Chapter Sixteen: Wonder

Disclaimer : The characters aren’t mine, the Potterverse isn’t mine, even the prompt is someone else’s

I kiss the hems of The-Ones-Who-Shall-Now-Be-Named, ladyinthecloak, who betaed, and NotSoSaintly, who gently guided me through the mysteries of writing erotica. Love you both, girls!

Chapter 16: Wonder

Severus gently set Hermione down on his bed. Candles and a glowing fire gave the room a soft, warm ambience as she studied his face, years younger in his newfound happiness. Tilting her head to one side, she asked quizzically, “How long, Severus?”

He understood her meaning immediately. “In retrospect, I think my feelings for you changed soon after you had Hugo. I didn’t understand it at first, but where previously I had seen my dear, young friend, suddenly I was looking at a sexy, passionate woman, who made my heart race when she was near, my body respond involuntarily, and infiltrated my dreams nearly every night. I hid it as best as I could, not wanting to destroy your, and Ron’s, friendship with my unwanted desires.”

Hermione couldn’t resist. “You didn’t hide it that well in Vienna!” She laughed as he blushed.

“I was confronted with the woman of my dreams, naked. What did you expect?” he retorted. “I had a devil of a job getting to sleep that night I’ll have you know!”

“So did I,” she admitted. “I only realised why a few hours ago. I think I have been in love with you for some time, but I have been too cowardly to examine my feelings in depth. I knew that things had changed between the three of us, but…”

“I understand, my love. It is difficult to challenge the status quo, especially when children are involved. I just thank Circe that Ron was insightful and courageous enough to realise that we were jeopardising our friendships by continuing on as if nothing had changed. I will forever be in his debt.”

“He is a good man, and I will always love him dearly,” she declared.

“As will I,” he agreed.

They sat on the bed for some moments contemplating the unselfish act of the man who had brought them together. Hermione leaned against Severus’ chest, noting the firm muscle beneath his soft linen shirt. She cherished the feel of his body beneath her hand and the fact that she was now free to touch it, which was a gift beyond compare.

“You realise that we cannot take this any further tonight, Severus. After all Ron’s courage and understanding, it just wouldn’t feel right to make love to you while I am still married to him,” she whispered, hoping he would understand.

“Although my body disagrees, my heart tells me that it would not be honourable. Know, my dear, that I hunger for you with every fibre of my being, but I can wait until you are free to be mine completely.” His kiss consumed her as it bespoke the veracity of his words. She responded without reservation, knowing he would not allow their physical need for intimacy override their respect and love for Ron. They sank down slowly, fully clothed, onto the soft quilt, into a night of tenderness and sharing which melded their hearts and souls even though their bodies remained chaste, finally falling asleep in each other’s arms.

Hermione awoke the next morning in a cocoon of warmth and softness. Opening her eyes, she sensed the barely tamped fires of her wizard’s desire in his intent gaze.

“Good morning.” She smiled languidly.

“Good morning, my love. Do you know how often I have yearned to say that?” he asked as he leaned closer to taste her lips.

She traced the features of his beloved face with her fingertip. “You know, I realise now that I have wanted to feel free just to touch you for a long time.”

“So, whacks on the arm don’t count?” he asked, unable to resist teasing her a little.

“They would have all been for a damn good reason,” she countered. “Some men just need to be kept in line at times.”

He laughed out loud at that remark. “Well, once we are married, feel free to touch me anywhere, any time, as often as you like,” he offered suggestively.

“What, even at The Burrow, in the middle of lunch?” she retorted. Suddenly, her face fell. “Oh, no! What are Molly and Arthur going to say? Will they ever speak to us again?”

“I have no doubt that they will be shocked, but I suspect Ron’s support will be the key to gaining their understanding.” He reassured her with a smile.

She sat up abruptly. “Ron! What will he be thinking?”

“Shh. Don’t worry. I contacted him earlier by Floo when I woke and let him know that everything was fine. I explained that, while you had stayed with me, we had not been intimate. I felt we owed him that much.”

“That was a very sweet gesture on your part,” she told him, kissing him gently. “Now, I had better go and talk to him myself. We have a lot of things to sort out.”

Hermione reluctantly departed after more tender kisses and affirmations of love. After she had left, Severus lay back against the pillows, reflecting on the last thirteen years. He realised that he did not regret the years during which she had enjoyed her youth and first relationship with Ron. He had needed that time to heal, after living so long with fear, suspicion, and hate. Through the generosity of heart and spirit of Hermione’s family, he had learned how to love unreservedly, how to relax and have fun, and, most importantly, how to trust again.

In the clear morning light, the glint of a tear could be seen at the corner of his eye.

Severus Snape wept – this time with joy.

The children accepted the change in their three most loved adults’ relationships without so much as blinking. As far as they were concerned, they had three parents, and as long as they continued to receive all the love and attention as before, who lived with whom was of no import. Ron and Hermione moved into separate bedrooms while they awaited the dissolution of their marriage, which, as it was mutual and amicable, was only a matter of waiting a few days for the paperwork to be processed. The three spent hours together discussing how they would manage the care of the children. Ron and Hermione slipped back into their previous relationship as best friends as if they were donning an old, much loved shoe. Neither had realised how much of a strain the last two years had become until they could relax without the fear that the other would be hurt at their lack of romantic attachment. Severus and Hermione were still in awe of the depth of their love for each other, but had decided to refrain from the physical expression of that love until they were married. They had waited for so long to admit their feelings; they felt they needed time to explore them fully before taking it to the next level, despite being sorely tempted on many occasions. Severus and Ron’s friendship had been strong enough to withstand the change in their respective relationships with Hermione, and they continued their heated contests over the chessboard as before.

Convincing the rest of the Weasleys was a little more difficult. Ron spent many a fraught evening with Molly and Arthur over the first two weeks, explaining that he was not being abandoned and that he supported Hermione and Severus with all his heart. Finally, they accepted the inevitable and welcomed Hermione back into the fold. It had been touch and go for a while.

Harry and Ginny were a different proposition, both claiming they had predicted it all for years. They had been aware of the change in Ron and Hermione’s relationship long before anyone else had an inkling, but until the couple had realised it for themselves, they had felt it not their place to comment.

Three months after the night that Ron made the biggest sacrifice of his life, he was escorting his best friend down the aisle. He had felt very honoured when Hermione had asked him to give her away, for it meant their relationship was whole and would prove to all their friends and family that he was in favour of the marriage. Kissing the bride as he turned to take a seat, he murmured to her, “Be happy, love. You deserve it.” She beamed at him and squeezed his hand, just like the old days.

Of course, after the speeches were over, it was Ron’s turn to corner Severus.

“I know, I know,” pre-empted the bridegroom with mock fear, “if I harm one hair on her head, you will come after me!”

“Yes, but don’t forget, you’re dealing with a top-rated Auror now, not some callow youth.” Ron chuckled as he opened his arms and gave Severus a congratulatory hug. “And by the way, chocolate works well for the PMS, mate!” He spotted Luna Lovegood standing alone by the punchbowl and left Severus to find the new Mrs Snape.

“Alone at last!” Severus sighed contentedly as he carried his bride over the threshold at Spinner’s End. “I thought they were never going to let us get away.” He smiled down at his beautiful wife, whose heated gaze evoked an immediate reaction. Sliding her slowly down his body, he deliberately let her feel how much she was affecting him.

“Mmm. I think you are trying to tell me something,” she murmured in his ear. “Care to elaborate further?”

With that, he led her by the hand up to the master bedroom. Once there, he stopped and simply looked at her, entranced. At thirty-two, she had matured from the slender girl she had been before marriage and children to the curvaceous, alluring woman before him. Her hair had been arranged in an artfully contrived knot on top of her head with a few ringlets framing her face. She wore the brooch and necklace that he had given her so many years earlier. The simple, silver, silk organza robes skimmed her figure perfectly, and despite the modest neckline, the effect was extremely sensual. His chest tightened as he acknowledged the depth of his feelings for this woman. She had been his student, an annoying know-it-all. She had been his adversary, albeit inadvertently. She had been his mission, his salvation, and his purpose in life. She had been his dearest friend, his family, and at long last had become his wife. As far as he was concerned, she was his goddess.

“You are so beautiful, my own, sweet Nimue. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you as my wife,” he murmured as anticipation hardened his body, passion melted his reason, and love filled his heart.

She likewise studied her new husband. Dressed in tight black trousers, a snowy white linen shirt, and a fitted black velvet waistcoat with silver trim; his lithe body, and his arousal, was displayed to perfection. His hair, long and tied back, was still jet black; his face, whilst not traditionally handsome, was strikingly masculine. Her Potions professor was long gone; she could only see her beloved husband, who took her breath away just by entering the room.

“You are not so bad looking yourself,” she purred. “And, as incredibly sexy as I find that outfit you are wearing, I think you are decidedly overdressed.”

He laughed and stood with his arms akimbo. “I am yours to do with as you please, my lady.” He offered himself, body, heart, and soul.

“In that case…” She slowly and teasingly unfastened the buttons of the waistcoat, tossing it aside once she had removed it. The discovery of the old charmed Galleon that saved her sanity so many years before, hung on a well-worn cord around his neck, almost brought her to tears. Kissing it in benediction, she continued to explore the delights of his body, tracing the smooth skin with the tip of her fingers as it was exposed. His shiver of pleasure as she lightly brushed the trail of dark hair leading down towards the buckle of his trousers sent an answering bolt of heat to her centre. Trembling a little in anticipation, she began unbuckling his belt.

He growled as he stilled her movement in a desperate attempt to retain the last remnants of control before she removed it with her searching hands.

“My turn.” His voice, roughened with desire, was intoxicating her senses.

He gently released her hair from its knot and immersed himself in her sweet-scented curls. Turning her around, his mouth worshipped at the altar of her beauty as he slowly began unfastening her robes down her back. Each soft moan in response to his kisses penetrated his senses, almost shattering his hard-won control. The robes slid to the floor, leaving only flimsy silk and lace scraps which could not hide her arousal – as evident as his pressed against her back.

She turned to release him from his remaining garments, but once again he stayed her treacherous fingers with a gentle smile. “Not too soon, my love, or I may disappoint you.”

“You could never disappoint me,” she reassured. “I know that you may not last long, this first time, but I find that flattering. Besides, we have all night.” She kissed him tenderly, intent on removing his self-restraint with his pants.

He groaned. “You will be the death of me, woman. I am fifty-two, you know, not twenty-two.” A few seconds later, his protests abated as the sensation of his wife caressing him through his boxers scrambled his thought processes.

“You were saying?” she prompted with a wicked smirk.

“Never mind. Just don’t… ahh… stop…” he gasped as she dropped his underwear, and he felt her small, adept hand encircle him intimately. As her other hand reached down to cradle him gently and her mouth and tongue created exquisite sensations on his, her pace quickened, and he knew that he was defeated. With a groan, he spilled over her hand as his body found long awaited release.

Severus’ pride lamented his lack of stamina while his body rejoiced. “I’m sorry… I should have stopped you sooner.” Several years of abstinence, since he had realised that the occasional woman he had dated fell far short of his expectations, simply by not being Hermione, had resulted in his perceived failure. As he apologised for his loss of control, he looked up to find his new wife sporting a self-satisfied grin.

“What?” Once again, his witch left him bewildered.

She embraced him. “You silly, noble man, I have longed to do that for you. Don’t apologise for allowing me to fulfil a secret wish. It was amazing, knowing I could make you lose it like that.” The evidence of her fantasy disappeared with a wave of her hand. “Now, where were we?” she asked, lighting a trail of fires down his chest with her fingertip.

“I think I was about to dispose of those excuses for undergarments that you are wearing,” he growled as he swiftly removed the items in question. He gathered her in his arms and carried her to the bed, where he laid his precious gift reverently upon the quilt. Without further words, he proceeded to pay homage to every inch of her skin with his hands and lips. Her soft, breathy murmurs inspired him to find her most sensitive spots and lavish them with attention.

She opened her eyes languorously and noted that he was fully aroused again. “I think it’s time that you did something constructive with that, Severus,” she told her husband.

“And what would that be, my dear?” he asked between licks and nibbles.

In lieu of replying, she straddled him and rubbed her body against his. “Oh, I think we can find a use for it.” His breathing became ragged as she moved slowly back and forth, tempting… teasing… intoxicating. Her every action was unravelling him once again. Before he had a chance to take control, she lifted slightly and slid onto him, enclosing him in her moist, slick heat. “Oh, my!” she gasped. “Oh, my… oh, my… oh, my!”

She rocked, creating an intensely erotic friction, Severus’ reciprocal thrusts generating sensations beyond anything she had previously experienced, until her movements became erratic and, with a quick flip, he reversed their positions. The change of angle deepened his penetration, and his body grinding against hers where they joined was the final straw. Her rhythmic contractions around him as she came were his undoing, and with a harsh cry of triumph, he found his long sought after paradise.

A year later, it was Hermione’s turn to give Ron away as he married Luna, the woman with whom he had found his spark. They had been dating since Hermione and Severus’ wedding, much to Ron’s friends’ delight. Severus ruthlessly took advantage of his distraction when playing chess, often asking about their latest date just to put Ron off his game. Hermione had taken great enjoyment in teasing Ron about how he was all sparkly when he was around Luna. Rose and Hugo adored her and did not think it was at all strange that their daddy’s new girlfriend wore radishes in her ears.

Severus gave the bride away, as her father had unfortunately died some years before in a printing press accident. Luna and Ron moved into a house near Hermione and Severus, and Spinner’s End remained as the base for the Potions business. The children were equally happy with Mum and Uncle Sev, or Dad and Auntie Luna, spending alternate weeks at either house, which gave both couples plenty of time alone together for private research. They all shared dinner twice a week, followed by chess for the men, and on Sundays went to the Burrow for one of Molly’s famous lunches. Severus wasn’t altogether sure about being included in Molly’s brood, but for the most part managed with good grace.

After all, he finally had his deepest heart’s desire, something he had never imagined he would find – an enchanting witch who adored him and a devoted, loving family. Severus was content.

A/N: Well, this is the end, apart from a brief epilogue, which will be posted after the voting. I hope you have all enjoyed it. Many thanks for all the encouraging and thoughtful reviews. You guys are the best!

Based on prompt 93. “Someone has his or her powers stripped away for misuse. Did he/she lose them because of actual misuse or was it a set up? How do they get them back?”