I'm Not in Love

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Severus was sat at his desk. He put down his quill and filed away his remaining parchments, ensured his office was tidy, and stood, taking some Floo powder in his hand. He was smiling to himself as he vanished in green flame.

The sun was warming her hair as she sat on the bench, seagulls crying above her as she lifted her book slightly. She was absently rubbing her wedding ring as she read through the chapters entitled ‘The Partner—a Tool in Childbirth’.

George and his wife still owned the bookshop, and the friendly man had beamed at her when he saw her. He had become very fond of Mrs Snape over the years, and he felt almost fatherly pride when she had walked into the shop heavily pregnant and showing off her baby bump proudly beneath her blue sun dress. She had been glowing with happiness and was more than happy to chat, and George was a little smug to know that he had been, in some small way, part of their love story.

Severus walked along the seafront until he reached her and watched unnoticed for a short moment. His wife was always lovely to him, but it was moments like this when she was relaxed, and so obviously content, that he appreciated her the most. He bent to kiss the back of her neck gently, and Hermione smiled up at him and held her hand out. He pulled her to her feet and wrapped his arms tightly around her, kissing her softly and gazing into her face.

‘You look beautiful today.’ He smiled.

‘And you look gorgeous.’ She stepped back and took in his light grey trousers and white linen shirt. He must have been shopping, she mused.

‘I’m on holiday.’ He shrugged, and she laughed gently.

They ate in their favourite restaurant and then went to the basement bar. It had changed hands, the interior now bright and funky, a jazz band playing in the corner. They went home early and made love slowly, making use of some of the more interesting positions Hermione had researched in her ‘Love During Pregnancy’ book. As usual, they revelled in each other.

Hermione was almost asleep when she felt her waters breaking and the flood of wetness seeping across to Severus’s side of the bed. She turned to look at him, her face pale, and as their eyes met, they smiled softly at each other.