The Forgotten Prophecy

The Marriage Law

by teshara

The Forgotten Prophecy

When the mark of thunder shines upon one

And Darkness retreats into the night to rest

The midnight sun shines bright in the sky

One with fathers taken twice shall rise into the light

Plunging darkness into he will fall

Within him power will grow

Two paths here are laid

Light and Dark will be inside

Cleaving one into two

The answer lies with the givers of life

To show the path

Under the sea

"I think you need to go talk to the Amazons."

-+-+-

A tall, young, muscular witch with long red hair stepped through the fireplace in the Snape ballroom. She wore thick gray over-robes that were belted at the waist and a thin gold circlet across her brow.

Her eyes fixed on Hermione and she smiled cordially. "You must be Madam Hermione Snape."

Hermione was relieved the Amazonian witch was fluent in English.

As per instruction, Hermione had been waiting for the Amazonian representative alone, although Severus had insisted in waiting in the next room over in case of trouble.

"Yes," said Hermione, inclining her head slightly.

Hermione had been told not to touch anyone and had to fight back the urge to attempt to shake hands. Pieter had insisted Amazons possessed strange magical protection items and that Hermione should exercise extreme caution.

"I hope these arrangements didn't prove to be too much trouble," she said apologetically.

"It was an amusing project to work on," said the witch in an odd accent. She bowed slightly and had a distinctly amused look on her face. Her thick grey over-robes parted slightly, and Hermione saw she was wearing light blue robes cut like a toga underneath. "I am Alexandra. It is my honor to act as ambassador for the Amazons."

"It's a pleasure," Hermione said.

Alexandra reached into her robes and pulled out a rubber duck. She held it out to Hermione.

Hermione smiled as she placed her hand on the portkey.

With a 'pop' they were gone.

They reappeared on a small, stable sheet of ice floating in the ocean. The position of the sun told Hermione they were several time zones away.

Icebergs and smaller chunks of ice slowly passed by as the sheet of ice seemed to drift in a specific direction. As they rounded a huge iceberg, Hermione breathed in sharply.

A tower of ice rose thousands of meters out of the water and into the clear sky. Small slitted windows fitted with tinted clear ice were set into the smooth material.

A gigantic decorative drawbridge of thick ice began to descend as Hermione and Alexandra grew closer. Frosted ice links formed into chains that slowly lowered the nearly football field sized bridge.

When it finally stopped lowering itself, the tip of the drawbridge barely made a splash in the water. Hermione and Alexandra began walking up the incline of the drawbridge into the Bibliothecha oo Amazon.

At the top of the drawbridge, a giant set of wooden doors greeted them. Hermione was relieved to see a smaller door in one of the larger ones for people to easily come and go.

Alexandra pressed a delicate white hand that was wearing a pretty blue ring to a panel on the door and murmured a word.

Purple lightning flashed for a moment across the ancient wood doors, and there was a loud grinding sound before there was a small click and she pushed the door open.

The entire first floor was one immense white room with the ceiling over a hundred feet above the women milling about in it. Slitted windows of clear ice let in sunlight that reflected off the walls and illuminated the room. White staircases spiraled up support poles, accented with gold wrought hand rails of ivy. There were a few small blue carpets with railings around them, but what they were for, Hermione didn't know.

Fireplaces lined the walls and witches in different light colored toga-style robes popped in and out with a burst of amber flame. Hermione wondered if they were hooked up to a secure Floo Network, hence the amber flames instead of the green she was used to.

Enchanted doves carved out of ice flew about with parchments and scrolls, seeking out different women.

"This is incredible," Hermione breathed.

"A lot of thought went into it," Alexandra said proudly. "It holds some of the most valuable and rare books in the world."

"I'm hoping you'll be able to help us with our dilemma," Hermione admitted.

"If we can't, I'm not sure who will be able to," Alexandra said. She made a face like she had just smelled something foul. "No doubt you have already asked the Brotherhood for help."

"They helped us with part of our problem, but another has come up," said Hermione as Alexandra stepped onto one of the spiraling staircases. Hermione was relieved to see the stairs moving of their own accord. "Our answer was rather cryptic."

"All things of true importance are," said Alexandra sympathetically. "Hopefully my mother will be able to help you."

As they traveled upwards, Hermione noticed that it was cool, but not cold in the tower of ice. The walls must be enchanted to prevent them from melting and to prevent the occupants from freezing. She watched as they passed several unmarked identical landings. She wondered how often women got lost.

Alexandra stepped off the winding staircase at a landing, and Hermione followed Alexandra down a stark, white hallway until they arrived at a door made of ice with the head of an eagle etched into it.

The door slid upwards after Alexandra laid a hand on it, and Hermione was shocked at the interior of the room.

No windows decorated the walls of the small room. Dark wood paneling lined the walls and only a few candles burned for light. A few dark colored, comfortable looking chairs crowded the room and a tiny, elderly witch who was hunched over a parchment, scribbling furiously and sitting behind a large oak desk. Piles of books were everywhere.

"Hello." She smiled as Alexandra and Hermione wound their way around the chairs and stacks of books. Her small wrinkled face beamed at them, and her white hair was pulled behind her in a thick braid.

"This is the girl, mother," said Alexandra, bobbing slightly.

"I am Sophia," said the older witch to Hermione with, surprisingly, a hint of Scottish brogue in her voice. "And you have a problem."

"Yes, I do," said Hermione, reaching into an inside pocket of her robes. She brought out Charlie's translation.

"You do not have the original?" Sophia asked, taking the translation.

"No," said Hermione. "I was just given this to give to you."

Alexandra snorted.

"Have you seen the original?" asked Sophia, pointedly ignoring her daughter.

"Yes, I have," said Hermione.

"Get the Pensive, Alexandra," said Sophia. "And a bit of tea, dear. Thank you."

Sophia waited until she Alexandra was busying herself with a small tea service in the corner before turning to Hermione again. "You had to find a translator?"

"Yes," said Hermione. She hoped she wasn't going to be chastised.

Sophia rose and walked out from around her table, leaning on a thin knobby cane. Her toga-robes were dark grey and tied with a pewter cord with gold tassels.

"Why didn't the Brotherhood have a translation?" asked Sophia. "They've had it in their possession for some time."

"I don't know," said Hermione, wondering why she hadn't thought of that before.

"Probably because they didn't know what it was until recently," snorted Sophia. "Damn knowledge hoarders. Don't even know half of what they have. Only look for the prophecy after trouble's already started. Bunch of buffoons."

"Here's the Pensive," said Alexandra, setting a wide stone bowl on Sophia's desk that Hermione had seen her take off a shelf near the tea service.

"Have you ever used one of these before?" Sophia asked.

"Yes," said Hermione, taking her wand out and placing the tip to her temple. She pulled a smoke-like thought about the parchment from her head and placed it carefully in the bowl.

Sophia put her face in the bowl. Hermione watched as Alexandra waved her hand and shrank some of the books and furniture so there was room for them to sit and drink their tea.

Hermione blinked. Was it the ring? No one seemed to have wands here.

Sophia pulled her head out of the bowl and smiled at her daughter. "I do need to tidy up a bit, don't I?" She cackled merrily as she tottered over to a large green chair.

Hermione placed her thought back into her head and sat in a purple chair near a small table.

Sophia waved her hand and a plate of biscuits appeared. "Your translator was good. One of the Brothers?"

"Friend of the family," Hermione said, shaking her head.

"Convenient," said Sophia, nodding as she took a cup and dipped a biscuit in it.

"So what do you need to know?" asked Sophia. She leveled a look at Hermione.

"Well, it's obviously about Harry Potter," Hermione said hesitantly. "I would think the mark of thunder would mean his scar. And his father and godfather were both taken from him."

Sophia nodded.

"What else?" the elder Amazon asked.

"It sounds as if Harry's going to have a struggle between dark and light within him," said Hermione uncomfortably. "Are they suggesting Harry's going to be tempted to join Voldemort, because if they are --"

"We don't know anything," interrupted Sophia. "Continue."

"Then it says the givers of life will show the path to under the sea," said Hermione. "That's where it confuses us."

"Such things are never conveniently clear." Sophia nodded as she poured herself another cup of tea and waved off Alexandra when she tried to help her. "Perhaps it is not meant to be clear to you yet."

Hermione frowned.

"But what if it's important and I don't see it?" Hermione worried aloud.

"Then you are not the only person who did not see it," said Sophia. "We will be here for whatever you need."

"You are very gracious," said Hermione, recognizing a dismissal when she heard one. "Thank you."

"We'll be in touch with you," Sophia said as Hermione rose to leave. "We'd like to stay informed of events."

"Absolutely," Hermione said, relieved. She hadn't blown it. "We'll be waiting for your communication."

-+-+-

Hermione walked into her kitchen a little after noon and was greeted by the sight of Severus and Charlie eating piroshkis.

"How did it go?" asked Charlie, handing her a pastry.

Severus' eyes seemed to bore into her.

"They're staying in touch," said Hermione. "They want to stay informed."

"Are you serious?" asked Charlie, his jaw dropped.

"Why? Is this bad?" Hermione worried.

"On the contrary," said Severus. "It is exceptionally good news. Cherv!"

The little house elf scuttled around the corner and into the kitchen at Severus' command.

"A bottle of wine," barked Severus. "We have celebrating to do."

"Yes, master," said Cherv happily.

Hermione threw a look at Severus, which he ignored.

Cherv zipped away and returned shortly with an opened bottle of wine and three glasses on a silver tray.

Hermione, Charlie and Severus toasted Hermione's good fortune, although she still wasn't sure what they were so happy about.

"How did it go with the translation?" said Charlie.

"She said it was dead on," said Hermione. "And if we don't see it maybe we aren't meant to yet."

"Typical," spat Severus. He muttered to himself as he took a deep drink from his glass.

"Maybe when they owl me, they'll be further along," said Hermione.

"When they owl you?" Severus asked sharply. "Not when they contact the Order, but when they'll owl you?

"Sophia said they'd owl me," said Hermione nervously. Was something wrong? Had she done it?

"You're born an Amazon, Hermione. They don't recruit," Charlie said suspiciously with a sidelong look to Severus. "They normally don't even talk to outsiders."

"Then why me?" Hermione squeaked.

"That's a very good question," said Severus. His face darkened for a moment. "One would think they'd go to Dumbledore. Stay on your toes."

"I will," promised Hermione. "Maybe they're interested in me because I'm so close to Harry."

"That would make perfect sense." Charlie folded his arms. "But I'm not sure it's good news."

"Be careful when dealing with them," Severus cautioned. "We don't know what to expect with them."

-+-+-

"Are you sure, Mother? All the way to Atlantis? No one's had contact with them for centuries."

"It will be a most difficult journey," admitted Sophia. "And it will be an important story. If we can get the girl interested in us now, we can get the chronicle firsthand."

"Does she have any idea what is going to happen to her friend?" Alexandra asked.

"No," said Sophia sadly. "It is best she not know. Her anger will fuel her determination when she finds out."

"It must be a burden to see prophecies so clearly," said Alexandra, feeling a bit sorry for her mother.

"Perhaps," said Sophia shrugging. "But I have never known any other way."

Sophia padded out of her office, her silk slippers making a soft noise on the floor as she walked to the moving staircase and rode it up to the library.

It was going to be a long day.

-+-+-

"I think we should go out for dinner," said Severus suddenly. "I don't feel like staying in. Do you like the ballet?"

He felt immediately like a babbling fool, but her face brightened. They had been looking through his father's library on anything

"Dinner would be nice," said Hermione. "I've seen ballet on the telly, but I've never been."

"Well then, it will be something new," said Severus. "Be prepared to leave at seven o'clock.

"I will," said Hermione. Part of her felt confident. Another part of her worried what to wear.

-+-+-

The house elf, Sloozhanka, buttoned the back of Hermione's new red velvet dress robes.

Hermione felt the last hook clasp behind her neck as she sat on the small stool in front of the vanity in her room at the Snape estate.

"I'm really sorry for the inconvenience," Hermione apologized to the little elf.

"No need for sorry," said Sloozhanka in a thick Russian accent. "Is a pleasure to help madam prepare for ballet."

Sloozhanka wore the Snape uniform. It was a scaled down version of typical wizards robes with a different color corresponding to each section of the household. Sloozhankas were blue because she was considered household staff.

The small elf waved a wand over Hermione's head, and Hermione watched as her frizzy curls tamed down to ringlets, and the elf clipped her hair into place with a bronze barrette inlaid with red gems. Hermione was pleased to know, at least here, elves were allowed restricted use of wands, because they were considered tools.

"Madame has such pretty hair," Sloozhanka pouted as she rearranged the curls into a more natural looking cascade.

"When it behaves itself," said Hermione sarcastically. "Which is rarely."

"I could do madam's everyday," the elf said, giving Hermione's hair a final pat.

"I don't think that's necessary," said Hermione reluctantly. "I keep odd hours and it would be too much trouble."

"If you decide otherwise, pull the silver tassel near the bed," said Sloozhanka. "You can summon me that way."

She hopped off the wooden footstool she was standing on. "I think madam is ready."

Hermione looked at herself in the mirror. Her deep red robes were high necked. Small beaded flowers in black crystal decorated the front. Her hair was pulled behind her head, but it fell free, long curls snaking their way over her shoulders.

"Thank you," said Hermione, and the elf bowed out of the room. At least some of the elves weren't afraid to be freed, although the bowing would have to go.

Severus popped his head into her rooms, and Hermione turned to face him.

Severus felt his body stop as she turned, one perfect moment etched forever in his mind. He felt as if ice had caught flame in his veins.

Her skin glowed golden in the amber shaded hurricane lamps. The color of the dress brought out the amber highlights in her hair, as he had suspected. The rubies in her hair glittered in the flickering light, and the heavy robes slid across the stone floor in a perfect swishing motion. Severus felt his chest tighten.

She could never, would never, be his.

Hermione looked at Severus.

His hair was once again tied back, this time with a burgundy ribbon that matched her dress. His layered silk black robes were short in front, showing his black silk trousers, leather boots, and white frilled shirt. The rest of his robes trailed behind him. He had a strange look on his face and she felt her knees go weak.

His eyebrows furrowed slightly and Hermione began to giggle.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

"You need a three pointed hat and an eye patch," Hermione giggled.

"Arrr," Severus indulged himself. "Jewels for milady?" He opened a wooden box, and a pair of ruby earrings matching her dress lay inside on a pillow of purple satin.

"Wow," Hermione whispered. She looked at Severus.

"They're Mother's. You should put them on. She'd want you to wear them," said Severus as he tried to hurry her along. "We need to get going."

If he stayed with her, alone, much longer, he'd start babbling.

Hermione fastened the rubies to her ears and Severus helped her into a black fur cloak.

"I doubt it will be chilly," said Hermione. "I'm already dressed too warmly for summer, especially with the sun out all the time."

"The theatre will be cooled so people will be comfortable in more formal attire," Severus explained.

He offered her his arm, and they walked down to the ballroom so they could Floo to the theatre.

Charlie whistled at them as the passed by the door to the den.

Hermione paused and looked in the door at him. He was reading a book with one leg flung over the arm of a red chair. His green t-shirt, bare feet and jeans with a hole in one knee was a drastic opposite to Hermione and Severus.

"What are you going to see?" asked Charlie.

"Faust," said Severus.

Charlie bit his bottom lip and tried to look innocent.

"I hear it's lovely," Charlie said, sneaking a look at Hermione. She hadn't the faintest.

"It happened to be what was playing," snarled Severus.

Hermione looked at him oddly, but was afraid to ask. She'd find out soon enough.

At the ballet, Hermione watched the tragedy unfold as a decent man fell to darkness and embraced depravity. She watched Faust kill his potion-seduced love's brother because he threatened to keep them apart. When he ran to Walpurgis Night, she grinned at the prancing mythical creatures. When Hermione saw his love, her belly full of child, on trial for his crimes, she scowled. When death came in the end, his love followed the light and he fell to the abyss.

Hermione felt Severus slip a handkerchief in her hand as she tried not to cry. She sniffled as she took it and dabbed at the tears leaking from her eyes.

Severus tried not to smirk. She was moved by the piece. He hoped she would enjoy dinner.

Perhaps he was just getting his hopes up.

The food at the Wizarding restaurant was French, and small plates of food kept appearing in front of Hermione as she finished the few bites each course allowed her.

"How many courses are there?" asked Hermione. She watched as the wine in her glass refilled itself. This could be dangerous.

"I'm not sure," said Severus absently as he examined a tiny artichoke. "Fifteen?"

"Good Lord," Hermione said weakly.

-+-+-

Hermione and Severus stumbled across the dim ballroom floor drunkenly giggling, the only light from the doorway to the dining room and a soft glow from above.

"Shhh," warned Severus, stopping suddenly. "Gonna wake whatzizface."

"Charlie?" Hermione offered with another giggle.

"Tha's him," said Severus, raising his finger. He looked at it. He moved it back and fourth, watching it. "How many fingers am I holding up?"

Hermione grabbed his finger and pushed his hand down. "Shhh!"

"That's what I said," said Severus insistently.

Hermione looked down at her feet and watched the ripples her robes made.

"This floor is fantastic," she said as she shook her hips, making the ripples fan out.

"I used to dance in here as a child," admitted Severus, shuffling his feet and making the waves seem to rise a few inches. Hermione grinned at him.

"Your mother probably thought it was adorable," said Hermione.

"My mother always thinks I'm adorable," said Severus as he grimaced. "The woman has a very loose grip on reality."

"I like your mother," said Hermione, making a face at him, watching him dance a little jig, causing the floor to wave into an 'S' pattern under him. "You must have had a lot of time on your hands."

"You'd be amazed," said Severus. "Tango!" he cried suddenly. He seized her hands and spun her around.

It probably would have helped if Hermione knew how to tango.

It also would have helped if her thick robes didn't have a train. Her legs were almost immediately bound together, and she stumbled into Severus, and they fell to the floor in a heap.

"Perhaps that wasn't the best idea," said Severus, now laying on his back, staring at the ceiling.

Hermione noticed it was inset with crystals in the shape of constellations.

Severus shook his head slightly as he stared at the ceiling and the universe spun.

"Imagine that," said Hermione sarcastically, sitting up and rubbing her head.

Severus looked at her quizzically.

"You elbowed me." She scowled.

"In the head?" asked Severus incredulously, still lying on the ballroom floor. "How did I do that?"

"Damned if I know," said Hermione, laying beside him and staring at the ceiling. "Wow, that's pretty."

"My grandpapa enchanted it to glow. Before that it was just stone in the ceiling," said Severus. He sighed. Then he raised himself on one elbow and kissed her. Then he lay back down beside her.

Hermione was stunned. She chanced a glance at him, but he seemed to still be examining the galaxy.

What on earth was that, and where had it come from? He must have had too much wine, she decided.

Dear God, he had consumed a lot of wine this evening, Severus thought to himself.

He lay back staring at the ceiling. Well she hadn't screamed. Perhaps she was still stunned. He was 23 years her senior, for crying out loud.

He would have to apologize for his inappropriate behavior tomorrow, but until then perhaps he could figure out how to kiss her again.

He started as her face appeared above his, blocking his view of the stars. Before he could begin apologizing, she pressed her lips to his.

Then she lay next to him and snuggled against his side.

She was beautiful, and either she had way too much wine or she actually fancied him.

His head swam. His groin tightened. She was a pretty girl, very smart, his parents liked her- this was madness.

If the marriage was consummated, he would never agree to divorce.

Hermione laid a hand on his chest. He had kissed her. She had worked up her nerve and kissed him. Now he was just laying there. Maybe he hadn't liked it when he kissed her and was repulsed now? She wondered whether she should remove her hand from his chest when he turned on his side and pressed his lips to hers once again.

She shyly reached a hand up and placed it on the side of his face. It was smooth from being freshly shaven, and he smelled like sandalwood. He drew a single finger down her jaw line. She shivered.

"This is a very inappropriate place for this," whispered Severus hoarsely, feeling a lot more alert than a moment before.

"Where should we go?" asked Hermione nervously. She was a little afraid of where this was going to lead. The morning he had spooned her, she had awoken aroused and ready for him; now that she had given it a little thought, she was a little unsure.

What if he led her down to the dungeons? What if he hurt her? Perhaps the wine was making her paranoid. She had spent enough time with him to know he had no intention of harming anyone without being provoked.

"Perhaps my room?" Severus thought his voice sounded a little high.

"Alright," she said softly, not seeming to notice.

She was glad it was dark so he couldn't see how red her face was.

He rose to his feet and held a hand out to her. She struggled to her feet under her voluminous robes and straightened skirts.

"You truly look beautiful," said Severus, looking down on her, and he meant it.

Hermione bowed her head slightly, and Severus imagined she was blushing prettily.

He leaned down to kiss her again and felt her arms encircle his waist. He tried to avoid pressing his erection into her.

She started a little as she embraced him and encountered it, but gently began pressing into him trying to appear bold.

He opened his eyes and looked at her kissing him. He parted his lips a little and flicked at her lips with his tongue.

Her eyes flew open to see him looking at her. She snaked a hand down to his buttocks and deepened their kiss.

Severus groaned. He knew she was a virgin, but should have known better than to think she had never engaged in a few heavy petting sessions during her time at Hogwarts. At least she wasn't shy once she got going.

Hermione's mind went completely blank.

Her head was light from all the wine, her body felt like it was in overdrive, and Severus was obviously attracted to her. She heard him groan and she broke their kiss.

Severus saw her catch her breath and was surprised when she went for his collar and began kissing and nipping at his neck.

"Bedroom," he gasped out. It seemed God had finally forgiven him after all, and it was time for a bit of rewarding.

Severus saw in the low light of his bedroom that Hermione had flushed a most bewitching color of pink. Severus felt his mind catch fire.

It took him forever to undo the hundred little buttons up the back of her dress. He had felt too tipsy to wield his wand at her and had undone them by hand. He made a mental note to have his own clothing altered with snaps. Apparently the elves had felt the robes would not hang right without the proper undergarments, so Hermione was left in bloomers and a white sparse undershirt.

He undid the three buttons to his robes, and they slid heavily to the floor.

He leaned down to kiss her as her undid his trousers and they fell. He was wearing more old fashioned under things as well, his pants reaching halfway to his knees.

He broke their kiss and pulled his shirt over his head.

Severus reached out and took Hermione's hand. He kissed the back of it and led her to the bed.

"We don't have to go any further than you want to," he said gently as he slid between the sheets. He propped himself up on one elbow and turned on his side to face her as she got into the bed beside him.

"I'll keep that in mind," said Hermione as she pressed her lips to his. Her lips moved down the side of his face to his bare shoulder, and she squeezed his hip with her hand as she wrapped a leg around one of his.

"Perhaps this wasn't the best idea, after all" said Severus, instantly regretting the whole thing.

He couldn't control himself. She was young and sweet, and the wine was buzzing around his head. He had to leave.

"Why?" said Hermione, pulling back from him.

"I don't know if I'll be able to control myself," he said through clenched teeth.

"Do you promise?" she whispered in his ear and traced a trail down his back with her fingernails.

She blushed at her own words. The wine had made her bold.

He slid a hand under her undershirt and caressed one of her breasts.

"I would like to kiss you here," he said, his voice full of nervousness.

She nodded at him shyly and helped him take her undershirt off. She buried her fingers in his hair as he kissed and caressed her small breasts.

Severus felt Hermione wrap her legs around his waist. He even dared to place a hand on her bum, and he rubbed his mid-section against her.

"Take your pants off, Severus." Hermione groaned as he nibbled at her.

"Hermione-" Severus began.

"We're married, Severus," said Hermione with a sigh of... was that exasperation?

"If we do that, we have to stay married," Severus warned. Surely the girl would be dissuaded by that idea.

"Take your pants off, Severus," Hermione squirmed against him impatiently.

Well, if it's was she wants...

Severus pulled her bloomers down roughly, startling Hermione.

He dove under the covers, and Hermione felt her legs being pried apart and flung over his shoulders.

She hoped Charlie couldn't hear her cry of pleasure as Severus buried his face between her legs.

He penetrated her with his fingers, and she moaned his name. When she begged, pleaded with him, she felt him remove his mouth, and he stripped off his remaining clothing under the covers.

She felt him rise and lay on her. Something both rock hard and velvety soft nudging between her legs.

"Hermione, I need you," moaned Severus into her hair. He felt the beads of sweat forming in his brow as he fought his instinct to plunge into her. He felt himself slide around in her slippery wetness and felt the small dip where he wanted to plunge violently.

"Oh, God, Severus," Hermione burst out; eyes squeezed shut as he nudged her where she wanted him the most. "Fuck me."

He was taken over the edge by her obscenity and began pushing himself into her without regret. He tried not to hurt her as he entered her: he'd never had a virgin before and wasn't sure what he was doing.

Thankfully, she placed both her hands on his hips and directed him. Once he was entirely inside her, she began moving against him in a steady rhythm.

He squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them wide. She was still there. This wasn't a dream. This sweet, intelligent, charming, beautiful, virginal woman was out of control and moaning on the end of his cock.

Something in him broke and he threw himself on top of her. Hermione started as he pressed his teeth into her shoulder firmly and began grinding himself into her in a circular pattern.

Hermione cried out, but Severus was delighted to hear her scream his name and felt her hands frantically running over his back and buttocks.

"My God, I want to make you come," growled Severus in her ear. Not knowing, not even caring where this new boldness came from.

"A little to the left," said Hermione through clenched teeth, before kissing him violently and bucking up to meet him.

Severus shifted slightly, and he heard Hermione begin a low cry underneath him. He moved faster.

Severus heard her cry out loudly and shudder. He slowed down, but kept moving inside her. "Did you come?" he asked her, nuzzling her neck.

"Yes," she said, trying to catch her breath. "Thank you."

"Good," he purred at her. He continued a steady rhythm on her, placing soft kisses on her shoulders. She purred soft nothings to him and scratched his back as he took his pleasure from her.

When he came, Severus collapsed on her, leaning his head to the side so he didn't smother her.

Did she even comprehend that their marriage had been consummated? Would she want to back out tomorrow?

Hermione opened her eyes and looked at Severus. She ran a finger over the little worry crease between his eyebrows. "What's wrong?"

"I'm wondering if you're going to regret this tomorrow," said Severus, truthfully. He was feeling much more sober now.

Hermione leaned over and kissed the end of his nose.

"I regretted not taking advantage of you the morning you tortured me," said Hermione, giggling and sinking under the covers.

"You little vixen, you were awake?" asked Severus, finally sliding out of her.

"How was I supposed to sleep through that?" asked Hermione, reaching for him and cuddling near to him as he lay back on the bed.

He felt his member twitch. It seemed someone had a mind to make up for lost time.

Severus turned her on her side and spooned her like he had that morning. Hermione was surprised to feel him ready again and pressing into her lower back. She snuggled back into him, and he inhaled the scent of her hair.

He felt her take him in hand, as it were, and felt her impale herself on him. She moved her hips in small circles and heard him groan as he let his breath out.

Severus felt himself slide into her easily and imagined she would probably be tremendously sore tomorrow. He would rise early and make her a healing potion.

Then he'd have the opportunity to begin acting out all his fantasies on her.

An image of Hermione on her knees in her Hogwarts uniform servicing his member swam before him, and he felt himself explode deep inside her, completely lost in his fantasy.

The second he regained himself, he felt guilty.

What a perverse thought. He had no idea where it came from and felt instantly embarrassed.

Suddenly the reality of what had happened dawned on him.

Severus looked down at his wife, withdrawing himself again, leaving the bed to get his wand before he performed a cleaning charm.

Hermione snuggled back against him and sighed contentedly. She took one of his arms and wrapped it around her. He relaxed against her form and felt his heart beat against her.

She really was lovely.

Dumbledore was going to kill him.