. I want to do this..." as she grabbed hold of his wrists. Severus looked at her as she licked her lips and slowly ground his hips upwards as if to spur her on. Not that she needed it as she trailed hot kisses over his throat before sliding down his body, dragging her fingers over his chest and stomach until she was kneeling between his thighs, undoing his belt and deliberately popping the buttons on his jeans.

She looked up at him as she hooked her thumbs under both his jeans and boxers; her eyes burning into his as he lifted his hips slightly so she could tug them both down. The warming charm was doing its job but Severus still gasped at the further exposure of his body to the cooling night air. And yet he didn't care as he felt Hermione's soft hands take a firm hold of his erection and began to stroke him slowly.

Severus swallowed hard, forcing himself to keep his eyes open as he felt her warm breath and hair tickling his thighs, before swirling her tongue over his balls whilst languidly stroking him. Her hot mouth engulfed his sac, suckling gently and making him groan and bite his lip, his hand finding its way to the back of her head, gathering up a fistful of curls. She smiled as she looked up to see his eyes now heavy with lust, and planted a lingering kiss at the base of his shaft before flattening her tongue and trailing it up to the sensitive tip. She slowly swirled her tongue around him, flicking and lapping at his cock until she felt his fist tighten in her hair, again looking up as he breathlessly pleaded with her to stop teasing him.

Hermione stopped for a moment and considered his plea, a wicked grin forming before obliging him, causing Severus' head to fly back and his other hand to grab onto the armrest as her mouth devoured him. He grabbed more hair as her warm mouth slid up and down his length. His breathing quickened and he kept trying to speak but his voice wouldn't come. It wasn't the first time he'd had this problem with her, but the first time was a time he'd rather forget.

She began teasing him; taking him deep into her mouth and then as she came back up she swirled her tongue around the swollen tip, tasting him, licking his essence, before engulfing him again. He was writhing at her ministrations and was trying desperately not to force her head down further onto him, but it was becoming harder to keep control as he felt the blood rushing through his veins.

Hermione sucked him greedily and if he couldn't get enough of this, neither could she. Severus was becoming more vocal, both verbally and in her head, encouraging her, begging for more. She could feel the heat and desire pooling between her legs and although she wanted him inside her there was plenty of time for that. She wanted him writhing, incoherent, and begging for release. She wanted the famous Snape control to crumble. And she knew just how to achieve it.

Severus' eyes flew open as he realised he was slipping deeper into her throat and growled as she adjusted to the sensation of being filled. He gripped the armrest tighter, his knuckles going white as he resisted bucking against her. She pulled off him completely, gasping for air before taking him in deep again, repeating the process until his resolve broke and he pushed her further down onto him. She ran her fingers down his chest and he eased back, making it easier for her to hungrily suck him again, moving her mouth relentlessly until Severus began panting out her name, feeling the delicious white heat shoot through him as his pulsating cock spilled into her willing and continuously moving mouth.

Severus fell back until his breathing became more even, and then leaned forward to capture Hermione's mouth, tasting himself on her tongue. He pulled her up into his lap and wrapped his arms around her before asking "Have I told you I love you today?"

"Yes," she giggled as she brushed his hair out of his eyes.

"Well, I think I love you a little bit more now," he chuckled as he playfully nuzzled her neck.

Severus redressed and whispered to Hermione to follow him upstairs. As they reached the bedroom she sat on the edge of the bed whilst Severus took something out of their overnight bag.

"That wasn't in the bag this morning," Hermione said as she noticed the old fashioned square velvet box in his hand.

Severus shrugged. "Perhaps that's because it wasn't in the bag this morning. I didn't just go to London to have coffee with Pius, you know."

He sat down on the bed next to her and she could tell by the way he stiffened that he had something important to say. He turned to face her and put the box on the bed before taking Hermione's hands in his. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath before starting his speech.

"Hermione, I will apologise in advance for making an arse of myself but I...well you know I cocked up totally when I gave you your bracelet. Fortunately I'm less likely to mess this up, however, I find myself unable to provide you with any guarantees."

She looked at him and couldn't help smiling as he looked sheepishly at her hands, stroking them with his thumbs. A rush of anticipation shot through as she had a feeling she knew what this was all about, but she didn't want to show it just in case she was mistaken. She noticed Severus swallow and bite his lip as he steeled himself to continue.

"As you are aware...well I hope you are aware...you mean more to me than anything and I was going to do this before the ball next week anyway, but considering I've asked you to move in with me I wanted to do it sooner rather later. But I didn't want to do this on your birthday because that would be too cliché. So..." he paused and Hermione felt his grip on her hands tighten ever so slightly.

"I told you when I explained about your bracelet that ummm...well any future pieces that I wished to give you pertaining to our...my wish to...see I told you I'd cock it up." He exhaled forcefully, looking up at the ceiling for inspiration but Hermione suddenly spoke and his gaze fell back upon her.

"You said my bracelet was one of your family's pre-engagement pieces and that when you wanted to give me the other pieces you had to ask me if I would accept them."

"I'm so glad you were paying attention," he chuckled lightly. "Well, you've probably gathered then that...that in this box," he let go of her right hand and picked the box up from the bed, "is one of the remaining pieces. Hermione, you understand that should you accept this piece it will begin the process of forming the engagement contract between us, don't you?"

She nodded and said gently, "say what you've got to say, Severus."

He smiled gingerly and opened the box to reveal a stunning diamond encrusted platinum laureate necklace in the form of a snake which had a carved head in what Hermione could only assume was an emerald. The body of the snake was sleek; each tight link set with diamonds and the tail fitted through the mouth of the emerald snake head. Hermione's eyes widened as she looked at it. It was beautiful and Merlin only knew how much it was worth. Not that it actually mattered because the fact Severus wanted her to have it made it priceless, but then a sense of reality hit home. This wasn't just a piece of jewellery this was a commitment; a commitment that she was perfectly happy to make.

"Hermione Jean Granger, would you do me the honour of accepting this...I wouldn't exactly call it small would you?...this rather large token of my esteem and affection for you, in the knowledge that it represents part of my heart and all I ask in return is that you replace the part I give to you with part of your own?" Severus huffed out a breath as he finished and then before he realised it, he drew in another breath and held it whilst he waited for her answer.

And her answer was as simple but as powerful as it could ever be. "Yes."

Releasing the breath he was holding Severus said "Well, thank fuck for that because frankly I don't know what the bloody hell I'd have done if you'd said no. Not that I thought you would but..."

He was cut off as her lips met his softly. "I love you," she whispered against his lips just as their kiss broke.

"Do you like it then?" he asked nervously.

"It's beautiful. Is it an emerald?" she asked, running her finger over the snake's head.

Severus nodded. "It's the only piece in our official family jewels which is an emerald. The rest are, quite obtusely, rubies. Obviously there are heirlooms which are different stones but even then this is the only emerald piece and I thought with you wearing green next week this would be the appropriate piece to give you."

"It's just...thank you," Hermione said, standing up and wrapping her arms around his neck.

He pulled her into him so that she was standing between his legs and held her tight, revelling in the feel of her body against his. He wondered if he would ever get used to her warmth. Considering he was one step closer to asking her to marry him he hoped he would but he never wanted to take it for granted.

She kissed him chastely and asked coquettishly, "Do you want to put it on me?"

His hands travelled down her back and rested gently on her backside. "I believe it would be prudent for me to tell you more about this necklace before I lose all self control and fuck you senseless."

Hermione giggled at this and putting her hands either side of his face, kissed him again; this time much more thoroughly.

"'Mione, I mean it," he muttered against her lips. "I can't put this on you until I tell you about it."

With that, Hermione pulled away. Biting her lip and with big kitten eyes she apologised, which only served to cause Severus' groin to tighten. He knew he had to tell her now because his resolve was faltering rapidly.

"This piece is the most magical in my family's possession and you see how the tail goes through the emerald? Well it can only be moved by my intended. Which means it has to know who she is. So lie on the bed," he instructed her.

Hermione was now both curious or aroused at his command. She lay back on the bed and Severus straddled her thighs before picking up the necklace and pressing it over her heart. "Now, put your hand over my heart," he told her.

As she did this he leaned over her and kissed her gently at first but then his tongue begged for entrance which she granted without hesitation. He pulled her up to him as the kiss deepened and she could feel something strange happening to the necklace. It felt as if it were moving. And she was right. The snake became animated and the tail was released from the jaws of the emerald head. She then felt the tail coiling backwards and slither up round the back of her neck and down the other side to slip back through the jaws of the head. Eventually the tail settled between her breasts and she was sure it flicked against her skin lightly.

"Fuck, that's weird," she gasped as they both looked down at the necklace.

"But it looks lovely on you," Severus conceded as he lowered her back down onto the bed.

Hermione pulled him down for another kiss but just before their lips touched she asked "Not that I want to take it off just yet, but how do I take it off?"

"You stroke the head," Severus told her and then she giggled as he nuzzled her neck before muttering against it "something at which you excel!"

Hermione couldn't help herself after he said that. She wanted all of him and she wanted him now. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down so she could devour his mouth. Severus could sense her urgency as her tongue battled with his. He wanted to explore her, taste all of her, but she was being greedy. Not that he minded; he was a hot red-blooded male, after all. But he didn't want to rush into her just yet.

But her need was affecting him and still straddling her Severus growled "this is in the way rather," and ripped open her shirt before Hermione had time to protest. She wished she could have been angry with him but the truth was she just wanted him too badly. She wanted him since she'd been on her knees on the veranda. And now, as she felt her necklace moving against her skin, reminding her that she was one step closer to being Mrs Snape, she was on fire for him.

She hissed and whimpered as his lips trailed down her throat, his fingers ghosting over bra clad breasts. The tail of her necklace brushed up against his hand. "I didn't think it would move quite so much," he mumbled against her skin as he kissed down over her stomach.

Hermione needed to feel his skin against hers and tugged at his jumper which he obligingly took it off, throwing it across the room, but instead of giving her the contact she craved, he slid off the bed and pulled her to the edge. He swiftly undid her jeans, pulling them off equally as swiftly and then knelt before her. He planted soft, deliberate kisses from her ankle all the way up to the apex of her thighs, pausing as he traced his finger over the black lace which covered her. He smirked as he heard her say in his head don't you dare think about ripping these off, before he teased the lace to one side and spread her legs wide.

He was hungry for her and Hermione grunted out a litany of profanities as his mouth enveloped her, his tongue lapping at her before concentrating on her engorged nub. He suckled and flicked it with his tongue before he lapped at her pooling sweetness. "Severus, fuck me," she repeatedly pleaded but he ignored her, and instead pumped his long elegant middle finger into her hot, wet sleeve. The introduction of his ring finger as well, hitting her sweet spot, sent her thrashing and twisting begging for release, begging for his cock.

Severus tried to still her with his free hand but she was too far gone as he relentlessly pleasured her. Of course, he wanted to be inside her; if his cock could have broken free of its own volition and buried itself where his fingers were, he was sure it would already be there, but he had to repay the compliment she'd paid him on the veranda. It was the only gentlemanly thing to do, after all.

Hermione sat up, gasping and screaming out his name as her orgasm broke. Supporting herself with one arm she raked her fingers through his hair, grinding up against him as he lapped up her release greedily. As she stilled, he offered her his fingers which she hungrily accepted. He groaned softly as he watched her suck on his them and he was provided with a reminder that he still had his jeans on; a situation he would shortly rectify.

Severus trailed his tongue up over her stomach and as he reached her still covered breasts he removed her shirt fully and unhooked the black lace bra. Where it ended up as he threw it over his shoulder, he didn't really care. All he cared about lay in front of him, moaning softly as he eagerly captured a taut nipple between his lips. His knees nearly buckled when she lifted her hips to grind against him as he began teasing her other nipple. He had to get his jeans off.

Hermione felt bereft as his mouth left her nipple, squealing as a sudden feeling of weightlessness encompassed her when he grabbed her by the hips and threw her into the middle of the bed. Her breasts bounced deliciously as she landed on the bed, and he growled deeply as his eyes scanned over her body. She was lying before him naked save for her knickers and her new necklace. He moved to the bottom of the bed and smirked as Hermione bit her lip whilst he slowly popped each of the buttons on his jeans.

"Severus, hurry up," she moaned breathlessly.

"Hmmm?"

"Get them off and fuck me," she almost barked at him.

"Impatient, aren't we?"

"Fuck me, for fuck's sake," she growled and tried to make a grab for him, but he managed to stay just beyond her reach as he let his jeans and boxers drop to the floor. Crawling up the bed he knelt beside her, encouraging her to lift her backside so he could remove her knickers before pulling her round and parting her legs to position himself between them.

"Please, Severus," Hermione whimpered.

Without saying anything Severus lay over her, his weight supported on his one elbow as he traced his fingers along her jaw line and down her throat before he captured his lips softly. Deepening the kiss he languorously explored her mouth whilst her hands grabbed at him and she bucked forcefully against him.

He broke the kiss and looked at her quizzically. "What's the rush? We've got all night you know!"

"I know...I just need you inside me," she whimpered just as he brushed his lips against hers again.

"And what exactly do you need inside you?" Severus teased.

Her growl was low. "Your cock."

He traced a finger over her lips before kissing her gently, his finger continuing its journey down her throat, over her chest and began to gently circle her nipple. Breaking the kiss he whispered next to her ear, "And where exactly do you need my cock?"

"What?"

"Well I can think of several options," he chuckled against her neck.

"Oh," Hermione gasped as her eyes flew open at the realisation of what he meant. "Well...ummm...ummm."

Severus just smiled and whispered reassuringly "only if you ever ask and even then only when you're ready" and reached between them so that he could settle his length at the entrance of her wet channel. His lips crashed against hers as, in one fluid movement, he slid into her heat and lost himself completely until their bodies were sweat slickened, exhausted and sated from their orgasms.

Severus gently brushed Hermione's hair away from her face as she dozed peacefully in his arms. He was sitting up against the headboard with her back to his chest as he cradled her. For so long he'd wanted to achieve this kind of peace in his life but he never thought it would come to him; he never thought he was deserving. And then the witch lying in his arms stormed into his life, bond or no bond, offering him everything he had ever wanted and turned his life upside down...or should that be the right way up?

He traced his finger over her necklace, still in slight disbelief that he was lying here with the witch he wanted to make his wife. Gently, he stroked her hair; teasing individual curls that had made their escape. He had no idea how long they had been lying like this. Not that it mattered. He smiled softly, pressing a kiss into her temple and simply whispered, "Thank you."

"Hmmm?" Hermione mumbled as she stirred slightly. She moved back against him until her head rested on his shoulder, her whole back across his chest. She put her head back and looked at him, her warm brown eyes sparkling as she came back into consciousness. He couldn't help but trace his fingers along her jaw line and claim her lips softly.

"How long was I asleep?" she asked as his lips left hers.

"Not that long," he choked out as Hermione awkwardly shifted position and ended up digging him in the ribs.

"Is it my birthday yet?" she asked, cheekily looking at the clock.

"It's not your birthday until after breakfast, young lady," Severus snarked, echoes of his teaching voice laced through his tone.

"Spoil sport," Hermione griped.

"If I were a spoil sport, I'd insist you tell me the exact time of your birth and not give you any presents until then. Even if it was one minute to midnight." He smirked as she stuck her tongue out at him.

"Well for your information, Mister, I was born at five past midnight so that wouldn't work very well, would it?" she giggled as he rolled his eyes at her.

"Trust you. Some of us were born at half past ten at night."

"Surely you weren't made to wait until then?" Hermione continued to giggle but then suddenly stopped as she looked at his expression.

"Let's not talk about it," he said stroking her cheek softly and then diverted attention back to her by saying "Actually, we're in France, which is an hour ahead of the UK, so no, it isn't your birthday yet."

"You pedantic sod," she quipped but then watched curiously as he got out of bed, walked over to the overnight bag and pulled out a smaller bag. Climbing back into bed with it, he reached inside and pulled out a beautifully wrapped package which was far too big for the bag.

"I wonder where I got this idea from," he chuckled as he put the bag on the floor.

Hermione blushed. She'd come into their bedroom on Thursday night with a small beaded bag and then proceeded to dump her entire wardrobe onto the bed. She giggled when he winced at the sight and laughed as he swore when she told him she still had clothes at Malfoy Manor and Grimmauld Place.

"Now to dispel all notions that I'm a pedantic sod, at least outside of work, I want you to have this now, although I'm not really sure if it is a birthday present. However, it does require an explanation."

Hermione's curiosity was piqued as she opened the package carefully. It was a beautiful, old leather journal; she recognised it immediately as a potioneer's journal and then noticed the ornate gold leafed monogram on the front: STS. She couldn't believe it. This was his and as an apprentice or a master this was one of their most prized possessions. It contained everything from ingredient locations, properties, experiments, instructions for successful potions, patent progress...absolutely everything to do with their art. And this was when it truly became an art...this was when his infamous speech made sense.

"Sev, you can't give me this...it's too...," her voice trailed off as she l reverently ran her fingers over the cover.

"I most certainly can," he said smiling, but suddenly his expression became quite serious. "It is traditional, when you become an apprentice, for your sponsor to give you a journal..."

Hermione looked puzzled. "But I don't have a sponsor yet."

"Actually you do. Mr Potter informed me today that he would be your sponsor. I advised him to speak with you but he was insistent. Seemingly my chat with him the other week made him realise how much he owes you and he said it was the least he could do," Severus told her quietly. "And just so you know, Lucius will be sponsoring your Mastery. Again, I have been told to inform you that no is not an option."

"I don't know what to say," she whispered in a state of shock.

Severus put his hand on her thigh and whispered back "I believe etiquette dictates you should say thank you to the appropriate party."

She nodded almost on autopilot and Severus continued.

"I wanted to give you this journal because not only will it be invaluable to your studies but it also gives an insight into me at what was a very difficult time. Just as my notes on the copy of Advanced Potion-Making Harry miraculously obtained, represented some of the shit going through my head at the time, I present you with even more of the shit going through my head but with more reasoning behind it."

He then looked very nervous and began to fiddle with his nails. With a furrowed brow and pained expression he said, "Perhaps the biggest reason for said shit of course can be explained if you read the inscription on the front page."

Hermione carefully opened the journal, noting pages of meticulous calculations and notes written in Severus' distinctive scrawl together with illustrations and diagrams. Some of the pages were coffee stained or even mud stained as if he had been out in the field with the journal. But some of the stains were neither coffee or mud-but his own blood. She gulped at the thought of why he had been bleeding over his work and realised it was probably better not to ask. Eventually she turned to the front page and didn't know whether to be fascinated or sick.

My Dear and Faithful Severus,

Please allow me the honour of presenting your first potioneer's journal to you as you commence your apprenticeship.

Today, you begin a journey to realise your full potential amongst my ranks. You, above all, serve me with the purest of intent. You, above all, will help lead my ranks to glory.

I see myself in you, Severus; my loyal servant. Do not give me reason to be anything other than a merciful Lord.

Tom

"He signed it Tom?" Hermione asked incredulously.

"In those days, yes. We would never call him Tom but at that point, dare I say it, he was more human. All the Voldemort crap was a front. Look at the pretentious rubbish he pulled in The Chamber of Secrets when he revealed himself to Harry. Albus and I did some eye rolling that night, I can tell you."

"Yes, well, I don't remember much about that. I was..."

"I know, I'm sorry, love," Severus said quickly grabbing her hand. "You gave us one hell of a scare. And as for Ginny...it wasn't one of Lucius' finer moments. You know he's apologised to her, don't you?"

"No," Hermione was shocked but then not surprised that neither had said anything.

"One of the first things he did following his release from Azkaban."

Hermione considered this. "I did wonder why she seemed more relaxed whenever he was mentioned. I just thought it was because she's a massive cake whore and Draco's been feeding her habit with Lucy-lu's chocolate cake. Mind you, I think she wants to change suppliers. I told her you don't sit around on your arse as much as Lucius so you're more expensive."

Severus chuckled at this but then became more serious again. "I need you to understand this, Hermione. At the time, that was what I wanted. I wasn't a spy, I was his loyal servant. But read this and you will see how things changed; how I changed."

"I will," Hermione murmured, her voice barely leaving her lips.

A sudden feeling of dread suddenly engulfed him. Was it a mistake giving her this? Would she think less of him? She sensed what he was thinking and knelt before him, her eyes locking onto his, seeking out their mind connection.

He found her sat on the floor, leaning up against one the bookshelves in his mind. She looked surprisingly relaxed and looked up at him as he approached her. She patted the floor and he obediently sat next to her. She put her arm through his and leaned her head against his shoulder.

Thank you for trusting me with this, Sev

I have every reason to trust you.

I admit, seeing his handwriting threw me off balance...I don't know but I just never thought he would do anything so 'normal' as write...but I understand why you want me to have this and the opportunity to get to know about you at a time when I probably wasn't even thought of is...well I can't tell you how much it means to me.

Severus was silent for a moment. He was trying to think what to say. Suddenly the book which Hermione had given him the first time they had connected like this, the first time they ever made love, appeared in his free hand. He opened it and read the latest entry. Without a word he showed it to her and she giggled.

No silly. Nothing is going to make me think that of you.

Nothing? He hung his head. I don't know what I've done to deserve you.

Hermione snuggled closer. How long have you got?

Breaking their connection, Severus said pensively, "Well as you're still here, I just wanted to say, some of the scrawl is particularly bad so if you can't make it out, let me know."

Hermione laughed and kissed him thoroughly before becoming completely absorbed in his journal. So much so, Severus' attempts to prize it from her failed and only the promise of breakfast in bed, more presents in the morning and a goodnight shag persuaded her to put it down.

Hermione woke up and stretched lazily as she felt the bed shift under Severus' weight as he got back into bed. She turned to face him. "Good morning," she said, unable to hide her smile.

He leaned over and kissed her chastely. "Good morning, birthday girl. Breakfast?"

Hermione squealed as he placed the tray between them. When he'd mentioned breakfast in bed she hadn't expected fresh, warm croissants, fresh strawberries, freshly squeezed orange juice and the most wonderful smelling coffee. "This looks wonderful, sweetheart," she mumbled against his lips. He really was spoiling her.

"Do you think Leo's alright?" Hermione asked as she tore off a chunk of croissant.

"He's with Minerva...she's either spoiling him with breakfast in bed or else she's transformed and they're haring around like mad loons," Severus snarked. "In short, he's fine."

Hermione glared at him as he sipped his orange juice.

"I wonder how Draco and Adrian got on yesterday meeting Lucius," she mused.

"Lucius' lawyer hasn't turned up begging me to stand bail, so we can assume that he hasn't killed anyone."

"Sorry for caring about your godson," Hermione huffed.

Severus put his head back against the headboard and sighed deeply. "'Mione, I care just as much as you do but for once...please...let's just forget about everyone else and let me concentrate on you. We're seeing them tonight so I'm sure you'll get all the gossip from Draco whilst I pour whisky down Lucy's throat."

"I suppose," Hermione said quietly.

He looked across at her and rolled his eyes as she sat picking at her croissant. He pinched the bridge of his nose and moved closer before putting his arm around her shoulders and picking up a strawberry. He rolled it gently between his thumb and forefinger absentmindedly and said "I'll Floo call him if you like. Now do you want this?" and proceeded to tease her lips with the fruit he was holding.

"No, you're right. We're seeing them later and...well, thank you for doing all this for me," she said bashfully before trying to take a bite from the strawberry he offered her.

"Just don't get used to it," he teased as he relented and fed her the strawberry before kissing her thoroughly. "On the other hand, I think I might want to get used to this," he smirked against her lips. And Hermione agreed. She loved tasting strawberries on him and by the time they'd finished breakfast they both tasted strawberries on each other...in quite a few places. And not long after they were again in the throes of love making...not for the last time that day.

They lay together, tangled in the sheets, for most of the morning. The only respite from their passion was when Severus handed her two small packages. Hermione gasped as she opened a small box which contained an intricate platinum and emerald bracelet and another that contained matching stud earrings. They both matched her necklace. "I don't know what to say, Sev. They are just so...oh thank you." She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him desperately, only breaking away when they were both panting for air.

She looked at the bracelet's clasp and noticed the Prince insignia. "I thought you said there weren't any other emerald pieces?" she asked him as he put the bracelet on her.

"There weren't. But I believe I told you not to worry about jewellery when we bought your dress. I contacted the family jewellers that night and commissioned these. It's time to start making our own legacy, Hermione," Severus said matter-of-factly.

She looked at him and smiled. She rang her finger over her bracelet and leaned up to kiss him. She'd never felt closer to him and it was making her incredibly horny as was something else she couldn't quite put her finger on. "Is there anything else we can start making, Sev?" she purred.

Severus suddenly felt panicked and looked at her cautiously. He had an inclination as to what she meant; and Merlin only knew that something was making him think along the same lines, even though it went against everything he knew was right. He hoped she didn't actually mean it because he couldn't trust himself not to give in at the moment if she did.

"Well, you know, I don't mean make exactly...more like practice making," she said, biting her lip and running her finger down his bare chest.

"You are fucking insatiable at the moment," he growled against her lips. "What's got into you?"

She giggled but resisted stating the obvious as she nibbled at his neck and muttered, "Well I do need to thank you for my beautiful presents and for making my birthday so special."

"It would be rather ungracious of me to refuse in that case then," he said as he flipped her onto her back before ravishing her...again.

"So what happened with Pius yesterday?" Hermione asked as they walked hand in hand down to meet Armand and his family that afternoon. Severus had promised he would introduce Hermione; they seemed quite interested to meet the woman who had snagged herself the infamous dark wizard.

Severus snorted."You're like a dog with a bone sometimes," he said as Hermione jumped up onto a wall and began to walk along it. "Well, the Wizengamot have objected to the Enforcement Protocol on the basis that I, and my senior staff, are inherently biased towards our houses." Severus' tone was sardonic at best.

"What? They're just being petty," Hermione groused. Severus wondered if she would put her hands on her hips or cross her arms in indignation. Hermione crossed her arms. Laughing now, he realised, was not an option. "What about the fact the deputy heads of house will be from different houses? And as Headmaster shouldn't you be on the Wizengamot? Dumbledore was"

"We have responded to them...which is why I saw Pius yesterday...and emphasised again that we have taken numerous measures to ensure impartiality but unless they make me Chief Warlock...and hell will freeze over before that happens...no, I don't get to sit on the Wizengamot," Severus said as he took hold of Hermione hands to help her jump down off the wall.

"Can't they see that you are doing this for...and I hate this phrase now...the greater good?" Hermione asked despondently.

"Obviously not. You would think I was trying to besmirch their sainted grandmother's and not trying to stamp out the rise of a potentially dangerous dark wizard, the way they're carrying on," he grumbled as Hermione slipped her hand back into his.

"Or witch," Hermione deadpanned.

Severus winced. "Now that would be truly terrifying!"

"I bet she would be really seductive and have all her male followers drooling at her feet," Hermione giggled maniacally.

He couldn't help but laugh at this. "It's not you, is it?"

"No!"

"That's a shame, because I'd willingly do all manner of depraved things for you," he teased.

"Would you be at my right hand?" she asked majestically.

Severus couldn't help but find her amusing. She was impressively powerful and her magic was like nothing else he had ever experienced but as she walked backwards, making grand hand gestures and nearly falling over a tree root, he felt she lacked a certain je ne sais quoi when it came to a career in psychopathic wizardry. However, he humoured her in the only way he felt appropriate. Bowing low, as he would have done before Voldemort, he stated, "My Lady, I would be right behind you, underneath you, on top of you...wherever you needed me and I trust you would find my service acceptable."

"I might," she said haughtily before adding "So I've already recruited two former Death Eaters..."

"Two?"

"Yes, you and my willing, penitent one," she giggled and then scrunching up her nose said "I'd be shit at it, wouldn't I?"

"I believe your talents lie in another direction, my love," Severus told her and put his arm around her shoulders as they carried on towards Armand's cottage.

"Isabelle's nice," Hermione said icily as she was packing their bag before they left to return to Hogwarts.

"Hmmm," was all she got back from Severus as he looked out of the window, hands behind his back, looking stoic as ever.

Hermione rolled her eyes and continued. "Look, it's not my fault she kept talking about Viktor. There was no need for you to be so rude."

"I was not rude. I merely suggested we changed the subject. Her sycophantic mewling was making my stomach churn," he stated coldly.

"As it was mine...I just had the manners not to tell her so. Personally I don't think Quidditch players make for interesting conversation but..."

"And yet you seem drawn to them," Severus snarled at her.

Hermione felt the anger rising. Severus' mood had turned on a sixpence whilst they were chatting to Isabelle. One minute he was being perfectly affable and then the next he had encased himself in ice.

"You are a fucking arse, Severus," she spat at him. "I would say holding a grudge is beneath you but we all know that's not true. Just grow up."

Severus whipped round only to see Hermione storming out of the door, slamming it behind her. He was about to gripe back at her but as the door slammed, he exhaled forcefully as he realised that he had indeed been an arse. He opened the door and moved swiftly through the house to find her. He wasn't going to chase her. That would be undignified but he did want to find her quickly.

And find her he did on the veranda looking out over the garden. She knew he was standing there...she'd heard the door in the sitting room being nearly ripped from its hinges but said nothing. The silence was deafening.

"I...I'm sorry. You're right I was being an arse. What I said to both you and Isabelle was uncalled for."

"You need to apologise to Isabelle," Hermione stated harshly.

"I...I intend to do just that before we leave," Severus said penitently.

"Good," Hermione replied without turning round.

Severus looked at her, willing her to turn round. He knew he had really upset. He hadn't meant to but he was jealous...actually no, he was being overly possessive. He didn't like being reminded that Hermione had been the object of another man's affections. He still hated the vision of Krum pawing her on the very night something clicked in his head that Hermione was in fact destined to be his. Not that he realised it then but as Hermione was so fond of saying, hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Still without turning round Hermione said, "I know you're possessive Severus; I know you can be extremely jealous. But if you expect me to accept it every time you tell me you can't change what happened in your past then I would be grateful if you could extend the same courtesy to me because if you can't..."

"I will return shortly," he said curtly

Hermione did turn round this time but he was already gone.

"You infuriating bastard," she muttered as she slumped down on the steps leading to the garden.

She wasn't sure how long she'd been sitting there when she heard his footsteps. But she was aware he'd sat next to her and there was a sizeable imposed gap between them. She looked at him but his face was unreadable as he stared out into the distance.

"We're going to have rows, Severus," Hermione said calmly to break the ice.

"I'm not naïve. Of course we'll have rows, but usually it's because we disagree on something, not because I've been a dickhead. My behaviour was unforgivable and I would like the opportunity to apologise," he said, almost mumbling, his hair covering his eyes.

"Well," she said trying to lighten to mood slightly. "I agree with one thing you said there. You were a dickhead but I cannot agree that what you did was unforgivable." What she said next came out with more venom than she intended. "Please do not confuse me with someone else."

Severus slowly, bashfully, turned his head to look at her. Her words had rocked him and he said contritely, "I'm sorry."

She shuffled up next to him and put her head on his shoulder without saying a word. He leaned his head against hers before moving back slightly so he could put his arm around her. He pressed a lingering kiss into her hair and Hermione could feel his heart racing in his chest. She looked up at him and said, "Sev, go and get the bag. I want to have a bath before I go out and I think our bath back at Hogwarts needs christening with a bit of makeup sex don't you?"

Twenty minutes later and slightly dazed from the journey, Hermione Granger was being taken against their bathroom door to the sound of running water filling the bath.
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The Headmaster's Wife