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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
- 5
- 6
- 7
Who's 'we'?
Hermione woke up with a start. Sat at her desk in her new library, she was slumped over the documents that Severus had allowed her to peruse. Rubbing her aching neck, she looked at the clock: three o'clock. She could just imagine the smug look on her wizard's face if he walked in and found her like this.
My wizard. My God, my wizard is Severus Snape.
An orb was floating in front of her, and she could sense Severus was troubled. She twisted her mouth, wondering whether she should walk through their connecting wall to see what was wrong, but something inside her held her back. She didn't want to push things between them any more than they were already being pushed. And if he needed her, then he was perfectly capable of walking through the wall to find her.
She sat for a moment, tracing her finger over Severus' notes, tracing the handwriting that she'd been so wary of for years. Despite the suddenness of their relationship, Hermione knew that she loved Severus, and knew that she wanted to be his. She knew he had demons to fight, and she wanted to understand and help him fight them. She wanted to be the one to comfort him. She wanted to be the one who would give him the strength to carry on.
The curly-haired witch also knew that as soon as their relationship became public knowledge, their lives could be made a misery, but, somehow, she didn't care. It didn't matter as long as they had each other.
Do you know how naïve you sound?
Severus was known to be a private man, and he hated the attentions of the press. He was already the "Dark Saviour," and he'd left her in no doubt about how much he despised that epithet, and any number of reporters from the Daily Prophet could tell you that their presence in his vicinity was most unwelcome.
Who are you kidding? You hate them too.
It was one thing to deal with his unsung war hero status, but would he appreciate the added press attention that would come with seeing one of The Golden Trio? And it would only get worse once they were married and had children.
Oh God. Please tell me that I didn't just think about marriage and children?
Swallowing hard, Hermione found her own insecurities―the kind that seem to rear their ugly heads at three o'clock in the morning―running through her mind.
How will I cope being the Dark Saviour's girlfriend, wife and mother of his children? How on earth can I be what he needs? What if I'm not good enough? What if I'm crap in bed? What if―
Panic engulfed her small frame. She couldn't breathe. This was all happening too fast, and she needed someone to talk to about this before she saw Severus again. She couldn't discuss any of this with him―not yet. She'd already worked out that he was trying to hide his own insecurities.
In a moment of clarity, there was only one thing to do. She stood and walked to the fireplace, picked up a handful of Floo Powder, and called, "Draco, Malfoy Manor."
What Hermione didn't realise was that her leaving the castle had just added to Severus' troubles as he relived part of the hell that was his life for the last twenty years through his nightmares.

Stumbling into Draco's bedroom at Malfoy Manor, Hermione called out, "Draco, wake up, I need to talk."
Looking to the bed, a sudden sense of guilt hit her as a very attractive dark-haired man peered over the top of the duvet, and mumbled, "What the fuck's going on?"
"Oh shit! I am so sorry. I didn't know Draco had company. Oh God, I'm so sorry. I'll just―"
Realising that her face was now as red as a beetroot, she turned on her heel and strode towards the fireplace again.
"'Mione, stop apologising," Draco grumbled sleepily, stifling a yawn. "You know I'm always here for you when you need me. What's wrong, love?"
Hermione stopped in her tracks, and responded by bursting into tears.
Within seconds, Draco had sprung out of bed, pulled on his boxers and his shirt, and had his arms wrapped around his friend before leading her to an armchair. Without asking, he called upon a house elf to get them all some hot chocolate.
Meanwhile, as Draco's Muggle boyfriend, Adrian, surveyed the scene before him, he was beginning to realise that having a relationship with a wizard was a real eye opener.
Stroking Hermione's hair, Draco asked urgently, "Sweetheart, what's wrong? Has he hurt you?"
Shaking her head, Hermione sobbed, "No! I'm just so confused. I know it sounds stupid, but I know I'm in love with him. I've been in love with him for years, but this bond...everything is happening so fast. I've started thinking about marriage and kids, and even my new rooms at Hogwarts are called "The private chambers of the Headmaster's Wife."
Draco looked perplexed.
"Long story, but a set of rooms appeared at Hogwarts mysteriously and that's what they're called on the map," Hermione sniffed before Summoning a box of tissues from Draco's bedside tables.
"What?"
"I know, but that's beside the point. It doesn't matter what I want," Hermione began to sob again, "because I don't know what Severus wants." She then screwed her face up in embarrassment, and in a small voice admitted, "And I told him that I'm still a virgin."
"So?"
Hermione dabbed her eyes. "That's what he said. He says he won't rush me, but what if he gets bored of waiting? What if I'm crap in bed and can't satisfy him? I want to be everything to him, but what if I can't do what he wants, and what if this is just a bond and not real, and―"
As Hermione spoke, she burst into tears again, and Draco pulled her to him again to try and assuage her anxiety.
"―And what if all this worry is just because you need some sleep, and when you're feeling better, sit down with him, get him to give you a big hug and talk to each other?" Draco interrupted as he comforted her.
Hermione pulled back, and acknowledged that her friend was probably right as she wiped her eyes with the heel of her palm.
Draco sat back on his heels, observing how agitated the orb that was hovering on the ceiling seemed to be.
"Now," he continued cautiously, "I don't know what this bond of yours is, or what it's trying to achieve, but seeing you two together today was amazing. I've never been happier for either of you." He took Hermione's hand's in his and gave them a reassuring squeeze. "When Uncle Sev realised what a twat he'd made of himself earlier, he was beside himself, and then you came storming out of that fireplace and laid into him, and all there was in his eyes was...well it's obvious he loves you. Father said he's never seen him take a dressing down like that before...well except from...well, you know.
"And the way you made up. That kiss! Father's jealous...fuck, I was jealous! But, sweetheart, bond or not, it is obvious that there is something very special between the two of you, and that is all that matters. And as for this virgin bombshell, Severus is more patient than people give him credit for, and from what I've heard, you are going to be the envy of quite a few witches."
Hermione snorted softly at Draco's knowing expression.
"I suppose doubts are normal," Draco mused, "especially given the circumstances, but they're only doubts, aren't they? You told me earlier that you fancied him, and you're not the sort of girl who runs away from anything. You don't want to run away from this, do you?"
"No, I don't," Hermione admitted quietly. "I'm so sorry for waking you guys up. I was just so screwed up that I needed to talk to someone."
"And I am always here for gossip," Draco teased as three steaming mugs of chocolate arrived via the house-elf.
Hermione pushed his shoulder playfully, but then she bit her bottom lip, a pained expression slipping over her features once again. "The thing is as soon as we're apart I feel so down. When I left him tonight, I could just feel this sense of unease filling me up, and before I came here it was almost unbearable. You know, when I was with him tonight, he made everything seem alright just by breathing in the same room as me."
"Oh Merlin! What you've just said is so beautiful," Draco sighed, brushing her curls away from her face. "Now, you've had an exhausting day and you need to go to bed. Are you going to stay here or go back to Hogwarts?"
Hermione considered this as Draco handed her a mug before taking some hot chocolate over to his boyfriend whom he kissed on the forehead.
Looking over at the couple, Hermione sipped her drink carefully realising that she needed to leave the two of them alone. "I need to go back. Severus will be worried if he does come in and I'm not there." She then looked up at the orb, which was skipping quite erratically across the ceiling. "Merlin only knows what this orb business is all about."
"It is weird, but is he likely to come in to your new rooms?"
"I don't know, but before I left I just had this feeling that something was disturbing him, but I didn't want to go barging in to see if he was alright. I decided to give him his space."
Draco rolled his eyes. Of course, there was no reason for Severus to tell her about his nightmares yet, but as it was the middle of the night, the chances were that was the source of the disturbed feeling that Hermione had felt before she arrived at the Manor.
"Sweetie, Severus suffers from really horrific nightmares."
Hermione paled at Draco's words, and looking up at the orb she remembered what had happened earlier.
Fuck, he's in pain, she thought to herself before scrambling to her feet. "I need to go."
Draco nodded, and taking Adrian's hand, he said, "'Mione, before you go―"
But it was too late. Hermione was already gone in a flash of green light.
"I guess I'll introduce you two later," Draco groused, shaking his head at Hermione's swift exit. He slipped back into bed next to his boyfriend and took a sip of hot chocolate.
"That was Hermione, by the way. Let's just say it's...complicated."

Meanwhile back at Hogwarts, Severus' nightmare was becoming more intense. Several times he'd thought that he'd woken up, but ended up falling deeper into his dreams.
"Bella, I've told you, I'm not interested," Severus told her, replacing the tome he had been utilising in the library of Voldemort's latest hideout.
"The Dark Lord says no exceptions," Bellatrix hissed, twirling her wand between her fingers distractedly.
"The Dark Lord has always excused me from this kind of entertainment."
"Not tonight."
"Well until I hear it from him, I will refrain if you don't mind."
"But have you seen who she looks like? Come on, we all know that you hate...what was it Draco said you call Potter's Mudblood?
Severus shuddered as 'that' word fell so effortlessly from the unstable witch's mouth, especially when it related to Hermione. The thought that the poor girl who was having unmentionable things done to her looked like his Know-It-All made his stomach churn.
"Oh I know. Insuff―"
Severus cut her off. "Be that as it may," he drawled, his impassive mask firmly in place. "I am disinclined to participate. However, I will come and observe; that should appease him."
Bellatrix cackled and swayed toward to the door. She was obviously high again, but as she opened the door, she turned and sing-songed, "I don't think so this time."
Severus followed her down the hallway, the sound of laughter and vulgarity getting louder as he approached what had been set out almost as a throne room. The door opened and he was hit by a wall of sound. The room was illuminated by huge torches―Voldemort's lighting of choice―which threw demonic looking shadows against the walls. Before the Dark Lord, Severus noticed Wormtail twitching on the floor, but that was nothing new.
However, his attention was drawn to the centre of the room. The younger, lower ranked Death Eaters were standing around the prone, naked form of the screaming girl jeering and encouraging her latest assailants to do their worst. All Severus could see amongst the throng of bodies were copious chestnut curls. He felt the bile rising. He knew it wasn't her. She had been sat with the Weasley boy in the hospital wing when he was summoned. He knew he shouldn't be thinking about her. Had the Dark Lord discovered his regard for her?
"Ah Severus, did Bellatrix not call you to me half an hour ago?"
'The fucking bitch!' was the last thing he'd thought before he reinforced his Occlumency shield.
"My Lord, there has obviously been a break down in communication, otherwise―"
The curse hit him squarely in the chest, the intense pain reverberating and spreading through his body causing him to collapse to his knees.
The pain dissipated as Voldemort began to speak. "I am disappointed, Severus. I thought you would have enjoyed the opportunity to partake this evening. I would have thought it would have been somewhat therapeutic."
Severus swallowed, trying to control his breath. "My Lord, if I had realised sooner, I would have welcomed the chance to―"
Pain coursed through him again, and he found himself prostrate on the floor.
"Empty words, Severus. It matters not if you would have welcomed it, you should have been here when I called. As it is, you can watch the grand finale from your unique vantage point."
Voldemort then addressed the Death Eaters whose legs were obscuring Severus' view of the girl. "Brothers, please move aside so our friend can observe."
By the time Severus' view was unimpeded, the unmistakable figure of Fenrir Greyback was lying over the girl. Her blood-curdling screams were all he could hear as another Cruciatus coursed through him; he wanted to tear his eyes away from the horrific sight of Greyback 'finishing' the girl off. So violent was the finale that Severus felt the poor girl's blood splattering across his face as he continued to writhe on the floor.
For years, in his dreams, all of those unfortunate girls had begun to look like Hermione. However, he'd never felt physical pain in his nightmares, and yet tonight he did. He was calling her name in between screaming in agony. His breathing was erratic as his body tensed and writhed. Wearing only black cotton pyjama bottoms, his toned but scarred upper body was covered in sweat as he grabbed handfuls of his sheets. The moonlight streaming through his window made his pale skin glisten in its silvery light, and strands of black hair stuck to his face as his sweat and tears mingled. Since Lily had died Severus only ever cried in his sleep, but that meant he cried nearly every night as his nightmares haunted him.
As he thrashed around in his bed, Severus' bedside drawer began to glow. Subconsciously he managed to open to the drawer and Lily's ethereal body came to rest next to him on the bed. She whispered words of comfort in his ear, but her voice had no effect on him. She knew why, but where was she? He needed Hermione. The bond was calling her, but Lily's form was confused as to why she wasn't there yet. Severus had been like this for over an hour.

Bursting out of her fireplace, Hermione brushed herself off before she ran through the wall into Severus' bedroom. She was shocked to see the state he was in, but even more shocked to see the glowing form of Lily lying next to him. She went to speak, but Lily's harsh, cold voice cut her off.
"We thought you cared deeply about him, but perhaps we were wrong about you."
Hermione decided to ignore this as she knew that whoever 'we' were, they were wrong. However, when she went to move to Severus' side, she found she couldn't. It was as if she'd been placed in full body bind.
"Why did you not come to him when you were called?" Lily enquired, her voice still full of contempt.
Hermione growled in frustration. "I didn't know I was being called. I thought he was being troubled by something, but then, so was I. This bond―or whatever it is―is putting pressure on us, and we have no idea what it's trying to achieve. I just wish it would leave us alone because I'm scared and overawed by my feelings for him."
Lily huffed and floated towards Hermione. "You want to be released from it?"
"Not exactly," Hermione told her, shaking her head. "But I want Severus and I to have a relationship at our own pace."
"At your own pace? You ungrateful child," Lily spat at her menacingly. "You can be removed from this bond...we can remove you, Hermione."
"I do not want to be removed," Hermione yelled, annoyed that she couldn't move her arms to show her annoyance. "I wish we understood it more. The last thing I want is for him to be in pain, but you're stopping me from comforting him. And what are these orbs? This bond hasn't exactly come with an instruction manual, you know."
Lily ignored her. "Why were you scared earlier, Hermione?"
"Because I'm thinking about getting married and having children with a man that I know I love but have been in a relationship with for a day. How ridiculous does that sound? But, you see, it doesn't matter how I feel, because I don't know how he feels about the future, and I'm scared that I've gone from fancying him to not being able to think straight when I see him, and my judgement is being clouded. You told me to be his everything and that's what I want to be, but I'm scared that I will wake up in the morning and all of this has been some elaborate ruse. Do you understand?"
Hermione's voice was full of venom now.
Circling the young witch, Lily asked, "Do you think you are worthy of him?"
"Of course not," Hermione groaned. "He's Severus Snape. He's one of the―if not the― most powerful and brilliant wizards we have. He's intelligent, articulate, passionate, brave, loyal...do I need to list all the things that he is? I know he has done some terrible things, but he did them all for a reason. He's vulnerable. He tries to hide it, but I can see it, and in no small part he's vulnerable because of you. Everything he did was because and for you. He protected your son...I helped keep your son alive by listening to Severus. I may not have followed his example consciously but, looking back, everything he taught us, I used to save Harry. And now you're trying to stop me from being with him. What gives you the right? You rejected him. And you're threatening to deny him comfort. I love your son as a brother, but I'm glad he didn't know you if this is the way you show your concern. Release me so I can go to Severus," Hermione's voice was strong and commanding, and she was utterly pissed off with this ethereal version of Lily.
"As you wish. We are satisfied, and for future reference, the orb that has been accompanying you is not yours, but his. They are drawn from their owner in times of pain and danger, but they also rejoice in your relationship and will become stronger as your relationship develops. You have been warned, Hermione Granger. You have to be everything you are required to be."
Hermione's brow furrowed, but as she went to respond, Lily began to fade. Sighing deeply, Hermione realised that she was free to move.

Rushing to Severus' side, she lay down next to him. She kissed his sweat-drenched brow whilst stroking long strands of hair away from his eyes before gently slipping her arm underneath him. Pulling him close, she held him tight as she rocked him gently, whispering words of comfort in amongst the soft kisses she planted against his temples.
Severus' breathing was still laboured as he cried out and writhed in obvious pain. Tightening her arms around him, Hermione wanted to cry as she saw tears streaming down his cheeks. She held him like this until his body began to relax against her warmth, and tracing her finger along his hairline, she began coaxing him to wake up.
Still holding him tight, and in amongst her gently kisses, Hermione whispered, "Severus, it's OK, sweetheart, it's just a dream. I'm here now. Shhh... I won't let anything bad happen to you ever again. I promise. Please, Sev, come back to me. Come on, wake up, please. Nothing and no-one is going to hurt you. It's all going to get better from now on, Sev. You are never sleeping on your own again."
Slowly his breathing became steadier and as his body relaxed completely, Severus snaked an arm across her waist.
Hermione continued to observe his face, but in particular his eyes. Whilst he dreamt, his eyelids moved frantically with an occasional flutter of his eyelashes and whilst she kissed away his tears, she became aware that he was waking up. Suddenly his black eyes snapped open and Hermione saw something she never wanted to see again―absolute fear.
Still disorientated, Severus tried to grab for his wand, but Hermione's hold on him prevented him from doing so. "Hey, hey, hey look at me, Sev...it's me. It's OK, sweetheart, you don't need your wand," she murmured soothingly, stroking his hair. Tears began to fill his eyes like deep pools before Severus sank his face into her shoulder, clinging to her as if his life depended on it. Wishing she could hold him tighter, Hermione felt her own eyes filling with tears as she continued to comfort him. Racking sobs shook his body, and all she could do was let him get it out of his system whilst reassuring him of her presence.
As he began to regain his composure, Severus slowly pulled away from Hermione and rolled onto his back. Reaching out, he mumbled, "I'm sorry."
Turning onto her side, Hermione lay down next to him. "What are you sorry for?"
"I didn't realise it was you, and―" He felt vulnerable, and was thankful that as he turned his head away from her his protective curtain of hair shielded his embarrassed eyes. "―I never wanted you―or anyone for that matter―to witness what you just did."
"And I'm sorry you have to go through that," said the young witch softly.
Severus snorted and shook his head. "Well you shouldn't be," he hissed; the self-loathing in his voice evident. "The fact that I go through it is entirely my fault."
It was then that Hermione first noticed the scars on his chest and abdomen before her eyes fell upon the incontrovertible evidence of his past allegiance. As a tattoo, she was sure that certain Muggles would find the design of his Dark Mark appealing, but knowing its ugly meaning made her shiver. However, she had never seen one up close before and had to rein in her urge to touch it.
Sensing that Hermione had noticed his arm, Severus Summoned a long sleeved top to cover himself, but Hermione surprised him by catching it before he did.
"Please don't cover yourself up," she whispered, gently tracing her fingers over some of the scars on his stomach.
Hermione knew that she should feel awkward touching Severus―the man, who for so many years had been a formidable and unapproachable presence in her life―in this way, but she didn't. She also realised that for someone who was nearly forty, his upper body was very well defined, and as her eyes drifted to the low waistband of his pyjama bottoms, she had an overwhelming desire to see him completely naked.
Whilst her fingers explored his skin, Severus lay there almost paralysed. He'd never been touched so tenderly before and was amazed at the lack of revulsion from his young witch. However, when her fingers began to trace the scar which started at his belly button and disappeared under his waistband and finished at his hip, he shuddered; a soft groan leaving his lips.
"Hermione, stop, please," he implored, feeling himself becoming aroused.
Hermione had no intention of stopping, and, ignoring him, replaced her fingers with her lips. His skin felt warm with a cold edge as the sweat that covered him began to evaporate.
"Sweetheart, please don't," Severus groaned, but although his voice was more resolute, Hermione could sense his inner conflict. Looking up at him coquettishly, she planted a final lingering kiss on his stomach.
As their eyes met, Severus realised he was fighting a losing battle as his erection made itself known.
"Oh fuck, you are a sexy witch, but, please, come up here. We need to talk."
He smirked as Hermione's eyes widened when she glanced at his groin and realised what she had done. He guided her up so that her head rested on his chest, and his breath hitched as Hermione gently draped her arm over him before nuzzling into him. He became very aware of how her hair tickled, but somehow he found himself utterly prepared to get used to it.
"Sorry, I had to stop you. You were about to become rather irresistible, and―" he looked down at his tented pyjamas, "―if I let him take over, well, you can imagine what might have happened, but I am feeling a little too raw at the moment to―"
Hermione gasped playfully. "Don't tell me that you admit to having emotions, Severus."
Severus' glare caused Hermione to freeze; panic filling her as she feared that she'd overstepped the mark. However, relief washed over her as something completely unexpected happened: he laughed. The room was filled with the sound of Severus Snape's full, deep laugh and it was one of the best things Hermione had ever heard.
He looked at her, his eyes softening as he sighed deeply. "I've just realised what an amazing woman you are," he told her, putting his arm behind his head, relaxing more into the bed.
Blushing profusely, Hermione exclaimed, "Shut up!" before pushing herself up to get a better look at his face. "Are you feeling better?"
"Yes, thank you, my love," he said running his fingers through her hair. "I am just sorry you had to witness me in such a moment of weakness―"
"―Nightmares are not a moment of weakness," Hermione interrupted reassuringly.
Severus snorted, and shook his head gently. "Perhaps not, but, if you would allow me to finish, I was about to say that I'm glad you arrived when you did."
After planting a kiss into her hair, he continued, "I must confess that I haven't had a nightmare of such severity for years, and I've certainly never come out of one so quickly. There is a possibility that I might be less grumpy in the morning. What is the time anyway?"
"Five o'clock," Hermione informed him sheepishly.
Pulling back, Severus looked at her curiously. "Why are you still dressed?"
Hermione shrugged before asking, "Do you mean, why am I still dressed at five in the morning or why am I lying on your bed still fully clothed?"
"What do you think I meant?" Severus' tone may have seemed unimpressed, but in truth he didn't really care. He was just grateful that she was there for him when he didn't even realise that he needed her.
Hermione gave him a wry smile. "I fell asleep going over the plans―" She scowled playfully as she noticed Severus' lips twitch, and his eyes roll. "―And then I felt... well, I started thinking, and I guess you could say I became quite overwhelmed by today's events."
Severus' expression hardened at her words, but noticing this, Hermione was quick to assuage his rising fears. "Don't worry, I'm not having second thoughts. I just needed to talk to someone, so I went to see Draco."
Appeased, the headmaster began to relax, only for Hermione to gasp, "Oh God, I can't believe I was so rude. I didn't introduce myself to his―"
"His what? Girlfriend? Boyfriend? House Elf?" Severus cocked an eyebrow, awaiting her response.
"His...oh shit! I shouldn't say anything." She buried her face against his chest; her hair cascading over his pale skin. "I promised him that I wouldn't say anything until―"
"Boyfriend, then," Severus snarked knowingly, trying not to show how much he was enjoying the feel of her hair against his chest. "Did he really think I didn't know?"
The curly-haired witch shrugged.
"I've always had my suspicions, although I believe Draco is very much his father's son. But that's beside the point. Lucius won't be happy. Draco's inheritance is dependant upon him marrying and producing an heir, so I hope his boyfriend realises that he'll eventually marry a witch."
Hermione bristled; indignation written across her face. "But surely Draco should be allowed to marry or be with whoever he wants."
Severus considered this for a moment. "I'm sure Lucius will have no objection to Draco keeping him as a lover. Personally, I don't care where he sticks it, but despite redeeming himself, Draco is still a Malfoy, and eventually the family will be restored to their position of power and influence, and I honestly cannot see Draco turning his back on the family name or fortune."
"Oh God! Adrian's a Muggle," Hermione blurted out. "I doubt he'll understand all the wizarding politics surrounding pureblood inheritance rights."
Severus rolled his eyes. "Dear Merlin, that boy doesn't do things by fucking halves does he? Is this what he wants to talk to me about later?"
Hermione nodded. "Yeah, but promise you won't let him know that I've told you. He'll kill me."
"Don't worry. Whatever you tell me stays between us. I will not betray you," he chuckled before asking seriously, "but why did you feel the need to speak to Draco? What was troubling you?"
Hermione took a deep breath, allowing her head to rest on Severus' chest, running her fingertips over it absentmindedly.
"I don't know," she sighed. "I woke up at my desk and noticed the orb floating around, and I sensed something wasn't right. With hindsight you were having a nightmare, but I didn't know that at the time. Anyway, I started thinking about us―"
Severus' body tensed again, his fingers stilling in her hair.
Hermione puffed out her cheeks in frustration. "Severus, I've already told you I'm not having second thoughts," she chided softly. "You asked me what I went to speak to Draco about, and I'm trying to tell you, but you can't keep thinking the worst."
"My apologies," the dark-haired wizard mumbled, trying to swallow down his insecurities.
"I began to think thought about how things will get messy when we go public―and before you say anything, I don't care how messy it gets―but that led me on to thinking about the future. I began to think about things that we haven't talked about―not that we should have talked about them, either. I suppose I just became so overwhelmed by the kind of thoughts I was having, and with the suddenness of my feelings for you that I got scared."
After Hermione's admittance, the room fell silent before Severus swallowed hard and spoke softly. "Look at me."
Turning slowly, Hermione's warm brown eyes met his black. "Do you think that I don't want us to have a future, Hermione? Do you think that once we discover whatever this bond is, I will just leave?"
Shifting her gaze away from him, Hermione whispered, "I don't know. I hope not."
Severus captured her chin, bringing her face to look at him. "Did I not tell you that you are mine?"
The bushy-haired witch just nodded slowly.
"And I am yours," the headmaster told her assuredly. "I want you in my life whatever the future holds. Whatever we need to deal with, we will deal with it."
Hermione blushed. "You mean you've thought about marriage and children?"
"I must admit that it crossed my mind earlier, and I find it to be not an unpleasant prospect." Severus encouraged Hermione to move up so that he could kiss her. "However, we have plenty of time to discuss this. I know the whole situation is sudden, but I feel that something has been awakened in me, and you just need to realise that I am genuinely committed to our relationship."
Brushing her hair over her shoulder, Severus' fingers became entangled amongst the curls before he kissed her again, but he knew something else was bothering her. Pulling back, he scanned her face for an answer, biting back the urge to use Legilimency. "What else is bothering you?"
Hermione looked at him with pleading eyes and shook her head.
"Tell me," Severus demanded softly.
Knowing that Severus could quite easily invade her mind, Hermione drew on her Gryffindor bravery, to divulge her worst fear about the situation. "What if I can't satisfy you? What if I'm rubbish at sex?"
Severus was so taken aback that he didn't know quite how to respond. He wasn't exactly a sex god himself. He knew his way around a witch, he knew what he liked and felt reasonably confident in his own abilities, but never had it crossed his mind that Hermione, even though she was a virgin, wouldn't be able to satisfy him.
Wrapping his arms around her, he planted soft kisses into her hair, and thought, You're being silly now. Go and get ready for bed and come back in here.
Hermione was surprised by Severus' suggestion. Are you sure?
Yes, just don't wear anything too sexy―I am still a man, he smirked. Before the dark wizard had time to think anything else, Hermione had scrabbled off the bed, and ran through their adjoining wall. He considered putting on the top Hermione had caught and left on the bed, but decided against it. She'd seen his scars and Dark Mark, and hadn't bolted. He wasn't going to hide anything from her.

Looking through the chest of drawers in her new bedroom, Hermione found a pair of purple cotton pyjama bottoms and a matching vest top. A quick look in her wardrobe made her squeal with delight as she found it fully stocked with the most beautiful formal and casual robes as well as Muggle clothes which―rather disconcertingly―matched her usual style. Her rooms seemed to know her very well.
She stood in front a beautifully ornate gold mirror and stared at her reflection. Reasonably satisfied, she walked back into Severus' rooms to be greeted by him lifting the dark grey covers for her to get into bed with him. Slipping in beside him, they both turned to lay on their sides just looking at each other. Hermione began tracing her finger over the hard planes of his chest whilst he stroked his fingers up her arm before playing with the strap of her top. After what seemed like an age, they moved closer, draping an arm over each other. Hermione slowly ran her hand up his back, relishing the feel of his skin. As Severus began to reciprocate, she looked up at him just before he captured her lips.
They kissed languidly, relishing the intimacy and feel of each other's bodies until it became apparent that they were both having trouble staying awake. After one final lingering kiss, Severus urged Hermione to turn and pulled her close so that her back was pressed up against his chest.
Brushing his lips lightly over her exposed shoulder, Severus finally took the time to familiarise himself with her scent. He found the natural scent of her skin intoxicating. It seemed to fill him with a sense of calm that he had never experienced before. Hermione's body seemed to melt into his as he slowly kissed up her neck before burying his nose in her curly tresses. Breathing in the scent of her hair, he chuckled lightly as he detected jasmine and vanilla. Any potions master worth their salt would know that these were aphrodisiacal scents, but something told him―something being the erection he was trying to suppress―that, with Hermione, he would not be in need of such external stimuli to increase his need for her.
But now that Severus had Hermione comfortably ensconced in front of him, he realised that he had a dilemma.
Where do I put my arm?
Ordinarily, his favoured position would be cupping a witch's breasts, but this wasn't "ordinarily." Deciding to play it safe in an attempt not to encourage his erection further, he placed his arm over her belly, but was pleasantly surprised when his splayed hand discovered that her vest had ridden up slightly and exposed her smooth, silky skin. He sighed longingly. The warmth and comfort that this witch had provided in the space of a few short hours was indeed overwhelming, but as he drifted into sleep, instinctively stroking her tummy with his thumb, the last thing he thought was how good it would feel to be doing this when Hermione was pregnant.
Oh fucking hell! I really am fucked.

Professor McGonagall was worried, The headmaster and her favourite pupil had not arrived for breakfast, and the fear that the newfound couple may have acted less than appropriately overnight had her deeply concerned. She considered them both as a son and daughter, and she wanted them both to be happy. However, she didn't know if she approved of them being happy together.
And yet yesterday, she witnessed a couple violently in love and although she didn't think that she could stand in the way, she could certainly ensure that a few obstacles were put in their way to slow them down. But despite that, her love for them both found her needing to check on their wellbeing. With this in mind, she walked to Severus' office to see if he was there, and, if he wasn't, then she would speak with Albus Dumbledore.
Since Severus had become headmaster the passwords to his office had become decidedly potion based. She thought it was ironic that his office password was now "Veritaserum" when he'd been called a liar by so many over the last eighteen months. His sense of humour was certainly drier and sharper than ever.
Approaching the door she couldn't feel Severus' presence. He'd always had a strong magical presence, but recently it had become practically audible.
"Albus, have you seen Severus this morning?" the Scottish witch asked as she breezed into the headmaster' office.
"Good morning, Minerva," Dumbledore said observing the niceties. "He has been absent this morning. I expect he is with Hermione"
Minerva sighed. "That's what I'm worried about."
With sparkling eyes, Dumbledore tried to allay his friend's fears. "Oh come now, my dear, do not concern yourself. I do not believe they've been doing what you suspect them of doing. In fact, after Miss Granger's revelation last evening, I believe it may have slowed their relationship slightly."
"But we are talking about Severus here," Minerva stated, "and you know what he can be like."
"I do," Albus sighed, "but I also believe that he is in love with her, and given her revelation that she is untouched, I know that he will not rush to claim that prize. Severus is far more chivalrous than we give him credit for, and although Hermione may not be in her rooms, her maidenhead will still be intact."
Minerva's frustration was evident. "But over the last month or so I have only known him miss breakfast once, and that was because he'd gone out with Malfoy the night before."
"They had a difficult day yesterday; the full details of which we will no doubt discover later. There is much for them to discuss and I would not be at all surprised if they retired late. But if you are that concerned for their wellbeing, go to Severus' chambers."
"I will," the head of Gryffindor blustered. "I just hope they're decent," and with that she flooed to Severus' chambers.

Storming out of the fireplace into Severus' private rooms, Minerva, much to her relief, didn't notice anything untoward. Everything had been put to rights following the episode yesterday, and there were no discarded clothes or empty bottles of wine―or worse―firewhisky.
She walked over to his bedroom door as she had done so many times before, and felt no compunction to knock before opening it. She had mentally prepared herself for the sight of Severus' pale backside or potentially a naked Hermione, but what greeted her was one of the most beautiful sights she had ever seen. The slumbering couple were still in the same position as they were when they had fallen asleep. Severus was unconsciously nuzzling Hermione's hair whilst she was holding onto the arm that he had draped over her.
A pang of guilt filled the deputy headmistress. Having seen how relaxed they both looked, she wished that she didn't have to disturb them. However, it was past nine o'clock and they all had a meeting to attend in two hours.
She watched them for a moment and smiled as Hermione shifted her body slightly and Severus moved to compensate so that he was still right behind her; pulling her in close. They looked so comfortable and content with each other that she decided to give them a few more minutes together by ordering them some tea.
The tea arrived and Minerva poured two cups, setting one on each bedside table before gently brushing Severus' hair away from his face and kissing his cheek. She'd done this so many times after Severus had come back from meeting the Dark Lord; it was her instinctive reaction to seeing him back safe and sound―even if he wasn't always sound. Of course, she only ever did it when he was asleep; even Minerva wasn't brave enough to try that when the former Potions professor was awake.
Much had transpired between Severus Snape and Minerva McGonagall in the first year of his tenure as headmaster which both regretted in terms of words and actions, and both wanted to put firmly behind them. And seeing Severus so at peace, even if it was in his sleep, took Minerva back to before everything went to hell in a handcart and the familiar protective feelings for her former pupil and eventual colleague rose within her.
As Severus started to wake up he craned his neck to see his deputy standing next to the bed.
"You two have overslept."
As Severus took in her words he realised that the was not alone in his bed.
"I ordered you both some tea," Minerva informed him, gesturing to the bedside tables. "You've missed breakfast, but the elves are on standby."
"Thank you," Severus said still feeling groggy, and not quite believing that Hermione sleeping peacefully next to him. What time is it?"
"Ten past nine."
"Shit, we did oversleep!" Severus exclaimed, which caused Minerva's smirk to broaden into a full blown smile. "And before you say anything, Hermione didn't sleep here all night."
"It doesn't matter, dear. You both looked so content when I came in, and I cannot deny you, of all people, that."
Brushing Hermione's hair away from her face, Severus said quietly, and in a tone that Minerva had never heard come from his mouth before, "When she came in, I was in the middle of a nightmare. She helped me out of it, and we didn't get back to sleep until gone five."
Minerva shook her head and reiterated, "It doesn't matter. I've only ever wanted your happiness, Severus, and I believe you may have found it."
Clearly touched by Minerva's words, Severus turned to his curly-haired witch, and gently kissing her shoulder, he mumbled, "Hermione, it's time to wake up."
Hermione snapped awake, but feeling the warmth of Severus' body behind her, she snuggled into him before turning over to kiss him in greeting. She was made aware that they were not alone by the sound of someone clearing their throat, and she looked up to see her Head of House.
Mortified at being discovered in this compromising position, the Gryffindor witch blushed profusely, burying her face into Severus' chest, muttering, "Oh God, I'm so embarrassed." However, if she was embarrassed now, it was nothing compared to how she felt as she brushed up against something very hard and realised what it was.
Severus managed to swallow his groan as Hermione inadvertently brushed against his morning wood.
"Good morning, Miss Granger. I trust you slept well," Professor McGonagall enquired trying to hide her amusement.
"I did thank you...eventually," Hermione replied sweetly, trying to act as normally as possible.
"Very well. I will take my leave. You have a cup of tea waiting for you, Hermione, and I shall see you both at eleven o'clock." Then bowing her head slightly, she intoned, "Headmaster."
"Professor," Severus responded respectfully.

Once Severus was sure that Minerva had exited his rooms completely, he pulled Hermione to him and purred knowingly, "I do hope she didn't notice that I had an erection?"
Hermione couldn't help but giggle. "I hope she didn't too, but I sure as hell did, and―"
Looking up into Severus' eyes, and summoning all her courage, the young witch slowly, but purposely, moved her hand onto the bulge in his pyjama bottoms.
Sucking in a breath as Hermione's delicate hand timidly explored his covered length, Severus closed his eyes wishing that they didn't have to get out of bed.
Hermione, on the other hand, was completely elated by the fact that Severus hadn't stopped her from touching him, and was completely transfixed by the idea of what it would be like to be completely filled by him as she appraised the size of his manhood.
Gently, Severus put his hand atop hers to halt her exploration, but sensing her disappointment he kissed her softly whilst manoeuvring her onto her back. Pulling back, he looked down to see Hermione's half lidded eyes burning brightly as her breathing quickened as she felt a deepening sense of desire. Severus' body, too, was tingling with building anticipation.
No one had ever made Hermione feel like this before and she bit her bottom lip to stop herself from groaning at the arousal that was manifesting itself between her legs.
Both were breathing harder and faster as Severus gently trailed a finger down Hermione's cheek before placing a finger under her chin and tilting her head to give him easier access to her soft, inviting lips. As the kiss deepened, she moaned into his mouth and losing himself, momentarily, his hand moved to cup her breast. He'd touched her briefly earlier, but this was different. Hermione's gasp encouraged him to knead her soft flesh as he trailed kisses down her jawline and over her throat before slowly kissing down over her chest to the edge of her vest top.
Planting a kiss over the covered valley of her breasts, Severus looked up at Hermione, desperate to explore her breasts with his lips, but careful not to push her too far.
Tell me what you want, he whispered in her mind.
I want your mouth on me, she responded.
With permission granted, Severus growled softly, which caused Hermione to let out the most delicious whimper he'd ever heard. Taking a deep breath, he gently teasing her vest down to expose her breasts, and his breath hitched as he took in their perfect form.
Arching her back as if to present herself to him, Severus thought, Oh God, Hermione you are exquisite.
Lowering his mouth, he smirked as Hermione squirmed at the feel of his warm breath caressing her skin. Very deliberately, Severus enclosed his lips around her already taut nipple, tugging it gently whilst flicking is tongue back and forth over it slowly.
"That feels so good," she whispered breathlessly, arching once again. She writhed and mewled as Severus' skilful tongue flicked and swirled around her sensitive peak.
Severus found himself enjoying Hermione's reactions just as much as he was enjoying the feel of her nipples in his mouth. She tasted and felt better than any woman he had ever been with and he knew this was just the beginning. Just that thought increased the throbbing in his hardness.
Hermione shivered delightfully as he pushed her breasts together and blew across her pink, wet buds. He wanted to consume her. Sucking her nipple a little harder, her whimpers became soft moans, and Severus didn't want to stop hearing them. He wanted to continue exploring her; he wanted to see how she would react to everything else they could do together, but knowing he was about to lose control completely, he reluctantly withdrew his lips from her soft mounds and moved back up to capture her mouth for a greedy kiss whilst palming her breast firmly.
Hoping she knew how difficult it was for him to stop pleasuring her, he allowed himself to plant one last almost chaste kiss upon each breast before pressing his forehead to hers and sighing, "I'm sorry, I have to stop before I get too carried away, but I promise we'll continue this later. Now that I've had a taste, I can assure you that I want more."
Hermione blushed, biting her bottom lip. "Really?"
The temptation to slip his hand between her legs as he watched Hermione suck her well kissed lip between her teeth was almost unbearable. However, he managed to summon his self-control, and bringing his hand up to cup her cheek, he whispered, "As much as you'll give me."
Capturing her lips again, Severus kissed her so tenderly that Hermione completely melted before he pulled away slowly, and sat up abruptly.
"What do you want for breakfast?" the headmaster asked as if nothing had just transpired between them.
Hermione stared up at the ceiling, her chest still heaving from her arousal following their first intimate encounter.
"You," she chuckled sweetly.
Looking down at the witch who lay so comfortably in his bed, Severus considered her response. Raising an eyebrow, a small smile graced the corner of his lips, and thought to her, I'm not on the menu, yet―unfortunately.
Well, after that, I have a feeling everything will be on the menu sooner rather than later, she thought back, smiling wickedly before sitting up to drink her tea.

AN: Well...there we are. Let me know what you think.
AN2: This is the new, improved version. If you spot any mistakes, please drop me a PM.
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The Headmaster's Wife