Everything Is Coming Out Right

I want to give a great big thank you hug to MadBrilliant for combing through this to point out my numerous errors and help me make this presentable for reading. You're the best, thank you!

Everything Is Coming Out Right

Severus was getting tired of waiting. The new facilities for the werewolf clinic were underway, and the building had a lot of support, what with Minster Kingsley Shacklebolt, Caroline Montgomery, Harry Potter, Ginevra Weasley, Neville Longbottom, and Hermione Granger at the helm. Remus Lupin had encouraged several werewolves to attend the meetings so that they would know firsthand what the plans were and to voice their concerns and opinions. As per his promise to the Minister, Severus brought the first dose of the Wolfsbane Potion to the clinic, surprising everyone. He'd barely made enough, and his presence made several of the werewolves skeptical at first. However, it was Lupin and Hermione who assured the beasts that the potion was perfect. Hearing such confirmation coming from Hermione had made Severus smile, although he maintained his serene composure the entire time.

After the last werewolf consumed his dose, Severus Scourgified his cauldrons and sent Peeper home to clean them. He walked over to Lupin to confirm the need for a second dosage and verify the numbers of those who would be taking it.

Hermione walked over to him as he was preparing to leave. She looked very lovely in her blue robes over her work clothes and her hair confined in a barrette. So much more mature than the student he'd watched grow up. "Severus, I wanted to say thank you," she said, looking up at him with a warm smile.

"You're welcome," he said smoothly. "I must prepare another dose for those who've been suffering from Lycanthropy for a long time, to assure optimum results, and to assure your safety."

"My safety?" she asked, confused.

"Yes," he said, looking at her, wishing she would accompany him home. Do I dare? Is she ready? "For whom did you think I did all this?" he asked with a sweep of his hand.

Hermione's eyes grew wide. "You! You had a hand in...you know who bought the facilities, don't you?"

Severus merely gave her an amused smirk. "I did my part in this for you," he said, reaching out to brush back a strand of her hair, barely touching her face, suppressing the longing he was desirous to show her. She blushed under his stare as she tucked the offending lock behind her ear. He looked up at the others mingling around. "I have much to do. I'm very proud of you," he said softly before turning to leave.

"Severus," she called after him softly, walking up and touching his arm.

He looked at her hand, so delicate on his sleeve, then looked at her face, so trusting and imploring. "If I take you with me, I will want to make love to you."

Her eyes grew wide but her fingers curled tighter on his arm. "But you hardly know me!"

"I know you well enough," he said slowly. "And now, thanks to a little mishap, I know we are suited for each other, although we have never explored that before. Do you trust me, Hermione?"

"Yes," she replied.

He smiled, clasped her hand on his arm with his, and Apparated them to his house in Spinner's End. "This is Spinner's End, my father's house, and my potions lab," he said, watching as she stared at his books in opened-mouthed wonder. He opened the concealed door that led to his potions lab, which had once been the kitchen, eating area, and main room of the small house. The space had been reorganized to suit his purpose of an efficient potions lab with plenty of work area and the original kitchen modified to accommodate the standard potions sink for cleaning cauldrons and preparing ingredients.

Peeper was busily cleaning his cauldrons at the sink. She turned and bowed low before returning to her task, humming happily as if this was the greatest chore in the world.

Hermione watched her a moment and turned to face him, her expression neutral. "You have a house-elf?"

"Yes," he replied simply, then indicated the open doorway in the wall beside her. "There is my study, which also leads to a box room I use for my supplies, and a loo."

"This is where you grew up?" she asked, looking at him. "Is there an upstairs?"

He smiled. "There is: another box room and two bedrooms. It is unchanged. However, I have made many alterations to this floor." He stepped closer to her and hesitated.

"Sir, why did you bring me here?" she asked, and he cringed inwardly at the slight edge of unease in her voice.

"I wanted to show you where I live and work," he said, moving closer to her. "You have seen where I live. This is where I work." He reached out and touched her hair, sliding just his fingertips trough her curls. "I cannot stop thinking about you, Hermione." His thumb brushed her cheek, barely making contact. "I know that the Love-Drawing Potion confirmed that we are soul mates, and I would like to possibly see if there is any merit in pursuing you."

"You do?" she asked, swallowing, and he hoped her reaction was from his casual feather-light touch, not because she was nervous due to his proximity.

"Yes, I do." Severus moved even closer as he cupped her face, pleased that she offered no resistance. "I would like very much to see where this could take us," he said silkily as he lowered his mouth to hers. He kissed her slowly and leisurely, savoring the feel of her lips and the taste of her mouth, keeping his kisses soft and sensual. Hermione made a soft mewing noise before wrapping her arms around him to steady herself, and he encircled her waist with his arm, still gently cupping her face with the other. Slowly the kiss became more heated, far more passionate, and Severus felt his self-control slipping. "Merlin, I want you," he groaned, crushing her to him, wanting nothing more than to completely posses her.

"Oh, Circe! I don't know how much of this I am ready for," she stammered against the assault of his kiss.

"Say yes or say no," he urged her.

"To which part?" she asked as his mouth moved from hers to her neck, making her head tilt in response to the intense feelings he knew he was giving her.

"Any of it...all of it. You choose," he said, loving the way her body was reacting to him. If he wanted to truly have her, he could so easily push her self-control off the battlements and take her right here, right now, on his worktable. The thought alone made his penis so hard it nearly hurt. However, he was determined to make her his wife, not a short time fling. Forcing her was not an option.

"I need more time to think about this," she moaned, and he wanted to swear at her indecision.

"Expect me to pursue you," he said silkily, kissing her firmly and suddenly letting her go, watching as she had to steady herself upright. "So, how would you like to learn how to brew the Wolfsbane?"

Her eyes lit up, just as he'd expected they would. "I'd love to!"

...{ }...

Severus was a most persistent suitor, showing up like clockwork to walk her home from her Apparation site each night and frequently offering for her to brew her potions with him at his lab in Spinner's End. From their first day in his lab, he had begun teaching her how to brew the Wolfsbane Potion, and by the third full moon, she had become quite proficient at it.

He had also been quite gracious regarding the lending of his personal books, frequently engaging her in a discussion of the books she borrowed when she returned them. Twice a week he took her out for dinner, although he seemed to prefer a packed dinner in a secluded spot, as opposed to a restaurant. It amused her to see him conjure up a table and chairs and pull out two full formal table settings, complete with linens and candles from his picnic basket and enough food to make them feel stuffed and leave her with extra to take to work the following day.

Each night when he kissed her goodbye, he seemed able to curl her toes, take her breath away, and make her swoon, but he never pressed her for anything more, much to her regret each night as she lay in bed, touching herself while fantasizing about him.

On more than one occasion, Hermione arrived at work to see a single flower lying on her desk without any note as to its sender, although she knew with absolute certainty it was from Severus. In fact, Hermione was growing increasingly distracted at work, occasionally thinking about Severus at her desk, frequently making the gossips at the Ministry delighted in speculating on who her paramour could be. Still, it had been the most wonderful two months she'd ever had.

...{ }...

The invite to Neville and Hannah's wedding came as no surprise. Hanna had still wanted Hermione to be her Maid of Honor because she felt that she wouldn't be getting married if it weren't for Hermione's potions. Hermione had turned down Hannah's request, telling her that it was really Ron who'd caused the potions mishap that had brought them together. Hannah had been disappointed until Hermione added that Ron looked terrible in pink, so she should choose her best mate for the honor. Both girls laughed themselves silly at the thought of Ron wearing dress robes with pink ruffles and lace, getting strange looks from Severus and Neville, who were talking about Herbology across the sitting room.

When Hermione and Severus arrived at the wedding together, they received their fair share of stares, especially from the old aunts and elderly witches. George showed up with Susan on his arm, smiling at her as she walked down the aisle in her pretty, pink bridesmaid gown. Ron showed up and spent the evening dancing with Megan, who was also one of Hannah's bridesmaids. Nevertheless, the two times Hermione and Ron had crossed paths, there had been a bit of tension, usually eased by the arrival of either Harry, Ginny, George, or Susan. Mostly they had seemed to reach an uncomfortable truce, opting to keep things friendly, although Ginny confided to Hermione that Ron still harbored deep feelings for her. Nevertheless, things did seem to be healing between them, albeit very slowly as the hurts were slowly ebbing away. The friendship that had started their first year of school still maintained a tie that had been severely strained, but had never totally been broken. At least she was able to talk to Ron in public and surrounded by their mutual friends.

Severus had been a perfect gentleman all afternoon and evening, conversing amiably with her friends and dancing with Hermione most of the night. Even Ginny, whose hair clashed with her pink gown, had a good time and danced with Severus more than once. By the time the reception was winding down, Hermione was feeling slightly tipsy, and her feet hurt terribly, even more so when she'd removed her shoes to stretch her toes. "Severus, please take me home," she pleaded, finally hoping he'd had enough as well. She was leaning her back against him, his arms around her, watching Neville dancing with his Gran, and Hannah dancing with her father.

"I'd be delighted to," he said softly in her ear. "Go make your goodbyes." He took her hand, following her as she wished both Neville and Hannah well and said bye to all her friends as they made their way from the room.

Severus pulled her to him, embracing her tightly, and asked, "Where to? Your home or mine?"

"Mine," she replied softly, hugging him and allowing him to Apparate them to her phone booth. They sat on the bench in the park for a while as Severus massaged her feet.

"There, do you think you can walk?" he asked, transfiguring her shoes into slippers.

Hermione giggled. "Who would have thought that the greasy git...the bat of the dungeons would ever massage my feet, let alone make me slippers!" she said, grimacing at his scowl. "Oh! Sorry! I always hated hearing Harry and Ron calling you that."

"Most students did," he said softly. "It was an image I carefully maintained to keep my distance."

"Why?" she asked as he pulled her to her feet.

"Hermione, I was only twenty-one when I first started teaching and not at all interested in schoolgirl infatuations, which I had plenty to deal with," he explained as they walked. "Students who were in third-year when I was in my seventh were now in my N.E.W.T. level classes, and only five years younger than I was. In the wizarding world a twenty- or even thirty-year age difference in marriages is not uncommon, so you can imagine. I perfected the aloof, indifferent, brooding, sarcastic image for self-preservation, and my reputation quickly grew. I was an acquitted Death Eater, dark, mysterious, and broody...a babe magnet. Merlin only knows why women like the sort, but they do. The more I shoved the students away, the more I had to deal with schoolgirl crushes. Finally, I perfected the image so well that it took on a persona all of its own, and one I maintained."

"I had a crush on you." Her confession just slipped out, and she immediately covered her mouth.

He laughed. "Somehow, I'm not the least bit surprised. Let me guess: your first through third years?"

"Second through fifth actually," she replied with a grin. "I completely gave up on you sixth year."

"And here we are," he said.

"Yes, here we are," she repeated, amazed.

"I meant your door," he said, smirking.

Hermione blushed as she unlocked and unwarded her door, inviting him in. However, after sitting with him on the sofa, her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat, she grew even more tired. "Severus, why is it you only ever kiss me?" she asked.

He sat up straighter and looked down at her. "Considering everything you have been through, I didn't think you'd welcome my advances..."

Hermione cut him off by pulling his head down to hers and kissing him. She turned in his lap, smiling when he groaned from the way her hand slid up his leg as she maneuvered her body so she could take full advantage of his lips.

"Merlin girl, if you expect me to be a gentleman, stop that!" he snarled throatily, pulling her with him as he shifted on the sofa.

"And if I don't want you to be a gentle anything?" she asked, sliding her hand up his leg.

"Be careful what you wish for," he growled.

Hermione laughed and struggled to her feet. Using a wandless spell, she unzipped her gown, allowing it to fall at her feet. She stood apprehensively in her strapless brassiere, thong, stockings and fuzzy slippers, as he simply stared at her, his eyes darker than she'd ever seen them. She took a step back, unsure of what to do. He wasn't reacting like she'd expected. He rose slowly, standing before her, his eyes searching her face and sweeping her chest. In one swift move, he embraced her, kissing her so deeply her head swam. He lifted her up and carried her across her flat, kicking open her bedroom door.

He set her on her feet, his fingers gliding on her sides, making her shiver. "Hermione, if I come in, I'm going to make love to you. I will not be able to..." He was effectively silenced as she once again pressed her hand on his penis and leaned up to kiss him. He scooped her up again, carrying her to the bed and throwing her down on top of it.

In seconds, he was tearing off his robes, coat, waistcoat, shirt, vest, and trousers, climbing on to the bed and staring at her. His hands roamed her body as if she was the most amazing thing he'd ever seen, removing the last of her clothing with slow deliberate movements, kissing her all over in the most sensual way, making her wet and excited as he did so. He left very little of her body untouched, unsavored, or ignored. When he finally touched her between her legs, she was so wet she thought he'd be put off. But he smiled, lowering himself to her core, taking his time as he licked her, suckling her clitoris and quickly bringing her to orgasm. He moved up, placing himself at her opening, and Hermione tried raising her hips up to meet him, eager to feel him inside her. The feeling of his slow entry was nearly enough to make her orgasm a second time, and with only a few long slow strokes, she was gasping out his name, pleading him for more, and clutching onto his arms.

He continued to pull and slide in her in long agonizing strokes, the pubic hairs on his groin raking against her clitoris in the most delightful way. She arched her back, crying out as her second orgasm rippled through her. He was watching her, smiling smugly as he continued to pump in and out of her. As she began to relax, he increased his tempo, and Hermione moved her legs up on each side of his hips. Severus smiled, moving first one then the other leg to his shoulders, and Hermione gasped as his penis seemed to enter her even deeper. Severus kissed her legs, his hands roaming all over her, and Hermione tried to reciprocate touching him, sliding her fingers on his skin and following the trail of his chest hair down to where they joined.

His breath hitched, and his thrusts became more aggressive as she stroked his shaft as it slid under her fingertips, enjoying the slick feel of his skin. "Oh, gods, Hermione stop," he growled deep in his throat.

"Stop what? This?" she asked as she touched herself, enjoying the feeling of teasing her clitoris as he rode her. His eyes widened, and she grinned, feeling his penis slide through her folds into her. Hermione masturbated herself as he moved within her, knowing he was staring at her, and felt her own excitement build. She began to whimper as her body reached another climactic surge that rippled through her. Severus pounded into her, growling, again and again, finally holding himself deep inside her as she felt her own orgasm ebb.

He finally pulled out of her, rolled her to her side and pulled her tightly against him, cradled in his arms. "Will you stay with me?" she asked softly, hoping he'd agree.

"Just try and get rid of me," he purred silkily in her ear.

...{ }...

It was only a month after Neville and Hannah were married that Hermione and Severus attended the wedding of Harry and Ginny.

The following Sunday, Ginny owled Hermione.

Hermione,

Ginny

Hermione wrote Ginny back, telling her she'd ask Severus about Friday and let her know, but to count on them showing up.

She was so happy for George and Susan and very pleased that things were working out for Lee and Angelina. She wished Ron well, but she was still keeping her distance, only seeing Ron occasionally whenever they were both invited to large parties and Ministry functions.

Hermione was still brewing her potions in Severus' lab in Spinner's End. More so because she loved brewing with him, and his lab was so well laid out. That and it gave her an excuse to spend her evenings and many of her nights in his company. He had adjusted the wards on the house to allow her access whenever she needed to, although she was rarely alone in the house for long. He always seemed to know the exact moment that she'd arrive. She was quickly finding out that Severus was a masterfully creative lover, and he seemed all too pleased that she was opening up to be an uninhibited partner.

...{ }...

Severus brought her to his home again, this time bringing his fiancé to the grassy slopes in front of the house so she could see it properly. The two-storey house was a simple structure from the outside, with five windows on the upper floor and a very large bay window and one smaller one flanking both sides of a simple wood door on the first. The house was nearly covered by climbing ivy, surrounded by rose bushes and tall waist-high grasses that stretched from the small front lawn to the river that gently swayed in the breeze. "Shall we, or should I just Apparate us up directly to the bedroom," Severus said as he hugged her tightly and kissed her. Hermione felt like she'd lost her footing as he squeezed her, until she realized he'd Apparated them to the bedroom as he'd suggested.

"If you expect me to shag you here in your aunt's house, you will have to make it look a lot less like Dolores Umbridge's bedroom!" she protested at the sight of the décor.

"It's my house and soon to be yours," he snapped, although without any of the vinegar it used to carry. Severus pulled out his wand, making rapid swishing flicks at the various drapings, curtains, upholstery and even the quilt, turning all the cabbage rose print black. "Better?"

"Did you have to choose black?" she asked amused, running a finger down his front, stopping at his belt.

"If I use blue or green, the roses would all still show through," he said, sounding disappointed, sucking in his breath as her finger tailed lower. "I tried...something about the fabric...Merlin, witch!"

Hermione smiled at him, taking a step away. "For the record, I prefer blue and green," she said

He covered the distance she made, pulling her into his embrace, capturing her arms with his, and kissing her. "Oh really?" he said lustily. "Green?"

"Definitely green," she replied playfully, trying to worm her arms free of his arms. "I had too much of red living in school."

Severus held her arms pinned down quite effectively, amused by her struggles. "I'd never suspect you of being a closet Slytherin," he said, releasing her as his hands slid down her body, caressing her every curve.

Hermione grinned as he removed her top, exposing her pink bra. She eagerly removed his shirt as he unhooked her bra, finally feeling skin on skin. "I never thought that the bat of the dungeons would fall for the Gryffindor know-it-all."

He scooped her up and tossed her playfully on the bed, pulling her skirt up and ripping her knickers. "When I'm done with you, witch, we can go shopping for new linens and draperies," he said lustily, undoing his trousers and leaning forward so he could slide his penis into her. "And have the furniture all reupholstered...or replaced. Whichever you wish." He pushed into her heat, and Hermione leaned back on her hands, pushing herself up against him.

"I'm hoping that you are never done with me," she groaned as he thrust into her roughly.

"Oh really?" he said, grinding his groin against hers, making her body react and tighten. He lifted her hips slightly, pulling her down so that she was literally pinned under him. "I fully intend on keeping you."

"The feeling is mutual," she said, gasping as her body began to tremble.

"Are you certain?" he asked, leaning forward to kiss and nibble on the underside of her breast as he continued moving inside her heat. He knew her every sensitive spot by now and could play her body like a finely tuned instrument.

"Oh, yes, well...oh, God...yes!" she exclaimed as her orgasm hit.

"It's Severus, but I don't mind being called a god," he said smugly.

"Arrogant...oh, yes, like that," she cried out, her body still rippling as another wave rolled through her.

"One. Shall I try for two?" he asked smugly, pushing her back on the bed and pulling her skirt down.

"Oh, don't stop!" she exclaimed.

"As you wish," he said, removing her skirt and divesting himself of his trousers and boots.

Fin

.........{ }.........

Author's Notes:

This is the primary prompt that started it all:

Prompt #63. Hermione likes to experiment with potions and has offered to help George when he reopens his new shop. However, so does Ron, and they are having problem in their relationship. A mishap in the workroom produces disastrous results of the Wonder Witch Love Potion, effecting George, Ron, Hermione and Ginny. (and I added a few more for extra fun!) What truths are discovered, who falls for whom, and why is Hermione pinning away for Snape if he is dead? (No incest – and must still fit in plausibly with DH) – Sorry, I think I completely threw the epilogue out of the window. And it's a long way down from here! Of course I never liked the epilogue anyway.

Prompt #70. Fred & (Not Fred, sorry, he's dead.) George Weasley's newest invention (Which, as you know, was created by Ron's inattention and blundering.) has interesting/horrific/comedic side effects. What happens? Who is affected? – I think I covered this well enough. If not, you may leave me a review and chew me out.

Prompt #100. There are people who believe that Ron and Lavender did the nasty during sixth year. What if Lavender got pregnant during their canoodling and after the Final Battle Lavender informs him that he's the father of her child – Okay, had to wrap this up in a nice little package. Not!

And thrown in for good measure:

#1. Hermione and Ron are married. What would she do if she came home unexpectedly and found him in bed with another woman? Well, as if I'd have her marry Ron. Geeze. The closest I came was engagement, but that sufficed, didn't it?

#34. AU: Lupin and Tonks aren't killed in the final battle. What does Lupin do for a living now that he's not needed in the Order any longer? (Include Teddy or not, your choice!) I not only gave him a job, but he's going teach again! And he has a new Werewolf clinic and the Wolfsbane Potion every month. Course, Tonks is still in St. Mungo's...

#35. Firenze has thrown his lot in with the wizards and witches, becoming an outcast. What does he feel? How does he cope? Does he have any new friends? And I covered this one, sort of.

So the task is done, and the story is told. Thanks to everyone who read this story and to everyone who left me reviews. I can't tell you how much your support meant to me.