A Knock at the Door

A Knock at the Door by Pearle

Summary: The war is over and Hogwarts is about to start a new school year. A knock at the door of Severus Snapefficffice is about to change his life and the lives of those around him. HG/SS


Disclaimer: The characters, settings, etc. of the Harry Potter series are not mine they belong to J.K. Rowling and Co. I promise to return them when I am through. Well, most of them anyway.


WARNING:Lemons with a kink!(Rated NC17-Anal & bdsm) If this upsets you, please do not read this chapter here. FFN has an R version that still follows the story line. You have been warned!


~~~~~~ A Knock at the Door ~~~~~~

17. A New Beginning


One day merged into the next, and eventually March showed up.

The castle was more chaotic then usual as the students prepared to leave for Easter break. Ginny had arrived with her mom to oversee the final arrangements for her wedding. Friday proved to be especially hectic as students left and packages and people arrived for the wedding. Most of the students were leaving for the week while the majority of the seventh years were staying to study for N.E.W.T.S.

Ginny had been nice enough to invite Jessie to the wedding. Since there were students still in the dorms, Hermione had given her permission for Silenus and Jessie to stay in the Slytherin dorm.

The Great Hall had once again been transformed into a ballroom with smaller tables and floating crystal chandeliers. The girls sat with Hermione and Severus and the Weasley family for dinner. The wedding would take place the next day. They had spent the afternoon rehearsing. Talk had turned to the summer since school would be out in just three months.

"Dad?"

Severus had been partially listening to Hermione and Ginny discuss the wedding and honeymoon plans. He had been feeling an odd sense of contentmeatelately. Ever the eternal pessimist, he thought it could not continue. He was waiting for the other shoe to drop so to speak. "Yes Silenus?"

"What do you do when school is out? I mean where do you go? I know you mentioned Snape manor, do you spend the summer there or just a week or two?" She was not sure what her dad did for the summer.

Severus sighed, thud, and there it was now. He wanted to be with Hermione and Silenus for the summer. The more he thought about it the more he wanted more then just the summer. "I spend part of the summer here and part of the summer at Snape manor and sometimes I travel a bit. Why do you ask?"

"I was wondering if I could invite Jessie to stay for a couple of days at the Manor? Mom said I could stay for two or three weeks if it was okay with you. I think she's going to talk to you about it tonight. She said we might go back and visit Witchfield for a week too. I guess the rest of the summer we’ll be here at Hogwarts. Do you think we could still play chess and maybe work on my flying a bit? I'd like to try out for the Quidditch team next year. Uncle Harry thought I'd make a good beater." She was looking up at him with anticipation.

His thoughts were jumbled. Two or three weeks? He did not want just two or three week with his daughter or Hermione. Witchfield? Wasn't that in America? They were going to visit America? No. That was entirely out of the question. "I'm sure your mother and I can come up with an acceptable schedule. And yes, you may invite Miss Brownynn to stay. I warn you, I expect to see the Manor still standing when she leaves."

"Are you okay dad? You look a little funny?" Silenus noticed he looked a bit paler then usual and seemed to be well, slightly agitated.

No. He most definitely was not okay. What would happen when they left? Would they be coming back? What was he supposed to do without them now that they were a part of his life? He most certainly was not okay. "I'm fine Silenus."

"You don't look it." The group was starting to break up. It was getting late and the wedding was tomorrow. "Mom?" she called.

"What honey?" Hermione turned to her daughter. She caught sight of Severus and frowned. "Are you okay?"

"Bloody hell. I'm fine. However I would like a word with you." They would have more than a word. He had many words for her. Words like 'Where the hell are you going and what were you thinking?'

Hermione gave her daughter a questioning look. Silenus shrugged her shoulders and indicated her father as she said; "We were just talking about the summer, visiting Snape manor and you and I going to visit Witchfield. That's all."

"Oh." Hermione's mind slipped into high gear. The summer. They really did need to talk.

"Mom, are you okay? What's going on?" Silenus looked around. They were the last four still sitting at the table.

Her mother smiled. "Everything is fine honey. Your dad and I just have some details to work out." She looked at Severus. All right quite a few details if the glare in his black eyes was any indication. "You must have taken him by surprise. That's all. You and Jessie head on back to your dorm and don't worry. Everything is fine. You need your rest. The wedding is tomorrow."

Silenus looked at her mother and father. Something was going on. Well, they would tell when they were ready and not before, she was sure of that. "Okay. Good night." She gave both of her parents a kiss good night and left with Jessie.

XXXXXXXX

"What do you think is going on?" Jessie was just as curious as Silenus as to what the problem could be.

They were walking back to the Slytherin common room. "I don't know. Everything seemed fine lately. Maybe they had another fight about dividing the summer up. I knew this girl back at Witchfield. Her parents were divorced and it was always a problem when she would go on breaks. I know mom and dad aren't married but I guess it's sort of like they're divorced. I just thought it would be easier since they both live here. I imagine they'll work it out."

XXXXXXXXXX

Dividing the summer was exactly the problem. Severus wanted a whole summer not just a part of one. He told the small voice in his head to bugger off as it asked, 'Is that all you really want?' Neither one spoke as they walked to Severus's quarters. The wards dropped and they entered his sitting room.

"Severus." Hermione had turned to face him.

Severus looked intently into her eyes as he drew her roughly into his arms and lowered his lips to hers. His kiss was possessive, forceful and full of passion. "I don't want you to go."

Hermione was confused. "I'm not going anywhere."

"This summer."

"Oh. Well, I thought we could work something out, I'd come out with Silenus to the Manor and you could maybe stay at Hogwarts with us. I don't want us to be apart either." She wanted to be with him.

"I told you before. I can't lose you again. I will not lose either one of you." They were standing wrapped in each other arms. Hermione could hear the pounding of his heart. She drew a shaky breath and said, "I promised you I would never leave again. I'm yours, always, if you want me."

Severus looked into her eyes as understanding dawned on him. He didn't want just today, or the summer, he wanted always. His voice was rough as he said, "Hermione, I know it hasn't been easy but I don't want you to leave. Ever. Will you marry me?" He knew he wanted her, did she feel the same? He found it hard to breath.

"Marry you? Oh god, yes. Yes!" She was laughing and hugging him. Punctuating her words with kisses to his face. She had tears streaming down her face.

"Hermione?" Circe, why was she crying?

She was laughing and crying. "I'm fine. I'm just overwhelmed. I really never thought of you as the marrying kind. I just assumed we would continue as we have been." She was wiping her eyes with the back of her hands.

Severus swept her up in his arms as he walked towards his bedroom. His voice was gruff, "I'm not the marrying kind so this had better last. I have no intentions of ever asking anyone again." He laid her gently on the bed.

"Accio box." A small black ring box landed in his hand. "This was my mother's ring. It's one of the few things she left me. We can look for something more modern or you can reset this. Whatever you want." A large square cut diamond set in platinum was nestled in the box.

His voice was soft as he placed the ring on her finger. "Hermione, don't cry. I love you."

Hermione was softly sobbing as she lay in his embrace. He tenderly brushed the tears away with his thumb. "I love you too. Oh Severus." She pulled him to her.

Severus leaned in to kiss the woman in his arms with all the love and passion he possessed. He had held back his emotions for too many years. This was new to him. He had never loved anyone like this before. He needed her to understand the ferocity of his love for her. They took their time touching and caressing one another as they removed each article of clothing. Their kisses were gentle and they were passionate and burned with the intensity of their feelings. They had all the time in the world. They had the rest of their lives together.

Severus lowered himself between her thighs and slowly thrust his erection into her waiting heat. He stopped to look into Hermione's eyes. He saw love and acceptance there. She was his. They would never be apart again. The force of their feelings overwhelmed them. Each touch was magnified. Severus moved slowly, savoring the softness of her skin. He leaned in for a gentle kiss. She loved him and he loved her. They moved together in a new rhythm and when they came, they bound their love together for all time.

They spent the remainder of the night in each other's arms.

XXXXXXXX

The sunlight through the enchanted window woke the pair in the bed. Severus was spooned against Hermione's back, his arm holding her to him. His leg wound through hers.

"Mmmm." Hermione turned in his arms to lie on her back and watch his face. Her voice was annoyingly sweet, "Oh Sevie."

Without opening his eyes he replied, "There are at least a dozen hexes I can perform without my wand. Don't push it, Hermmy." The name was said with as much sarcasm as he could infuse into it.

Hermione laughed. "Hermmy? I think that's rather sweet. I thought you loved me?"

Severus rolled to his back, pulling her to his side in the process, his other arm lying across his eyes. "I do love you but I detest the name 'Sevie'. A few well-chosen hexes and you'll think twice before deciding on anything equally as obnoxious. I'm sure they will wear off in time for our wedding. Though there is one that makes certain body parts grow that might be rather useful."

Hermione sat up. "Our wedding?"

"I'm assuming when you said yes last night to my proposal that meant a wedding would follow. Is that not the normal procedure? Are you having second thoughts?" Severus was worried as watched her eyes.

Hermione was suddenly worried. Why was he asking? "No, I'm not having second thoughts, are you?"

An evil grin crossed his face as he asked, "If I was, would you chain me to the bed?"

Hermione swatted his shoulder. "Stop that. We have a wedding to attend in a few hours." A wedding. Ginny's wedding. Her wedding. Their wedding. His proposal had taken her totally by surprise. She hadn't really thought about after. "Severus, what kind of wedding do you want?"

"Whatever you want. Just tell me when to show up. Perhaps you and Silenus can make the arrangements?" They would have to tell Silenus. His stomach rolled over. He would rather face the Dark Lord again. He said quietly, "What do you think she will say?"

"What will she say? I think she will be over the moon to have her parents get married. I would have to say I think we did this a bit backwards if you ask me."

Severus chuckled. "I'm sure you two will come up with something. What do you think about June? I know it's only a few months off, but school will be out and we can have the entire summer. Or maybe we should just get married tomorrow? I leave it up to you."

The clock at his bedside went off. Hermione groaned. "Ginny and Harry's wedding. Severus, would you mind terribly if we didn't tell anyone today? I want to marry you I just don't want to take the spotlight away from Ginny."

"I see your point, however I believe we should tell Silenus. We could wait until tonight if you like?" Hermione captured his lips in a sensuous kiss. "Was that a yes or a no?" he asked.

"That was a yes. We'll tell her tonight after the wedding. I have to get back up to my rooms if I am going to get ready." She hugged and kissed him again as she scooted out of bed.

The sight of a nude Hermione sent images through his mind and straight to his groin. Hermione noticed the state of his arousal. "Can you keep that on hold until tonight?"

"I believe arrangements can be made. Go before I keep you here." He would have preferred to spend the rest of the day in bed with her. He could only hope Hermione was right about Silenus's response. He supposed he would find out for himself later. Severus rose and headed for the shower. He had a wedding to attend.

XXXXXXXXX

Once again the Great Hall had been spelled to resemble a ballroom. Crystal chandeliers floated suspended in the air. The candlelight cast a warm glow on the room. Clusters of flowers were suspended along the walls filling the hall with the scent of roses. Warm purple and dark pink roses mixed with white lilies to decorate the walls.

On the floor in the center of the hall was a ring of white roses and lilies. Albus stood in the center of the circle waiting for Ginny and Harry. Chairs had been arraigned around the outside of the ring of flowers in increasing circles. A path was open from the doors of the Great Hall to the ring of flowers. Severus sat with Minerva watching for Silenus and Hermione to enter the Hall. Hermione entered with Ron and walked to the edge of the circle. She moved to the left and walked along the outer edge. Hermione moved to stand at the top quadrant along the side where Severus was sitting. Her smile was radiant as she looked at him. Ron had taken a similar position on the opposite side of the circle. Silenus and Remus came in and stood on either side where the path joined the circle.

The crowd was surprisingly silent as Ginny and Harry entered the Great Hall holding hands. Molly could be heard sniffling as she watched her daughter. Ginny and Harry walked forward and crossed over the flower ring to stand in front of Albus.


Albus raised his arms and chanted,
"In this sacred circle of light we gather in perfect love and perfect trust. O Goddess of divine love I ask thee to bless this couple, their love, and their marriage for as long as they shall live. May they each enjoy a healthy life filled with joy, love, stability, and fertility."

Salt was sprinkled at their feet as he intoned,
"Blessed be by the ancient and mystical element of Earth."

A bell rang as he said,
"Blessed be by the ancient and mystical element of Air."

A candle appeared in front of the couple as he waved his wand, lighting the wick and said,
"Blessed be by the ancient and mystical element of Fire."

Water was sprinkled in front of them as the Headmaster said,
"Blessed be by the ancient and mystical element of Water."

Albus held a crystal otheitheir heads, the rays reflecting the candlelight as he chanted,
"May the Divine Goddess of love in all her glory bless ye with togetherness, honesty, and spiritual growth for as long as ye both shall live. For the marriage is the sacred union of the female and male aspects of divinity. Let all negative vibrations, impurities, and hindrances be cast forth hencefrom and let all that is positive, loving, and good enter herein."

Albus took the rings Hermione and Ron handed him and held them up as he said,
"Blessed be these rings in the divine name of the Goddess so must it be."

Albus handed Harry's ring to Ginny.

Ginny placed the ring on Harry's finger as she said,
"I, Ginerva Molly, take you, Harry James, in marriage to be my life partner. To walk, run, and dance this new path together. To love, care and share, to let the winds dance between us, let the fires burn within us, and the waters flow through us on our sacred journey together. With this ring may a new consciousness begin, with this ring I thee wed, with my hearts' faithful affections, and my love for you, Harry."

Albus handed Harry Ginny's ring. He placed it on her finger as her repeated the vow she had made.

Albus held a binding cord in his hand and tied a knot in the middle of the cord. Ginny stepped into the circle of Harry's arms and placed her left hand in his. Albus circled the couples joined hands with the cord. He tapped his wand to the ends, knotting them together as he said,
"By the knots on this cord you're love is united."

A white light glowed from the cord before it vanished. He continued,
"By the power of the Goddess I now pronounce you husband and wife for as long as ye both shall live. So must it be."


Harry took Ginny in his arms and kissed her. The guests stood up and started to cheer and applaud the happy couple. The chairs disappeared and a dance floor appeared. Severus had moved to hug Hermione. He thought she never looked more beautiful. Silenus ran over to her parents. She had never been to a real wizarding wedding before. Severus smiled at his daughter enthusiasm.

"That was just awesome. Did you see the light and then the cord just vanished?" Her eyes were wide with wonder.

Hermione laughed. "What else would you expect? We live in a magical world."

Harry and Ginny took their place on the dance floor for a traditional first dance. The lead singer for the Weird sisters announced, "This is for all the lovers here. Bring your love, your intended and share the love and joy of the happy couple. Tradition says their luck will rub off on you if you dance the first dance they do." The music started and Harry and Ginny began to dance. Molly and Arthur as well as several other couples joined them. Hermione looked a bit wistfully at the couples as she fingered her ring. She had meant to take it off so no one would ask any questions but when it came time, she couldn't bring herself to take it off her finger. The ring meant love to her. The ring symbolized Severus.

Severus took Hermione by the hand and led her to the dance floor. She was trying to protest but he would have none of it. He put his hand around her waist and drew her close to him. He took her hand in his and started to dance with her as he said, "You are my love, my intended. I want everyone to know."

She smiled up at him as she said, "I guess this negates the whole keeping it quiet thing right?" Several people had stopped to look at them.

Silenus was standing gobstruck watching her parents. Jessie turned to her and said with a big smile, "I guess this means they worked it out."

Surprisingly it was Harry and Ginny that came up to them as the dance ended. They had huge smiles on their faces. Ginny noticed the ring on Hermione's finger. "Hermione! You're engaged? Why didn't you tell me? Oh my god!" Ginny shrieked as she hugged Hermione.

"Ginny, it's your day. I didn't want to say anything. Really I'm sorry." Hermione felt terrible for stealing the spotlight.

"Sorry for what? I am so happy for you. Why didn't you say something? We could have had a double wedding. Professor, congratulations!"

Severus smile was genuine as he said, "Thank you Mrs. Potter. My best to both of you." Severus was happier than he had ever been. Hermione was here in his arms and had agreed to marry him. He didn't think he could summon a snide remark right now if his life depended on it.

Harry smiled as he said, "Congratulations." He reached over to hug Hermione as he whispered in her ear, "What did you do to him?"

"Harry." Hermione's eyes were sparkling.

Albus called out, "Can I get the happy couple up here for the traditional toast?" Harry and Ginny went to join Albus on the stage.

Severus and Hermione moved to the side where Silenus was standing with her mouth open. "You're engaged?"

"Yes, I believe your mother pointed out we may be doing things in reverse order but I believe eventually it will all even out." Severus was grinning at his daughter. "Do you mind terribly?"

"Do I mind my parents are finally going to get married? You don't have anything else to tell me do you?"

"Such as?"

Silenus gave her father a look that said 'you know what I mean, please don't make me ask.' Her mother picked up on the innuendo. "Silenus!"

"When were you planning to tell me you were engaged?" She was starting to get angry with them.

"Honey, your dad only proposed last night. We were going to tell you after the wedding."

"Whose, Ginny's or yours?"

Hermione didn't like her attitude. "Silenus that was uncalled for."

The music had started up again. Severus looked at the two witches in front of him. He took his daughter's arm, leading her forward as he said, "Come with me."

"What if I don't want to?" Silenus had every intention of sulking if he would just let go of her.

"I don't believe I am giving you a choice." Severus had started to dance as he spoke to his daughter. "Silenus. It is not that your mother or I wanted to keep anything from you. We were not sure how a relationship between us would work out. How would you have felt if you had known we were seeing one another and then decided it wouldn't work out?"

"But it did work out!"

"That was not what I asked you. How would you have felt if we went back to arguing or worse not speaking to each other at all?" Silenus refused to answer him. Severus tone was gentle as he said; "This is new for all of us. I don't know what your mother told you, but this is not the same relationship we had before. I hadn't planned to propose last night, it just...happened. But I do have something to ask you."

Silenus looked up at her father. "What?"

"Your mother indicated she would take the name Snape after we are married. It would make me very happy if you would take my name too. We could combine the two ceremonies if you like. You don't have to change it if you don't want to. The choice is entirely yours. You are my daughter whether you are a Granger or a Snape. I will understand if you choose not to. It is a difficult name to deal with sometimes. Why don't you think about it and we can talk again?" He would dearly love for her to have his name. But he did understand that it could cause problems. He was a hero, a medal winner, but he still had a black past and a reputation that was not always pleasant. "In any event I believe your mother will need help in planning the wedding."

"Where are we going to live? Snape Manor?"

"I'm really not sure. We haven't discussed too many of the details yet. I only use the Manor as a retreat during the summer. That is one more topic to add to the list." He and Hermione hadn't talked about where they would live. There were quite a few things they wohavehave to decide.

They walked back to Hermione. She was talking to Remus and Sheila. "Congratulations Severus. I'm really happy for you."

"Thank you Lupin."

"Mom, dad said I could help plan the wedding?" Silenus eyes were bright as she thought of her parents wedding. Her anger was forgotten. At least they would all be together.

Albus choose that moment to walk over with Minerva. His eyes twinkled with an unusual light. Severus groaned loudly as the Headmaster said, "Hermione. Severus. Congratulations. Weddings are such joyous occasions. You will let me know if there is anything I can do?"

Hermione was ever the diplomat as she said, "Thank you Albus. We'll let you know. We still have quite a bit to discuss before any decisions are made."

The music changed to a slow tune. Hermione had asked him to dance again. "We should dance while I am still able." Hermione looked at him questioningly as he said, "You do know the old adage don't you? The reason why married wizards don't dance? When you put a wedding ring on a man's finger it cuts off the circulation to his feet."

Hermione burst out laughing as he led her to the dance floor. Severus looked at the woman in his arms as they danced. Her eyes glowed with love. He gently kissed her. He could only hope this was not a dream. He had been afraid when he woke up this morning that he had dreamed the night before. That he would be alone in his bed but he had felt Hermione move just before calling him that ghastly name.

"Severus. You're a million miles away. Are you okay?" She was watching his eyes, smiling.

"Yes. I'm fine. I was just hoping you're not a dream. You don't think I'm really in St. Mungo's do you? Maybe this is all the result of too many Cruciatus's."

"If it is, then I must be right there with you." Hermione slid her hand down to his buttocks and pinched his bum.

Severus hissed at her. "Ouch! What the bloody hell did you do that for?"

She was grinning broadly at him. "If you felt that you can't be dreaming or insane."

They walked back to their table as the song ended. "Hermione, Silenus asked me where we were planning to live."

"What did you tell her?"

"Just that we haven't talked about it. During the school year I need to be near the Slytherin common room. I just assumed we would live in my quarters. Albus can charm a door from the dungeons to open near the hospital ward. Would you have any objection to that?" He had lived in the dungeons for the last 30 years.

"No. I'm sure that'll be fine. I think we'll need to add a room or two, a study for me and a bedroom for Silenus. I want to add a kitchen too. I know you're not one to cook, but I was raised Muggle and still enjoy it once in a while. It's a lot like brewing potions if you'd let me show you." The few times she had tried to teach him to cook in the last few months he hadn't been interested. Maybe she could change his mind. Severus had a bit of a sweet tooth. "How about I show you how to make Strawberry short cake? I'm sure we can do something with the left over strawberries and whipped cream."

Severus felt his trousers start to grow tight thinking of what they did with the whipped cream last time. "I believe you might be able to change my mind about cooking after all."

Hermione giggled as she watched him shift in his seat. "Problems?"

He raised an eyebrow in her direction. "Are you planning to help?"

Silenus and Jessie came over to the table to talk about their wedding and living arrangements. Minerva walked over as Molly brought Luna to the table so they could join in. Even Ginny came over to join the group for a minute. Severus had been squeezed out as more witches showed up. It was just as well he thought. He would never get a word in edge wise with this group. The scene from Macbeth of the witches gathered around a boiling cauldron and cackling came to mind.

Severus was chuckling to himself as he went in search of a drink. Remus indicated the table that the group of witches had assembled at as he walked up to him. Sheila was now part of the group. "They probably could have ended the war three or four years earlier if they’d had a wedding to plan."

He agreed as he told Remus they reminded him of the witches in Macbeth.

"Unless you'd rather have your bits disconnected from your body, I 'd keep that thought to myself. Though I have to admit you might be right there." He was looking over the group. Several of the witches were laughing at something that was said. "They do sound as if they're cackling." Remus grinned at him.

Severus sat a bit to the side and watched the animation in Hermione's and Silenus's face as they discussed and rejected suggestions. It was late when they bid their daughter good night and returned to his quarters.


XXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Did you work out all the details with your coven?" Severus asked with a chuckle.

"I should wipe that smirk right off your face." Hermione moved closer to him and ran her hand over the growing bulge in his trousers. "Problems Professor?"

She wanted to play? He stood still as she massaged his aroused member. "You're playing with fire Miss Granger."

"Exactly what are you going to do about it?" Hermione's eyes gleamed with lust and playfulness. She felt his cock through the rough fabric of his trousers as he twitched beneath her hand. She squeezed the swollen tip. A wet circle was starting to form on the front of his pants.

Severus had been pleased to discover Hermione had a kinkier side to her. They had played out various scenarios in the past. Evil professor and errant student had been one of her favorite when they first become involved with each other. As much as she liked normal sex, she seemed to equally enjoy it rough. He thought they might have been too afraid until now to mix some of the old with the new. Last night had changed all that. They both knew they belonged together. It had taken this long to find their way back to one another. "I believe a detention is in order Miss Granger."

He said a quiet spell and suddenly a very nude Hermione was standing in front of him. The cold air caused her nipples to tighten. The sudden of lose her clothing startled her. "And what will you have me do, clean cauldrons in the nude?"

"I do believe you need to be taught a lesson in manners." Severus spun her around quickly. Another spell and she was tied spread eagle face down on the desk in his sitting room. "You will learn to speak with more respect." He ran his hands over the twin globes of her arse. His nails slowly raked each cheek up and down. His finger slipped down the cleft of her arse to tease the small puckered opening there. Hermione squirmed on the desktop.

"Please." Severus pulled back and smacked one arse cheek and then the other several times in succession. She was dancing from foot to foot. Moving as much as her bindings would let her. She continued to moan and whimper with each smack. Most were hitting her arse but some were landing on her exposed clit sending shock waves through her body. She desperately wanted to come. She was panting as she cried out, "Harder, please."

He leaned forward over her back. He had not removed his clothing yet. The rough fabric of his coat added to her excitement. His hand lay across her dripping opening, one finger lightly touching her clit. His thumb idly played with her nether lips, spreading the moisture he found there. His breath was hot as he whispered in her ear, "I do not believe that is the proper way to ask for what you want Hermione. Try again."

"Please sir, I need to come. Please." Her words, the sound of her voice almost caused Severus to come. He found it unbelievably erotic to see her bound and spread open on his desk. A quiet spell and his clothing disappeared. He leaned his hip against the side of the desk. His left had moved to play with her breast. Another spell and clamps appeared on her nipples causing Hermione to moan and buck her hips forward.

"Is this what you want Hermione?" He moved one finger, then two deep into her wet slit. He pumped his fingers in and out of the wet heat as his thumb pressed on her clit. She was moaning loudly, bucking her hips as much as she could. He moved his other had to her arse hole and whispered a lubrication spell. As his right hand fucked her slit faster and faster, his other hand was teasing her puckered opening, slowly moving one finger inside.

"Yes, YES." Hermione felt unbelievably full. He was moving his fingers faster. She came hard as he slipped another finger in her arse. The sensation of fullness in both holes brought her crashing over the edge. "Severus." She moaned.

She was rewarded with a hard smack to her ass. "You were not given permission to speak yet." He was hard enough to pound nails. The sound of her coming had been enough to drive him crazy. He needed to feel his stiff cock buried in her wet heat. "Accio egg." A small black alabaster egg flew into his hand. It was smooth and cool to the touch. Severus stood behind Hermione as he gently worked the egg into her arse. She had lost the ability to speak as he filled her nether hole. She continued to moan and whimper in response to his ministrations.

After the egg was full housed inside her body, he quietly said another spell. The egg started to vibrate as her bindings disappeared. Hermione looked over her shoulder as she watched Severus position himself at her dripping opening and thrust hard into her welcoming body. "Hermione." He groaned as his cock relentlessly pounded in and out of her body. He could feel the egg vibrating through the thin wall of skin that separated it from his cock. His balls tingled with each thrust into her pulsating body. The vibrations were pulling him forward to a shattering release. He growled low in his throat as he pumped hard and fast into her wet heat. "Oh fuck...you are so...(thrust).... fucking...(thrust)... tight."

She had lost all conscious thought as the vibrations from the egg and the friction of his hard cock pounding into her created a building heat in her groin. It twisted and grew with each thrust. The sound of his voice was pushing her past the point of no return as she built to a shattering climax. "Oh god...oh god."

Severus felt his balls tighten as his release approached. He held onto her hips as he slammed in and out of her body. He could feel her muscles twitch as her orgasm built. With a final driving thrust he came spraying his seed deep inside. Hermione felt his cock swell as his balls emptied. She came hard feeling his cock piston in and out one last time. Her wetness flooded them both. Their combined juices dripped down her legs.

She fell forward onto the desk trying to catch her breath. Her body hummed with the force of her orgasm. She could feel her vaginal walls twitch and the pulse of his cock as it throbbed inside her.

Severus was trying to stay upright and not crush the woman wantonly spread out below him. He had the presence of mind to say the spell that stopped the egg from vibrating and called it forth from Hermione's body. Another quiet spell and the residue of their coupling was gone.

She chuckled as she said, "Thanks."

"My pleasure." His voice vibrated through her body. He was leaning on the desk next to her. His forehead was resting on her back as he tried to catch his breath. "What do you think the chances are of us making it to the bedroom? I am definitely not as young as I used to be."

Hermione laughed. "Does this mean you're not going to carry me into the bedchamber?"

He gave her his best glare. "Give me a day or two."

"You are aware aren't you, that that look loses something when you're naked?" She eyed his flaccid member trapped between his leg and her hip. "Course other things make up for it."

"Hermione."

"No more Miss Granger?" She turned to kiss the man beside her. "Have I told you I love you?"

"Not recently. No." He managed to scoop her up in his arms and head for his bedroom.


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Severus managed to make it to the bed before his strength gave out. They were lying contentedly in each other's arms just relaxing. Hermione was resting her head on Severus's chest. He absentmindedly played with her hair as she traced nonsense patterns on his chest. Their energy spent by the days activities and more so by the evenings fun. "You never did answer my question, did you come to any decisions?"

"Well, I think June would be a nice time to get married but it's only two and a half months off. I really don't want a wedding as large as Gin's. Something smaller with just our friends." Plans had been running rampant in her mind since she left the wedding. "We'll have to speak to Albus about adding to your quarters."

"Our quarters. What type of ceremony?" Severus was not sure if she wanted a traditional wizard ceremony, something Muggle, or maybe a combination of both.

"Silenus mentioned something interesting to me."

"Oh?"

Hermione had decided to take Snape as a last name with the hope that her daughter would follow suit. She suspected Silenus had wanted to change her last name to her father's last name all along but did not want to hurt Hermione's feelings. Hermione thought it would bind them together as a family if they all had the same last name. "Did you ask her if she wanted to change her name?"

"I believe I mentioned we could combine the two ceremonies if she decides she would like to change it. The decision is hers. She does not have to change her name." He thought he had made that point clear to her. He would speak to his daughter again and stress the point.

"Well, I think she wants to. Maybe if we all have the same last name it will help bring us together as a family. Even if Snape is the last name," she said with a smirk.

He swatted her butt. "I believe I have been insulted."

"How can you tell?"

He gave her a mock glare before asking, "What type of ceremony are you thinking of?"

"A traditional wizarding ceremony. Like Ginny and Harry's. I thought of asking Ginny to stand for me since Silenus will already be a part of the ceremony." She wondered who he would choose, though she thought she had an idea.

"I suppose Lupin would stand for me if I ask him. Be sure to check a lunar calendar before you pick the date. I do not want Potter standing in for him."

Hermione laughed. "Fine. I'll start making arrangements tomorrow."

They lay quietly for a few minutes before Severus broke the silence. "Hermione?"

"Hmmm?"

"Thank you."

"Thank you, you did all the work."

"No! Thank you for Silenus. Thank you for coming back. Thank you for saying yes." He wasn't used to declarations of his feelings. This was harder than any curse he had ever endured.

She propped herself up so she could watch his eyes. "I could thank you for the same things, you know? I guess sometimes life works out if you wait long enough." She leaned over and kissed him and then lay back down to snuggle in his arms.

He called out nox and the room was thrown into darkness. Hermione barely heard him as he kissed the top of her head and said, "I love you."

She drifted off to sleep with a smile on her lips.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

The months flew by as Hermione and Silenus planned the wedding. Ginny and Molly were more than happy to lend a hand. Whenever Hermione asked Severus if he wanted to help he would repeat his original comment, just tell him when to show up.

Hermione and Albus came up witans ans to expand the Snape living quarters. As Albus attempted to add rooms, the castle decided to add its own input. Two bedrooms appeared with enchanted windows and a kitchen was added as well as a study for Hermione. An additional sitting room showed up incorporating the doorway Severus had used to leave the castle when he was spying. When they opened the doorway, they found a walk out patio.

Silenus had a great time decorating her new room and Jessie was more than happy to help her. The girls were even allowed to spend a Saturday night once the room was finished. Hermione cooked a spaghetti dinner in the new kitchen complete with salad and garlic bread. It would have looked like a Saturday Evening Post Cover if it wasn't taking place in a dungeon, or if the dishes didn't float through the air and wash themselves in the sink, or if it’d had electricity instead of the candles floating in the air to light the room, or if the leftovers hadn't put themselves away. Or the window that looked out at the lake and the giant squid. So maybe it wasn't typical but they were happy.


The wedding had been planned for the first weekend in June. In the end they decided to have the wedding in the Room of Requirement. Hermione felt the Great hall was much too large for the size of the gathering they were expecting. Albus had planned to conduct a small ceremony first to change Silenus's last name and formally name Severus as her father. They would then hold the wedding ceremony immediately after. School would be over Friday June 6th so the wedding was set for Sunday the 8th. Silenus had invited her friends to attend. Ginny had offered to have her stay with her when her parents went on their honeymoon but she had already accepted Jessie's offer to stay with her.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hermione grew nervous, as the day grew closer. Severus was worried she was going to change her mind. About a week before the wedding they were in the sitting room. Severus was grading third year potions papers as Hermione sat going over endless lists. He watched her as she checked one list against another. Her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Do any of your lists mention make love to the groom to be?" he asked with a chuckle.

"Yes, right here. It's listed right after get married, enjoy the party, take off for honeymoon. See number four? Snog husband."

She held up a piece of parchment and pointed to one of the lines. The writing was too small for Severus to see at the distance he was at but he was sure it did not say Snog husband. "Accio list."

The list flew out of Hermione's hand and into his. "Severus. I need that."

She walked over to his desk and put her arms around him. As she lowered her face for a kiss she grabbed the list from his hand. "Thank you."

He pulled her down on his lap. "Take a ten minute break anyway. You've been working too hard."

She sighed as she leaned against him. "I'd just like to be married already."

He gently kissed her neck. "We will be. Sure you don't want to change your mind?" Whatever demon possessed him to ask that? Say no. Say no. Amazing what a complete idiot he could be. This is why you do not fall in love he chided himself. You appear to be short on brain cells as a result of it.

She sat up and looked at him, worried until she saw the panic in his eyes. "No and I will not make the same offer to you." She tenderly kissed him. "I love you. It would seem you are stuck with me."

"I believe I can live with that."

TBC


A/N: Ginny and Harry’s ceremony is liberally borrowed from a handfasting ceremony I found on line. Follow this link if you wish to read more: Handfasting Ritual - 1995 – Akathia http://www.mindspring.com'stardancer/handfast.txt

The comment Severus made about the reason married men (wizards) don't dance? “When you put a wedding ring on a man's finger it cuts off the circulation to his feet.” This is comment refers to my husband. We dated in the late 70’s when dance clubs were everywhere. We danced every Thursday night. Once we got married that seemed to stop. His rationalization was, we’re married now, we don’t have to date!

FFN’s content has an R rating, an abbreviated version of this chapter will appear on that web site. The story line will still be intact but the material will be altered (no lemons!). A complete chapter can be found at AFF, and Whisper. Just look for my name under the author's section and follow the links if you're interested.

Sad to say but only a short epilogue is left. Enjoy and let me know what you think. Thank you to all who have reviewed. As always thoughts, comments, reviews, whatever are always welcome. A thank you to Casandra, the Goddess, my beta.

Regards, Pearle