A Secret Smile at Christmas
Chapter 5 of 5
fizzabellaAnother chapter of my drabble. Holiday sweetness a bit late.
ReviewedAuthor's Note: Many, many thanks to my Beta reader, CharmedForce:) To those of you who have asked if there was more, I hope this chapter was worth the wait. And thank you for the wonderful reviews and the interest you have taken in my little series of vignettes.
As always, I make no profit from this story except the enjoyment of my readers and my own pleasure in crafting the plot and selecting the words. It all belongs to J.K. Rowling, to whom I owe an unmeasurable debt of gratitude.
Chapter Five
A Secret Smile at Christmas
“You’ve strung the lights crookedly on this side.”
Anyone else might have snapped a response. She crossed the room to frame his face in her hands and place tender kisses on his eyelids.
He closed his eyes at her touch, filled with joy that went soul deep as her hands and her lips touched him reverently, as though he were fragile, breakable, and infinitely precious.
“How do you do that?”
“Hang the lights crookedly? I forget I’m a witch and have a wand to use.”
“Not that. How do you make me feel so… loved?”
“I love you beyond reason.”
~OoO~
They sit on the squashy comfortable sofa in the parlor at Spinner’s End, watching the fire in the fireplace, admiring the Muggle lights on the Christmas tree.
“You’ve changed my entire life, you know.” A pause. “I have never known whether that was what you set out to do or if it just… happened.”
Even in the firelight he could see her cheeks redden, but she said nothing.
His eyes widened with interest.
“Your silence intrigues me, Madam.”
“Would you believe me if I told you that it’s not a very interesting story?”
“Not in the least. Tell me, witch.”
~OoO~
She moves closer, snuggling into his lap and sighing in contentment as his arms close around her.
“I didn’t set out to change your life because I didn’t know it was you who advertised for an assistant. But I hoped it was you.”
He nods. He hadn’t used his name in the advertisement that brought her back to Hogwarts.
“Why did you hope it was me?”
“Who wouldn’t want to work for the most intelligent, snarky, sexy teacher at Hogwarts?”
“Try again, Madam, I’m sure you didn’t think that at the time.”
“That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.”
~OoO~
“You have changed my life, though, my witch.”
“No more than you have changed mine, my darling Potions master.”
They kiss, a soft kiss that hints of passion restrained for now, to be all the more beautiful when it is allowed full reign.
When they break apart, he picks up his wand and points it at the tree, murmuring, “Accio Hermione’s package.”
“This came today while you were out. I want to watch while you open it.”
Her mouth forms an “O” of surprise.
“You already gave me a present.”
“Can’t a wizard give his witch more than one present?”
~OoO~
The package is large and flat, festively wrapped in silver and gold paper, tied with red and green satin ribbons.
Hermione opens it carefully, and when she has folded back the paper, her eyes widen, and her mouth drops open in surprise.
The package holds a book bound in midnight-blue leather. Emblazoned on the cover in silver is the title Hogwarts, A History: The Second Voldemort War. Below that, in the same silver letters are the names Hermione Granger-Snape and Severus Snape.
“Our publisher said it was a pleasure to read something that was not about potions."
~OoO~
The book holds pride of place on the coffee table. Hermione and Severus still sit before the fire, though the hour is growing late.
Hermione runs her fingers lightly over the cover, then sits back and smiles at her husband.
“It’s lovely that the book was accepted.” A small, secret smile lifts the corners of her mouth, and her eyes glow amber in the firelight.
“I have a gift for you, Severus, which goes nicely with the book."
"I have you. What more do I need?”
“Well, you can read our book to our babies, Severus, in about seven months.”
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Latest 25 Reviews for A Slytherin Concession
96 Reviews | 6.32/10 Average
This series was soooo sweet, thanks. You put a smile on my face!
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
I'm so glad it made you smile:) Thankl you for the feedback:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
Just came across this and wanted to let you know that it was very sweet and enjoyable. I'm always impressed when people can tell a coherent story through drabbles!Thanks for sharing :)
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Thank you so much. Drabbles are hard for me to write because I like words too well:) I'm honored you liked this set:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
I can't wait to read more!
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Thank you so much. I have been writing a story for the gift exchange, and not been working on this, but I will get back to it.Thanks so much,Warm regards,Fizzabella
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Thank you so much. I have been writing a story for the gift exchange, and not been working on this, but I will get back to it.Thanks so much,Warm regards,Fizzabella
“Our publisher said it was a pleasure to read something that was not about potions." Awww this remains my favorite line. Its nice to know they can work together outside the lab! Wait that sounds kind naughty?
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
I assure you, they work very well together in the lab, too:){{hugs}}Fizzabella
Oh! So...yay! Cute! Babies, what a lovely christmas present, and a book too! Perfectly delightful!
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Thanks so much, I am so glad you liked it:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
"Our publisher said it was a pleasure to read something that was not about potions." LOL. I like this bit! :)
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
LOL:)Thanks so much for taking the time to review and let me know you liked the story:)Warm regards.Fizzabella
Sweet. I liked that they chose to update Hogwarts: A History and added in the Voldemort years.
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Thank you so much. Since that book keeps getting mentioned as Hermione's favorite book of all time, I thought it was suitable. And I am so glad you liked this latest chapter:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
Yay!!! Babies... as in more than one! I am so happy you have added to this tale of love and devotion. I've been completely hooked since you began to publish these series of drabbles. Thank you for updating!
Beth
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Dear Beth,I'm so glad you liked the new chapter:) I am tickled to death when my writing makes people happy:)Writing Hermione and Severus-lovely!Writing drabbles-tear-out-my-hair frustrating (at times)Pleasing my readers-PRICELESS!!!{{hugs}}Fizzabella
*sniff* that was touching. thanks so much
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
I'm so glad you liked it:) Thank you for the review and letting me know that you liked the story.Warm regards,Fizzabella
“Who wouldn’t want to work for the most intelligent, snarky, sexy teacher at Hogwarts?”Oh so true :-)
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
::Chuckles:: I think so, too:)Thanks for letting me know you like my story:){{hugs}}Fizzabella
*Sniff* That was lovely. There's such a beautiful feeling about this story. Their devotion for one another is so wonderful.Now, she said babies... is she expecting twins? (Or more?) Bwahahaha!
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
I think real love between a man/woman, husband/wife is something to be cherished and valued. And I wanted Hermione to have those feelings for her, and for him to hold her almost in reverence. He has come through so much, and had such a horrible life, I want him to have the best and sweetest once he survived the horror of the war. Nobody deserves it more.Did I put that 's' on the end? : smacks self on cheek:: ooops:) Yes, it's twins:) You caught that right away! I can never choose whether they should have a boy or girl so they get both:){{hugs}} thanks for letting me know you liked my story:)Fizzabella
Peace and domesticity are wonderful. Sweet.
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Thanks so much. I wanted Severus to have that, since no one deserves it more, and I want him to feel valued and loved. And Hermione is one of the few who could, I think, see Severus for the complex man he IS, and appreciate and love him on an HONEST footing. One of the few who is smart enough to see through the stereotypes about him.I'm so glad you enjoyed this:) Thank you for taking the time to let me know that you liked it:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
what a great exchange between the the two of them - this is wonderful!! You have captured in a few strokes what we love about them as characters - and I am so excited to read the sequel! Thanks for sharing
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
It's my pleasure to write this, and a great thrill to know it's been enjoyed:)Thank you so much,{{hugs}}Fizzabella
thank you for your work - you have done such a beautiful job of revealing through dialoge - It is so difficult and truly reveals your abilty as a wordsmith! Thanks for sharing
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
I'm honored, thanks very much:){{hugs}}Fizzabella
Currently I'm in bed under a comfortable blanket and I'm very warm. And not just from the blanket. Thank you so much for this wonderful chapter.
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
I am so pleased that you liked it:) I have really enjoyed writing this:) Thank you for letting me know you like my little drabbles:){{hugs}}Fizzabella
This is such a wonderful series of drabbles, for each time you update, I start reading from the beginning before I allow my self to read the update, and I enjoy it just as much every time!Brilliant, brilliant work!!!
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
I'm so honored that you find my story worth more than one read:) Thank you so very much:){{hugs}}Fizzabella
yeah!!! Thanks -
I'm so so so happy. The end of this chapter is particularly delicious. Upon re-reading the whole story I find myself wondering how this happened to Severus. I thought it was the war but she's been his apprentice for three years and I can't imagine a potions accident. So I'm clueless. Any help?
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
LOL:) You have me there:) The plot bunny didn't explain this to me BUT one possibility is that the war didn't end till after the Trio had graduated, and Hermione was working as Severus's apprentice after Hogwarts and THAT is when the final battle took place. I admit I am filling that in after the fact, but the timing works and isn't really inconsistent with anything that I have already written.:) I hope:) :: crosses fingers::Thank you for spotting this, and thank you for the review, I am so glad you liked the story:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
LOL:) You have me there:) The plot bunny didn't explain this to me BUT one possibility is that the war didn't end till after the Trio had graduated, and Hermione was working as Severus's apprentice after Hogwarts and THAT is when the final battle took place. I admit I am filling that in after the fact, but the timing works and isn't really inconsistent with anything that I have already written.:) I hope:) :: crosses fingers::Thank you for spotting this, and thank you for the review, I am so glad you liked the story:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
Hmmm... very, very nice. And who wouldn't want to belong to this Snape! Yes, very nice indeed. I'm thoroughly enjoying the back and forth of their conversations. Very good work! Can't wait to see what you do with it next!
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Thank you so very much:) I'm honored that you enjoyed it:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Thank you so very much:) I'm honored that you enjoyed it:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
Really very enjoyable.
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
I'm so glad you enjoyed it:) and appreciate you taking the time to review, also:) THank you so much!Warm regards,Fizzabella
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
I'm so glad you enjoyed it:) and appreciate you taking the time to review, also:) THank you so much!Warm regards,Fizzabella
Excellent.
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Tickled that you liked it :) Thank you:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Tickled that you liked it :) Thank you:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
Again, very sweet.
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Thank you {{hugs}} and warm regards,Fizzabella
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Thank you {{hugs}} and warm regards,Fizzabella
Sweet, I liked that.
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Wow, you went back and read the other chapters:) I'm honored, thank you so much:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
Wow, you went back and read the other chapters:) I'm honored, thank you so much:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
I had to page back to say 'good job!' Good Job!
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
I'm so glad it was worth your time to go back:) I enjoy your writing very much, so to receive a compliment from someone who does them so well means quite a bit to me:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
I'm so glad it was worth your time to go back:) I enjoy your writing very much, so to receive a compliment from someone who does them so well means quite a bit to me:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
Very touching. I love the flow of the idalogue - It's so like them!
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
I'm so tickled that you think so:)Thanks very much,Warm regards,Fizzabella
Response from fizzabella (Author of A Slytherin Concession)
I'm so tickled that you think so:)Thanks very much,Warm regards,Fizzabella