Chapter 10: Venice Continued

The days of summer passed quickly. They spent a great deal of time studying potions at the Venice Libraries. They returned to the Pensieve Library and took several more adventures. They walked along the streets hand-in-hand and made love in their rooms. The living room carpet, the couch, and the shower became favorites when they didn't make it to the bed in time.

As the days waned and it became apparent that it was time to pack and head back to Hogwarts for several weeks before Hermione had to go back to school, Severus asked her out to a special dinner. They were staying at one of the most exclusive hotels already, so he reserved a special dinning room upstairs. It had a balcony and a view of the city. It was warm, so Hermione dressed in a black lace evening gown with high slits on the sides. She wore black-laced stockings and four-inch heels. Her hair was up off her neck because she knew Severus loved to nibble. Then, when the time was right, he loved letting her hair loose. She wore ruby red earrings and a black lace choker around her neck.

When she stepped from the dressing room into the bedroom, she took a deep breath and stared. Severus was dressed in a black Muggle tux with long tails, and he had a cloak tied at his shoulder and lying over one arm. His hair, now past his shoulders, was brushed to shine. He held an ebony cane with a gold lion's head in one hand. His mouth fell slightly open at the sight of her.

"Hermione, you look amazing. If we don't get out of here right now, I will start peeling all those fancy garments off your body and ravish you."

Hermione giggled and bashfully glanced down. Her thick eyelashes rested on her cheek for a brief moment before she raised her eyes to capture his. She held out her hand and said, "Lead on, oh magnificent one. Merlin, Severus, I didn't think you could look even more edible, but you do tonight. It will make dessert more special, don't you think?"

"Absolutely." He took her hand and led her to a wide staircase. They began to slowly climb to the top floor and toward the private balcony. It was a pleasant night with a tiny breeze ... perfect.

"I would have assumed you'd have a serpent's head cane," she ventured.

"I've had enough serpents in my life. I'm rather fond of my brave lioness. I was thinking of you when I bought it."

The magnificent cane was hooked over his arm, and she ran her hand over the gilded lion's head. "It's beautiful, Severus. I think you have a great deal of Gryffindor in you. I've never known a braver man."

"I think each child has a bit of all houses in him or her," he admitted.

Hermione stopped him, climbed on step higher, and leaned to kiss him. "I agree," she said. "I look forward to working with you on that endeavor, once you are headmaster."

He took her hand again, and they continued up the stairs. "I look forward to the challenge, but I cannot imagine Hogwart's without Minerva. I hope she will stay, as she said she would. We have been friends for many, many years."

Hermione nodded. "We will convince her to stay. Maybe we can make her part of our family. Our future children will need a grandmother." Her eyes widened as if the idea had caught her by surprise, as well.

Severus stopped her again. "Children?"

Hermione suddenly had a guarded look on her face. "I assumed it was the natural course of our relationship. I'm sorry if I presume too much."

He felt her stiffen and move away.

He caught her hand and pulled her close. "I never dreamed of having children. Then again, I never dreamed of having you. We have a few years of getting to where we are free to think of children, but I am not opposed to family. They could have no better mother or grandmother." He kissed her deeply and was not surprised when he felt a warm tear hit his cheek and slide down. He was blinking back his own. Her hands had slid around his neck and into his hair, and she caught her breath and buried her face into his neck.

"I never thought of babies much; but with you, Severus, I think I could be a mother. Having your baby would be the ultimate blessing in this wondrous relationship."

He nodded, not able to speak, and they continued on their upward journey.

They finally reached the top step and entered the balcony. Candles softly lighted it, and violin music filled the air. Severus had been assured that they would have complete privacy. He walked her to the edge of the flower-rimmed balcony, and they gazed at the lights of the city.

"I hate to leave," Hermione said. "I have had the best time here. I love having you all to myself."

Severus turned her to face him, and he kissed her deeply, his tongue sliding gently against hers, and his hands sliding over her back. "I have had an amazing time here, as well. The magic of this city is quite captivating. If I weren't so attached to Hogwarts, I would convince you to move here. It has such a huge Potions underculture. I have learned a number of things here myself."

"It's a nice dream, but we can always make this our main vacation spot, and Hogwarts will be home."

"You're not agreeing to stay there because of me?" he asked.

She smiled. "No, not just for you. It's the one place in this world I truly feel at home. It's the first place I was accepted for what I was. I look forward to working there...especially if it's where your heart is. My heart is with you. I couldn't be happier."

He drew her close, and they started to dance to the soft music. He swayed expertly, and she moved against him as if they were one. They swirled around the small area with their eyes locked on each other's face. A small bell rang, and Severus brought Hermione to halt as a waiter bearing a large, covered tray appeared at the top of the steps.

"Signore and Signorina, dinner is served. The wine will be here shortly." As he set the tray on a side table and placed the plates of steaming food on their table, another waiter appeared and brought the wine, which he poured into their goblets. Then he placed the rest of the bottle close to them. The two men walked backwards bowing.

The first man said, "There is a small bell by the stairs. If you wish anything, ring for it; otherwise, no one will disturb you again. Enjoy your dinner."

Severus reached out and placed a nice tip in the man's hand and said, "Thank you." He pulled out Hermione's chair and then took her hand and guided her into it. He took his cloak off and laid it on a chaise lounge before taking his seat. The meal...pasta with eggplant Parmesan...was delicious. There were fresh loaves of bread with olive oil and a bit of garlic and herbs for flavor. The wine was an earthy Pinot Noir that complemented the tomato sauce perfectly. When the meal was done, Severus filled their glasses again, and they wandered back to the edge of the balcony and sipped their wine while they looked out over the city. They caught the laughter and music of the people and watched the tourists go by below.

Severus turned to her and said, "I have waited long enough." He took his wand out and cast an Imperturbable Charm and a Repelling Spell. Another flick of his wand transformed the chaise lounge and cloak into a wide bed with silk sheets and a down cover.

"I will not trust the Muggles to stay clear as they promised." He gave her a devilish grin. "I don't want them to see my bare backside."

Hermione giggled. "I love seeing your bare backside."

"And I love yours." He captured her lips, and she surrendered herself to him. His desire matched hers.

They kissed deeply for a long time, just enjoying the taste of each other. Severus nibbled at her neck for a while and then let her hair loose. The one strap on her dress was soon hanging beside her arm, and his lips made a warm, steamy trail over her shoulder. She was arched against him, pressing her breasts against his chest, her hand buried in his hair. Her eyes were closed and her head thrown back. The deep ache for him was growing by the moment. "Severus..." she urged.

"You always want me too soon. You will wait while I devour you inch by inch, my wonton witch."

Hermione groaned and shivered with anticipation. She undid his tie first and then pushed the tux-coat from his shoulders and began to work at the buttons on his shirt. It was his turn to groan when she pressed her lips against his bare chest and swirled her tongue around one of his small nipples.

Hermione pressed into his hand, which somehow now covered her bare breast. How had he gotten her dress down and her bra off? "You cheated," she said. She felt her magic surge forth, and his shirt was gone.

He chuckled. "Not so fast. I will enjoy removing those stockings manually." He pushed the dress down over her hips, and it dropped to the floor. She sidestepped out of it, and he pulled her to stand closer to the bed. A soft rug was there, covering the stones. He knelt before her and slowly pulled off her high heels. His hands slipped over her stocking-covered leg, and he undid the first garter and then rolled the stocking down her leg. Hermione watched him until he pressed a kiss to her inner thigh and then she threw her head back. Her fingers were again buried in his hair, and she looked into the sky. The stars were brilliant. She could not concentrate on them or make out any constellation as he rolled the second stocking down. She closed her eyes and let feeling take her over.

His hands went to her garter belt, and she felt it pulled away. Then he took hold of her thin knickers and pulled them down. She gasped as he buried his face in her triangle of curls and sighed. He urged her to sit on the edge of the high bed, and he spread her open and dipped his tongue in.

Hermione gasped with the pleasure and fell back onto the bed, arching toward him as he placed her legs over his shoulders and pressed his tongue against her tight nub. He began to alternate manipulation and sucking, and she cried out with pleasure, her fingers clutching at the silk bed sheets until she came hard against his mouth. He stood now, as she watched, he undid his belt and pants and pulled them down over his hips and stepped out of them when they had fallen to the floor. His penis was thick and hard against his stomach, and she held her hands out to him. She scooted back into the bed, and he came with her and covered her with his body. They lay exploring each other's bodies with their hands and their mouths as they just let themselves surrender to the total pleasure of being together. As Severus finally thrust into her, Hermione felt his mind join hers. They became one as their bodies slammed together. Hands gripped warm flesh, and sweat gave them a shinny sheen. Kisses and groans of pleasure filled the air. Hermione cried, "Faster, Severus, deeper, harder." She loved the feel of his muscles as he pushed into her. She opened herself far more than she ever had and felt him slip even deeper. He hit a spot that sent her spiraling into darkness, as she came harder than she'd ever cum before.

She cried out as she felt his hot seed deep inside. The pulsing of that seed was wondrous; she was so happy she could give this strong man such pleasure. She felt his love. She was his love.

"As you are mine," he heard her say back to him.

He collapsed onto her, and then rolling, he drew her across his chest and held her against him, still breathing fast. "Hermione," he gasped, "I will never get enough of you."

She raised her face and looked him in the eye. "That's a good thing because I plan on having you for the rest of my life." She kissed him deeply and then laid her ear against his chest to listen to his still rapidly beating heart. She felt the comforter slide over them, and she snuggled down against his side, his arms still holding her close.

When she was breathing deep in sleep, Severus, who was still awake, said, "That's good because I will never let you go, my love." Then he drifted off to sleep.

Hermione opened her eyes to find them in their own bed in their own room. She assumed he'd brought them there by Apparition. She found he was still deep in sleep, so she slipped out of the bed and went to use the loo. She took a quick shower and, warm from the water, crawled back into bed. Severus was just rousing from sleep. He pulled her to him and sighed. "You smell good." He cracked an eye open. "You showered?"

She smiled. "Yup. I didn't want to wake you."

He slipped out, "I'll be right back... Don't go anywhere..."

She snuggled down into the bed and let herself doze in the warmth of the silk sheets and feather bed. She heard him flush and then she heard the shower, so she let herself drift off only to be woken, what seemed like minutes later, as she felt Severus pull her to him. His lips latched onto one of her breasts, and she groaned with pleasure. She lay there, letting him suckle while she just lazily stroked his hair. He didn't seem to want much more, finally laying his cheek between her breasts with a sigh.

"Last night was wonderful, Severus," she said, letting her hand trail down over her shoulder and then back up again.

His arm tightened about her waist. "It was the very best."

She asked, "Will you lay on your back and let me pleasure you?"

He raised his head to look at her, his eyes wide. He nodded and turned onto his back, drawing her on top of him.

She sat straddled across his waist and bent to kiss every part of his face, almost whispers of kisses. He kept his eyes closed, and his hands idly stroked her side and down over her hips. She left a trail of kisses over his collarbone and across his chest. His hands slid up her back, feeling her back bones as they protruded more as she bent to administer the kisses. Her fingers trailed down over his ribs and stomach, making his jump with anticipation. He watched her for a while as her tongue swirled over his nipples and her hands kneaded his muscles. Then he closed his eyes as she slipped further down his body and came to kneel across his thighs. Her finger slid through the black thatch of hair and admired the hard deep erection. She heard him gasp as she bent and licked the tip of his engorged penis.

She dipped down, and her tongue slid up the entire length, her hand gently massaging his velvet scrotum as she took him into her mouth, opening her jaw further to slide him deeper into her throat. She heard him groan her name, and she began to move up and down.

Severus cracked an eye to watch her bob up and down on him. He was awash with the pleasure of her mouth over him, and he closed his eyes again and gripped the sheets with one hand and tangled his fingers in her hair to guide her rhythm.

Finally, when he felt his climax coming, he gripped the sheets and cried out as he came.

Hermione sat up after a few moments of swallowing and grinned, licking her lips. "You enjoyed?"

He pulled her up to cover him and said, "Yes, very much. You have hidden talents."

He pulled her over him and slipped two fingers into her, feeling her hot and ready. She was so turned on that it only took a few thrusts of his hand before she cried out her pleasure.

They lay, holding each other for another hour, and then with out a word they climbed from the bed with a sigh and took a shower and dressed quickly. Check out time was nearing, and they had to be out. They packed in silence and then stood on the balcony, committing the sounds and scents to their memories one more time. Severus finally placed an arm about her waist and slipped a hand into his jeans pocket and grabbed the Portkey, and they were whisked away.

******

Hermione found herself standing before the gates of Hogwarts, still clinging to Severus' arm. She gasped at the magnificence of it. It had been over a year since she had seen the castle, and it rose with such splendor before her eyes.

"Oh, Severus, I feel like I just came home."

He squeezed her arm and released her. "I'm happy to hear that." He took out his wand and brought the wards down, and they slipped through the huge wrought iron gates. With a wave of his wand, the wards reset. Shouldering their bags, they walked hand in hand to the castle.

A yell stopped them, and there was Hagrid coming from the edge of the forest. He came and engulfed Hermione in a bone-crushing hug.

"Hermione! What you doing here with this scallywag?"

Hermione gasped but then saw Hagrid smile fondly at Severus. Severus glared at him but shook his hand warmly.

"Are you friends now?" she asked as she hugged Hagrid's huge arm.

"Quite," said Severus. "This man is brilliant at finding rare potion ingredients in this forest, and he's not afraid to venture in. The creatures know and respect him. He's become an invaluable help."

"Severus, why haven't you told me?" she asked, warmed by the news.

"A man has to have some surprises." He touched her cheek with his finger. His eyes were full of love.

Hagrid's eyes got wide. "So, it's like that, huh?"

Hermione went into Severus' arms. "Yes."

"You might have told me Sev'rus," he said with a pout in his voice. But his eyes twinkled with excitement. "No two people fit together better. Conversation at your table must ney be borin'."

Hermione laughed, grabbing Hagrid's huge hand, and they turned to continue toward the castle. "No it's definitely not. That's not the only talent he has." Her voice was teasing and full of mirth.

"Hermione!" Severus hissed, glaring down at her.

She laughed at him and looked so happy that he smiled at her. "Behave," he warned.

Hagrid watched their banter with a grin of his own. He'd never seen Hermione so happy. And Severus he was glowing. He'd known something was different with the man since the war, but now he knew what it was. The man was head over heels in love. He'd watched Severus sulk around the castle since he was a boy. It did his heart good to see him glowing with happiness and love.

They had reached the castle door, and there was Minerva waiting for them. "Miss Granger!" she gushed, enfolding the girl who'd run forward to give her a hug,

"Hermione, please, Headmistress. It's wonderful to see you again. I've really missed this place."

Hagrid stood back and watched as Minerva hugged Severus as well. "Well wonders never cease."

Minerva stood back and observed the giant's damp eyes and silly grin, "You told him?" Not waiting for an answer she said, "Good, might as well come out of the closet you two."

"Yey haven't told no one yet? What about Harry, Ron?" He seemed concerned.

Hermione face clouded a bit. "No, I haven't. I really haven't seen them since I started college. I'm so busy, and Severus and I have been spending all our holidays together."

"I thought Harry seemed down when I've mentioned you. He said you'd been a travlin during the holidays... something to do with your studies." He muttered under his breath, "Some studies... "

Hermione laughed. They entered the near-deserted castle and went into the huge hall toward the teachers table. "I do need to talk to them," she admitted.

"Do it soon, lass. They are stumped about your not talking to them."

"I will, Hagrid. I promise." She dreaded the confrontation. Would they be horrified, or would they have grown up enough to see how happy she was and be happy for her?

There were other teachers at the table waiting for Minerva, and many of them got up to greet Hermione and Severus. Their eyes were full of questions as they flitted from Hermione's to Severus' faces. Some, like Poppy Pomfrey and Pamona Sprout, had smug smiles. They finally understood the changes in Severus Snape, and they watched as the two people's hands sought each other as they turned to take chairs. They caught Minerva's eye, and she nodded. They'd asked her what had happened to change Severus so much numerous times, but she'd evaded their questions and would only give them a smug, "You'll see."

Minerva took a chair next to Severus; Hermione was on his other side. "Well, my friends, I am glad to see you all back for the start of the new year. I trust you had a wonderful summer break and are ready to face the dunderheads in a couple weeks. We have a special guest that will be staying with us for a couple weeks before she returns to Cambridge for the coming year. I have a secret to divulge. Miss Granger will be joining us as a Potions Apprentice after this next year. Severus and I have agreed she should come here and work with him. She will also teach some of the younger students." Murmers started up, but Minerva held up her hand. "I have asked Severus to work with me as a Deputy Headmaster this year and next year with the agreement that once Miss Granger's apprenticeship is done, he will become headmaster, and I will return to the classroom."

"Minerva," Poppy gasped, "Is that what you really want?"

"More than you can imagine. I have enjoyed some of my duties, but my heart is in the classroom. I really want to have that be all that I do here. You won't see me retiring anytime soon," Minerva continued. "The wonderful thing here is that we will have Severus and Hermione to fill in the gaps." She turned to look at Severus. "Do you want to add anything?" Severus looked at Hermione, and she smiled and nodded.

He stood, drawing her to her feet. Still holding her hand, he addressed the curious bunch.

"You will no doubt have noticed a change in me the last year. I owe it to this beautiful woman next to me. Not only has she agree to be my apprentice, but she has also agreed to be my wife."

"What?" "Oh, my! "I knew it!" Comments rang around them as everyone got to their feet again and came to give out hugs, which surprised Severus when he found himself the receiver of a number of them.

Finally, everyone sat, and lunch was served. As Hermione began to eat, she glanced at Severus. She could clearly tell he was overcome with the happiness that was battering him. She reached under the table and squeezed his leg. Then she slid her hand up till she got his attention.

Emotion forgotten, he glared at her, and she just smiled.

Thank you, Lisa, for your excellent beta work.