Worth the Wait

Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to JKR. I make no money from this.

A/N: Many thanks go to my awesome beta, Southern_Witch_69.

This is my response to LOTM's YLC challenge. For rules see the end of chapter one.

Chapter Fifteen

Worth the Wait

The following week was hectic for everyone. Ginny had her hands full trying to juggle two very domineering witches...who both wanted their way in everything. After Molly had calmed down some, she put all of her attention into the reception.

Ginny felt ashamed to admit it, but she was almost glad that this week was the week of the full moon and that Narcissa couldn't participate too much in the planning. She did, however, leave very specific instructions written down...not only for Ginny and Draco...but the house-elves as well.

The final straw came when Molly came down from her ghoul-infested attic and presented a box for Ginny to open. Her mother was almost shaking in excited anticipation. Wearily, Ginny untied the strings and opened the box. Molly mistook her gasp of horror for pleasure.

"Aren't they just lovely, dear?" Molly all but beamed.

"Um... Well..." Ginny was at a loss of words.

"They belonged to my great-grandmother and have been passed down through the generations. Don't you remember them from my wedding photos?"

Actually, Ginny did remember them. After another involuntary shudder, she turned to face Molly. "Mum? These are wedding robes. They would be too much for only a reception, don't you think?" Ginny asked hopefully.

"No, actually, I don't. It would give me great pleasure if you would continue the tradition and wear these. Knowing Narcissa, it will likely be an extravagant affair, so I am of the opinion that these would be just fine."

Ginny's heart sank as she looked over her mother's shoulder at her annoying twin bothers, barely holding in their mirth at their only sister's obvious discomfort. Looking at the hideously out of date and not too attractive robes, Ginny conceded. "Okay, Mum. I will wear them... to please you."

Watching the display angered Draco. He was tired of the amount of guilt that was being thrown towards him and his bride. Suddenly, inspiration struck. Casually walking over to his prankster brothers-in-law, he whispered so that only they could hear, "Either you two find a way to destroy those robes, or I will purposely lose the game against Bulgaria."

Identical shocked faces stared disbelievingly at Draco. "You have got to be joking!" George all but yelled.

"Ssh!" Draco admonished. "They'll hear you! No, not joking at all. I am tired of your mother making my wife feel guilty and ashamed. We are agreeing to this party for our families, but I draw the line at that... that... thing she generously calls robes."

Fred snickered. "What do you propose we do, mate?"

"I don't really care what you do, or how you do it, but you make sure those robes are not fit to be worn. Tonight."

"Tonight?" they gasped in unison. "Are you mad?" Fred demanded.

"Completely nutters," George agreed.

Smirking evilly, Draco said, "I may be, but either you do it, or I will become blind to small golden balls with wings."

Slapping Draco on the back, George grinned. "Not in the family a month and already blackmailing us."

Fred wiped a fake tear. "You make us proud, brother...very proud."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Don't worry about sending me proof. I am sure your mother will let us know just as soon as she does. Now, if you two don't mind, I think I will take my wife shopping to buy the robes of her choice and out to lunch."

Fred and George huddled together, wondering what experimental thing they were going to do. They almost felt bad about rendering the robes unwearable, but seeing as how these robes made the ones Ron wore to the Yule ball fashionable, they felt they would be doing their family a great service. But then again, they didn't want to hurt their mum by destroying her wedding robes...that just seemed too cruel. Suddenly, Fred got an idea.

"If she can't find them, then Ginny can't wear them!"

"Too right," George agreed. "Indeed. I think the best place would be the attic in our shop."

"Agreed. She will just think she misplaced them in all the fuss, and Ginny will get out of wearing them."

The twins bided their time, and when Molly went to the kitchen to prepare lunch for Arthur, they grabbed the robes and Disapparated.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Severus had never been so happy to see a weekend in his life. The potion was a complete success. Mr. Fisher had made a complete recovery, seemingly without any ill effects. After he had stopped by Hermione's to celebrate, he went straight to Narcissa's to tell her the good news. She immediately sat and wept with gratitude.

Despite the fact that this past week had been full with the testing of Mr. Fisher, he and Hermione had made time to spend one night together. It seemed it was becoming harder and harder to watch her leave after such encounters.

And, truth be told, it didn't bother him now as it had been. He was becoming used to the idea of her. He didn't want anyone else, and for once, it didn't disturb him. Actually, he was beginning to be pleased by the notion. To him, devoting oneself to one person physically, and yes, he could admit, emotionally, was becoming quite rewarding. Those thoughts made him smile.

He looked on his desk and, seeing the invitation, remembered the Malfoy party. Severus rolled his eyes. He hated these social things. Hermione, however, was looking forward to it. He smiled once again. They'd decided that he would stay the weekend in her flat again. Finally, they both were off once again for the whole weekend. Thank God she hired Miss Greengrass!

Deciding he wanted to clear his desk so that nothing would hinder his weekend, the Potions master sat down and got to work.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Greg and Luna came home from their honeymoon to a shock. Apparently, Ginny Weasley and Draco Malfoy had gotten married while they were away. "It's really not that much of a surprise, is it, Greg? I mean, they were already dating."

"True, but I never thought I would see the day when Draco Malfoy married a Weasley."

Putting her hands on her hips, Luna asked, "And just what is that supposed to mean? Ginny is more than good enough to marry Draco!"

"I never said she wasn't, Luna. I said I am surprised Draco thinks she is. Although, I do admit to wondering at times if he didn't care for her more than he let show."

"Ginny never confided in me, but I could tell she really cared for him." Sighing and putting her arms around her husband, Mrs. Goyle said, "I think it's wonderful! Now if we could find someone Hermione could fall in love with and marry!"

Chuckling, her husband told her, "You think because you are so happy, everyone should be. It's a nice thought, but somehow I can't see Hermione agreeing to us finding a husband for her. Could you?"

"No, not really. She is too stubborn and independent. She is seeing Professor Snape now anyway, and I have a feeling there. I just wonder about him, you know? He's not the sort of man to tie himself down with one woman."

"Well, he hasn't been, that's for sure," Greg agreed. "But I think the right lady could help him along. They seem to be a lot alike and have much in common, I think."

Starting to nuzzle his neck, Luna said, "Hmm. Yes, I agree." Then she stood on her toes and started nibbling his jaw.

When she found that special spot that drove him wild, his eyes rolled up into the back of his head. Suddenly, Luna found herself lifted in his massive arms and carried to their bedroom. When he'd laid her gently on the bed, he started undressing. Smiling, Luna started undressing as well.

"Hurry, Greg. I want you."

Feeling his blood boil, Greg fought for control. His wife was such a tiny thing compared to him. He didn't want to hurt her. Coming to the bed and resting gently on top of her, Greg started slowly teasing her mouth with his. Losing herself in the sensation, Luna wrapped her arms around his neck and lifted her hips, trying to ease the delicious ache he seemed to be able to put there with hardly any effort.

"Patience, love. We'll get there."

"No. I don't want slow and easy this time, Greg. I want hard and fast...take me! Take me without holding anything back."

"Luna..." Greg was unsure. He wanted to do just was she was begging him to, but what if he was too rough with her? He didn't want to take that chance.

Moaning and trembling with need, Luna assured him, "This past week has been the best of my life. Our lovemaking was beyond wonderful. But, Greg, I need you to possess me. Do you understand? Hold nothing back... Please."

When she slid her hands down to his bum and pushed as she thrust up, he couldn't help it. He slammed into her powerfully. She shrieked from the swiftness of it and then wallowed in the pleasure.

"Yes... Yes! Take me, Greg."

Thrusting even harder, Greg slipped his hands under her hips and lifted her higher so that he could sink further into her. His actions were rewarded with a long satisfied groan. Greg began thrusting in earnest. It had been a very long time since he had taken a woman this powerfully. Not missing a beat, Luna began to meet him, stroke for stroke.

He could feel that completion for him would come soon due to taking her so hard and fast, and he wanted to take her with him. Twisting his hips with each thrust, Greg moved one hand from under her hips and began to massage her clit furiously. Come, come, come, he chanted in his head, trying to mentally command her to let herself go.

Suddenly, Greg could hold back any longer, and he came with a long satisfied moan. He was thankful that his release triggered hers. Breathing heavily, he rested his forehead on hers. "That was absolutely brilliant, love. Thank you."

"No," she told him, purring like a cat. "Thank you. The pleasure was all mine." Laughing, they both settled down for a nap.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Narcissa was walking on air. He did it...that brilliant man! Not that I had any doubt, but I didn't think it would be done so soon! Just the thought that this time next month she would be cured of this awful infliction made her spin happily. It had been five long years, and she'd felt that she had suffered enough.

So happy was she that she'd failed to notice Draco angrily sitting at the desk in the study when she walked in. Narcissa hadn't mentioned anything to Draco just yet. She wanted to tell both him and Ginevra during dinner later that night. Walking to look out the window, she sighed happily.

"Well, if you don't look like the Kneazle that ate the rat. Why so happy? New profits coming in to increase your Gringotts account?" Draco was furious.

Turning around quickly, Narcissa exclaimed, "Draco! You startled me! What are you on about? What new profits?" He was sitting at the desk, going over the books and papers looking livid.

"Don't lie to me, mother!"

"That is enough, young man. You will not speak to me in that manner."

"I will speak to you in any manner I wish. I don't like being lied to, especially by those who claim to love me."

Looking confused, Narcissa said, "All right. Tell me what has you so upset, and I will do my best to set things right, if I have indeed wronged you in some way."

Holding up an official piece of parchment, Draco said, "Is this how I got my position on the team, Mother?"

Recognizing what he was holding, Narcissa went as pale as Moaning Myrtle. "No! I swear I had nothing to do with that!"

"Nothing to do with it? Damn it! You are Fred and George's silent partner! You arranged for this, didn't you? DIDN'T YOU?"

"Draco!" Ginny scolded as she came running into the study. "Stop that bellowing at your mum right now! What's the matter with you? I could hear you all the way down the hall."

"Guess who the silent partner of your brothers' little Quidditch team is?"

Looking back and forth between mother and son, Ginny put a hand over her mouth, and her eyes widened. "No. Narcissa?"

"Right in one," Draco drawled. "So, she is the reason I got the Seeker position."

"That is absolutely not true, Draco. I had nothing to do with that! Will you please just calm down and listen to me?"

Draco simply raised an eyebrow. Before he could speak, Ginny interrupted. "Yes, Narcissa. Go on."

"When I noticed the increase in Quidditch sales, I went to the Weasley twins. I had heard them talking once at an Order meeting saying...well, joking really...that they would love to own and manage a team. We talked, worked out the pros and cons, and I decided to invest. I don't think I need to tell you how profitable it has been. The only stipulation the boys had was that they chose the players, as they felt I would not be qualified for that, to which I agreed. Draco," Narcissa pleaded, "I had no idea they had even contacted you until you had gotten the invite to tryouts. You have to believe me, son."

Draco wasn't sure what to believe. "Okay, Mother. I will take your word for now. However, if I ask the devil duo and they tell me that hiring me was a stipulation..."

"It wasn't. I swear."

"Fine." When Draco started to leave the room, Ginny looked unsure as to what to do. She didn't know if he wanted her to follow him out or if he would rather be alone to think on things.

Narcissa took the problem out of Ginny's hands when she called to her son. "Draco, if you would wait one moment? I have some news." She figured she'd better not wait until dinner as she'd planned in case he didn't show.

"What is it?" Draco snapped, obviously preferring to leave.

"Severus' cure worked," Narcissa calmly said. "This time next month, I will be cured of Lycanthropy. It's over, Draco. I won't be a burden to you any longer!"

Draco and Ginny both rushed to her side. Draco took his mother in his arms and held her tightly as he buried his face into her hair. "You were never a burden to me...never! I love you, and I am so, so happy!"

With tears running down her face, Ginny held on, too. "Oh, Narcissa! This is the best news! Now, we have two reasons to celebrate!"

Smiling mischievously, Narcissa told her daughter-in-law, "Give me a grandbaby, and we can make it three."

Not saying anything, simply laughing, Ginny and Draco held on tighter and silently thanked Severus Snape from the bottom of their hearts.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Two weeks later found Severus and Hermione sitting at the dining table of Luna Goyle. The Malfoys were also in attendance. Luna was very excited, as this was her first time entertaining.

They were all laughing and talking about the wedding party they had attended the week before. "It was a lovely party! I had a wonderful time, Ginny!" Luna gushed.

"Yes, I did as well," Hermione agreed. "Your robes were gorgeous! That copper color really looked terrific on you. Oh, and Luna, you were practically glowing! Must be married life!" Hermione looked slightly wistful.

Severus noticed this, but chose not to comment. He had been noticing that look in here eyes since they'd arrived. She would look from Ginny to Luna and smile either wistfully or sadly. It made his chest ache.

"Well, you should have seen what Mum wanted me to wear. Her wedding robes, which are ghastly."

"The ones in her wedding photos?" Hermione asked.

"The very same," Ginny replied.

"Well, how did you get out of wearing them?" Greg wanted to know.

Draco smirked. "I took care of that for her. I threatened the twins that I wouldn't play against Bulgaria if they didn't make it so that Ginny wouldn't have to wear those robes.'

Luna gasped. "Draco! You didn't!"

Severus smirked. "That, ladies and gentlemen, is Slytherin cunning at its finest."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Right, and taking care of the problem was Gryffindor courage."

Everyone laughed and began to talk about various things that happened during the party, how good the food was, and how lovely the decorations were. A good time had been had by all, even Severus, much to his surprise.

"I'm just glad it's over! Now maybe they will leave us be," Ginny told them.

"Oh, not a chance!" Draco predicted. "They are already talking about grandchildren."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "No, not yet. I want to wait a couple years, at least. Five would be ideal, I think."

Hermione laughed at her friends' predicament. "Right, I can really see that. I say you two will have a baby sooner just to keep Molly off of your backs! What say you, Luna?"

Everyone got quiet due to the extreme blush on Luna's face. "Well... I dunno... I think that people should have babies when they feel the time is right for them."

Severus looked from Luna to Greg. "Is there something you two wish to tell us, Greg?"

Greg looked at Luna for her reaction, and when she slightly nodded, he told them, "Luna is expecting. We made us a baby on our honeymoon!"

"Wow, you two sure don't allow grass to grow under your feet, eh? Are you sure you are ready for this, Luna?" Hermione asked gently.

This question angered Luna. "Regardless, I am expecting! We had not planned on it happening so soon, but we both agreed not to use any contraception."

"I'm sorry, Luna. I wasn't trying to imply anything." Hermione felt like she had taken all the joy out of her friends' announcement. That was the last thing she'd wanted to do.

"No worries, Hermione. I am very moody these days. It was a question I am sure most will think, if not ask."

Greg wanted to lighten the mood and for his friends that he thought of more than family to be as happy as he and Luna were. He said, "I wonder when the weird cravings will start?"

Everyone laughed. "Not for awhile, I expect," Ginny answered.

Hermione looked at her two best friends and noticed how happy and content they both were. And... settled. If only Severus... No, I am not going there tonight. I am going to keep my spirits up and have a good time.

She had started to do just that when Luna spoke up. "So, Hermione, did you get any matches for a potential husband from the YLC?"

Hermione gasped in a breath and started to choke on her chicken. Severus patted her back with amusement. "Um, yes, I had a match."

After she said nothing else, Draco huffed and asked, "Well? Who was it?"

"It doesn't matter, Draco," Hermione told him testily. "Let's just drop it, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am! Sorry!" Draco mocked.

"Enough," Severus said to the group at large. He didn't want Hermione to be upset when he went with her to her flat after this dinner party.

"We apologize, Hermione. Luna is just a happily married woman, so she thinks all single people should wed."

"Nothing wrong with that." Ginny winked. "I love being married." She turned and kissed Draco soundly. "Even if it is to Malfoy here."

"Watch it, Ginevra; you're a Malfoy now, too!" Draco reminded his wife.

"So I am!" she readily agreed.

Severus watched Hermione watch the little scene with longing in her eyes.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Later that night Severus lay in the bed, watching Hermione getting into her nightgown. "Hermione?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you happy with the way things are?"

Looking slightly confused with his blunt question, she uncertainly replied, "Of course I'm happy, Severus. Why? Are you not?"

Severus looked at her intently. He knew that she wanted more, but refused to say it. He thought it was a pride thing at first, but now he wondered if she was afraid of rejection. He did have quite a reputation, and he did tell her he did not want anything more. Perhaps it was a mixture of both pride and fear.

"No, not really. And to be honest, I don't think you truly are either."

Hermione deliberately put the brush she'd been using to brush her hair down on her dresser. Turning to him, she said, "Don't tell me how I feel. If you want to know something specific, ask me, and I will be happy to answer. What are you getting at, Severus?"

"I believe I did just ask you specifically, and you lied to me."

"Oh," she said throwing her hands in the air, "now you're calling me a liar! What's this about?"

"It's about us and if you are happy with the way things are now! That is what I specifically want to know!"

Chewing her bottom lip, she quietly asked, "Why do you ask that?"

Severus literally growled. "Because I want to know, Hermione!"

"I see," she said and turned her back to him while she picked the brush back up to continue to brush her hair. "Is this your way of looking for a way out of this relationship?"

Severus was dumbfounded. Had the woman not noticed any changes at all in him in regards to her? Did she actually believe that he wanted to end things? "Why on earth would you ask me that? Have I given you any indication that I wanted to end things?"

"No, not up until tonight, but if you don't want to end things, then why all the questions about if I am happy or not? Why say you aren't?"

"Because I truly want to know if you are happy with the status of our relationship."

Turning back to face him, she asked, "Do you want to start seeing other women again?"

"Hermione," he said in exasperation, "no, I don't want to see anyone else. Would you please stop answering my questions with questions? Just answer me."

"I am happy with you, Severus."

Severus smiled then. "Yes, but does our situation please you?"

Slightly still confused, she answered, "I don't want to see anyone else; nor do I want you to."

Okay, now we are making progress... "How deep do your feelings for me go?"

"Severus, what's going on? Really, why all these questions?" she demanded.

"Because I want to know these things, Hermione. Is it too much for a man to ask the woman he is involved with how she feels about him?"

"No, I suppose not. How do you feel about me?"

Now was the time, Severus decided, to spell things out for her...once and for all...knowing she wouldn't confess her feelings first. "What would you say if I told you that I think I am in love with you?"

Tears pooled in her eyes, but she didn't let them spill over. "Are you asking hypothetically or actually?"

"I want to know. I love you. What do you have to say to that?"

Smiling, she said, "Only that I love you, too."

Opening his arms, he commanded, "Come here. I would like to be holding the woman I love when I first tell her that I love her."

She put the brush down that she'd forgotten she was holding and went into his arms. "This is my favorite place, you know."

Smiling, he told her, "I have decided I want to change things some."

Raising her head from his chest to look into his eyes, she asked, "Change things how?"

"I was thinking of something more permanent."

Furrowing her brow, she said, "But, Severus, we're already exclusive... More permanent would mean..." She suddenly gasped and sat up to look directly into his eyes.

"Exactly, love. Exactly."

Christy's Notes: Well, this is it! Only an epilogue left! I am so, so sorry about the long wait between updates! I personally hate that myself when I am reading a fic I really like! I promise the epilogue will not take as long!

Southern's Notes: It's about damn time! I love it when things come together.