"Unanswered Prayers"

“Thank you. I was afraid you would damage my dress in the height of passion.”

Severus exploited their embrace during apparation to remove their clothing. Their feet landed light as clouds in the living area of the cottage in Flatley, Iceland. Moaning could be heard from Severus as his hands explored the sheer Slytherin-green lingerie she’d hidden under her dress.

“You are a cunning minx, Gryffindor —”

“Serves you right for teasing me unmercifully at our wedding, Slytherin.”

How she managed to talk while her tongue tantalized his mouth escaped any explanation Severus was capable of at the moment.

“Part of the services provided, Mrs. Snape.”

Another a long, wet kiss accompanied their dance-walk to the couch. Severus had released her tongue from his mouth in preparation for the opening moves in the consummation of their marriage when Hermione spotted an old wine bottle, with a light coating of dust, with a card on the mantle.

“Severus? Do I have you to thank for this?”

“No, but I think I know where it came from —” and with a subtle straightening of his fingers he cast “Accio Wand”, “Finite Incantatum” and “Specialus Revelio” in rapid succession. Neither the bottle nor the attached card revealed any enchantment.

“As you seem to enjoy these rare vintages, shall we indulge before we… indulge?”

“I’d love to,” Hermione answered, reaching behind her back to release the clasp on her bra.

“Stop what you’re doing, Mrs. Snape. Any ‘unwrapping’ will be done by me and me alone.”

“I’m not a possession.”

“You are not. But you will ruin my enjoyment if you continue. It will be my first time undressing your beautiful body completely. I would prefer not to miss the experience.”

“Then I’m all yours,” she consented, tears gathering but not falling. 

Remember, Hermione, this is a first time for him too. she chided herself.

Closer scrutiny of the bottle label identified the vintage — a rare amontillado corked over 200 years ago by one of the finest vineyards in the world. His practiced hand uncorked the bottle to give the wine time to breathe.

Inserting a finger at the corner, Severus slid the digit along the flap to open the envelope and removed the note. Despite the lack of revelation from his spells, Severus couldn’t shake his feeling, while touching the note, that it felt different than it should. But he pushed his concern to the side as he watched his new bride, in that sexy lingerie, fold herself onto the couch to await her aperitif before resuming her state of hot-and-bothered in their bedroom.

“What does it say?” she asked, as he handed her half a glass of amontillado in the lovely crystal goblets they'd found conveniently placed beside the wine on the mantle.

“Dearest Hermione and Severus, 

I cannot express my utter joy at your union. I have no doubt you will care for and take care of each other. I look forward to greeting your children at Hogwarts — or will you be sending them to Durmstrang, Severus? You have time to discuss it but don’t delay too long; these decisions can come upon you rather suddenly.

In any event, the wine comes from my personal cellar at Hogwarts. I’ve had six bottles delivered to your rooms to partake of on your return. This wine has the unusual ability to adapt to the drinker’s desires; a very coveted feature. Enjoy!

Albus Dumbledore”