Chapter 8: Summer Vacation Again #2

Room service was forgotten as the couple got back in touch with each other. As the afternoon waned, they took a bath and dressed. Starving, they went out into the city to find a street café and have some food. Then they slowly walked through the streets; and as the sun started to go down, they found themselves in the Piazza San Marco. It was filled with tourists and pigeons. People threw seeds and bread into the air, and the pigeons flew in flocks about the square. Severus and Hermione sat at one of the tables and watched the shadows go up the building. The Basilica di San Marco was beautiful as the sunlight lit the gold-embossed paintings and statues. They drank some wine and just relaxed. Hermione produced a digital camera from her pocket, and Severus watched as she took pictures of people and the amazing buildings. He sat back, feeling as if he'd never been so relaxed and content in his life. Each moment with Hermione was life to him. He finally followed her down the side of the huge church, and they stood watching the boats come in and out of the harbor.

The streetlights came on, and musicians stood on street corners and played their instruments. The couple walked slowly back toward the Grand Canal, and Severus hired a gondola to take them back to their hotel. Their driver sang as he steered the boat along, and they sat back amongst cushioned seats and looked at the ancient buildings as they passed. The centuries of time showed on the buildings worn and sometimes crumbling facades, but they were beautiful. They had withstood so much history. Hermione sighed, leaning into Severus' shoulder to share a kiss.

"I wish the buildings could tell us their stories. So many famous people have traveled these waterways."

Severus whispered against her forehead, "There are ways to see the stories of the past. There are places here Muggles do not know about."

Hermione's eyes widened. "I look forward to that."

"I think we should go to Morano Island tomorrow. There are several bottle makers I wish to visit. I have heard of their amazing creations and wish to get some of their vials for my collection."

"I'm looking forward to seeing some more of Venice," she teased, "if I can get you up and out early enough."

Severus smirked. "I think you were just as insatiable as I was, my dear."

Hermione laughed. "I was, wasn't I? Well, let's get a better night's sleep so we will have the energy for a little sight seeing."

Severus frowned. "Am I not to be allowed a little play tonight?"

Hermione slipped a hand behind his neck and drew him down for a deep, long kiss. "I think a little play is always in order," she said, teasing him with the look that always made his jeans tight.

"Behave yourself," he hissed, shifting to get more comfortable.

Hermione giggled and snuggled closer.

Hermione said, "We must go back to the Piazza San Marco in the early part of the day so we can tour the basilica. I'd like to see it."

"We will do anything you want. But I reserve the right to pick half the destinations."

"Of course, Severus. You probably know some of this city's amazing secrets."

"A fair few," he said, smiling down at her in the dim light.

When they reached their hotel's dock, Severus hopped from the boat and reached down to draw her up to the dock. He paid the man and then slipped his arm around her. When they walked into the brightly lit hotel foyer, Hermione was stunned again by its opulence. She knew that if she'd come here on a student's budget, she would have only been able to afford a tiny one bedroom, and her bathroom probably would have been down the hall. Or worse, she would have had to share with other students on holiday at some sort of youth hostel.

They went to the main dining room and had a long, relaxed dinner. Severus even danced a few slow dances with Hermione. In their room, they made love slowly, tired from their long night before and busy day. They fell asleep as the moon arose and filtered through the sheer curtains, bathing them in light.

******

The next morning they ate a hearty breakfast and took a motorized ferry to Morano Island. The little island was filled with shops crammed with all kinds of glass. The people there were famous for blown glass creations of many kinds.

There were glass animals so fine they were afraid to try to get them home in one piece. There were large vases and glass lamps and tiny glass pendants. Severus purchased a clear heart with a red rose embedded in it. He had it placed on a sliver cord, and then he fastened it around Hermione's neck.

Hermione beamed at him, fingering the cool glass. "It's beautiful, Severus," she exclaimed, giving him a kiss.

"It's not as beautiful as you are," he said seriously, looking into her face. He took her hand as they exited the shop. His eyes darted from landmark to landmark as he pulled her down the street.

Hermione didn't say anything but went with him, knowing he was leading them to one of their wizarding destinations. He finally pulled her through a garden gate, and they went through a thick copse of trees. There was a wall much like the one outside Diagon Alley. Severus pulled his wand out and gave a series of taps totally different from those of Diagon Alley's. The bricks moved silently apart, revealing a new street of wizarding shops. Once they had stepped through, Hermione took in the wonders of this new wizarding community. The colorful shop windows boasted amazing creatures and colorful clothing. There was food that made her mouth water...chocolates to tantalize the mind and body. Severus guided her past all these things to a potions shop that held rare ingredients and glass bottles.

Together, they walked through the many aisles of the magically enhanced building and looked at vials in all shapes and sizes. Many of them were magically enhanced to store potions for much longer periods of time than normal glass bottles. They wanted to take many of the bottles with them but knew they couldn't afford them all, so they carefully chose vials that fit projects they were currently working on or formulating. Even then, they spent a great deal of their money on vials and potion ingredients native to this part of the country. Things that cost a great deal more in Diagon Alley were less expensive here.

They spent more than four hours browsing and collecting the things that fascinated them the most. Then they paid for their items, and Severus shrank the large bag and put it into his pocket. They wandered down the road, looking in all the amazing shops. Hermione begged him to let her chose some new robes.

"If that is what you wish. I can wait for you out here," he said, looking at the woman's dress shop with horror.

Hermione laughed and grabbed his hand, dragging him inside with her.

"Hermione, really, I don't think ..." His voice faded when he saw there were a number of mannequins wearing alluring lingerie. "Well," he said, giving her a look full of desire, "if you will model some of those for me, I could be persuaded to stay."

Hermione giggled and pulled him deeper into the shop. They spent a good two hours there while she tried on a few garments. Severus' eyes got bigger each time, and his jeans got a bit tighter.

Finally he begged in a whispering hiss, squirming in the chair he was sitting in, "No more or I will not be able to walk out of here."

Hermione giggled and bent to cup his chin and give him a soft kiss. "I don't think I've ever had such fun looking for clothing before. Thank you, Severus, for indulging me."

"I have the promise of one or more of those garments making it back to the hotel with us tonight, don't I?"

"Absolutely," she said, turning to slip back into her street clothes.

They took her purchases to the counter, and Severus insisted on paying for them.

They then found a quiet corner in a street café and had a fine meal of pasta and wine.

It was still early when they rode the ferry back to the mainland; they went to the Basilica di San Marco and toured the inside. It was magnificent: the gold, the paintings, and the rich, carved wood. They stood next to the tomb of St. Mark and studied it in silence.

Later as they walked across the square to take a gondola back to their hotel, Hermione said, "I always enjoyed the stories in the book of Mark in the Bible when I was a child. It's amazing to stand there and look at the place where his body rests. He lived it all and saw it all. I envy his time of life."

"We are fortunate enough that he wrote it all down," Severus said.

"Have you read the Bible, Severus?" she asked a bit surprised.

"I did have a Muggle father. He wasn't such a bastard until he found out what my mother was. It seemed to poison what he believed, and he turned cruel and heartless. Hermione, I know what the devil is like. Between my father and Voldemort, I have experienced hell on earth. I do not wish to live in hell and eternity."

"You believe!" She was obviously surprised.

"I do. I can't say my life is on track at the moment, but I do believe an all-knowing being created this world. I do accept that he sent his son. There is such an order to how things work and fit together if you are smart enough to understand and see the magnificence of this world. You and I have been given the gift of understanding potions. We see things in way common wizards and even some Muggles can't see them. I've always thought a combined world of religion, magic, and technology would be fascinating. But it is not to be yet. People would not accept us as we are, so we must keep ourselves somewhat isolated for the most part."

Hermione slipped into the crook of his arm. "Well, I just learn more and more fascinating things about you every holiday."

"I hope you approve," he ventured.

"Absolutely! I am a Muggle-born witch, and there are many things in science, religion, and technology that I find interesting, as well. I've often thought the two worlds would easily mesh if people would just let them."

They had finally reached their hotel, and Severus climbed from the boat and helped Hermione onto the deck. He paid the driver, and they turned to walk into the bright lobby.

They did not linger tonight but went straight up to their room. Severus shrugged out of the Muggle clothes and pulled a soft robe over his head, sighing with pleasure.

"I can only take those jeans so long. They have the most rigid fabric."

Hermione smiled. "Yes, our robes are much more comfortable. I guess I'm used to jeans." She came and slipped her arms around him, and he bent to kiss her deeply. Their tongues dueled as they kissed. "Do you want to go to bed, or would you fancy a bath then some fun? I could wear one of those new garments I bought." Her eyes were full of desire and bright with anticipation.

Severus tightened his arms about her. "I am never too tired to make love to you, Hermione. You are food to me. You brighten my soul as it has never been brightened in all my life."

Hermione beamed up at him. His actions told her time and time again that he loved her, but she loved it when he found the courage to tell her so.

She took his hand and led him to the bathroom. With her wand she filled the huge tub with warm water and bubbles. She knew he didn't mind the bubbles because she loved them. She slipped out of her clothes as he watched, and then she helped pull the robes from him. They stepped into the tub, and she sat in front of him. He took a rag, soaped it, and ran it over her back as she leaned forward, getting bubbles into her nose.

He pulled her back against him and soaped his palms and gently rubbed her body with his hands cupped. He circled her breasts gently, and she sighed, leaning her head back against his shoulder. "I love your hands. I used to watch you cut and dice things with such alacrity and precision. I actually fantasized about your hands. I never thought I'd be in this position."

"What did my hand do?" he asked, his voice getting slower and deeper. His hands rubbed at the muscles around her ribs and then lower, crossing her stomach.

She felt him getting hard against her back, and she smiled. They wouldn't be making it to the bed for a while, and she would not wear one her new outfits tonight. It would keep for another time.

She placed her hand over his hands and guided them across her stomach. Then she slid one up to her breast again, where she groaned with pleasure as he slowly circled her breast with his hand. Then his fingers pinched her nipple gently. His other hand rubbed gentle, slow circles around her stomach and then lower. She drew her knees up a bit and spread herself open for him, and he dipped a finger in between her folds. She closed her eyes as he made small circles over her already stimulated nub. She pressed herself against his hand and moaned into his chin.

"You're so beautiful, Hermione," he said as he watched his hands explore her body. He loved how his hand fit over her full breasts and how her ribs expanded when she breathed deeply. He liked how her legs began to quiver with excitement as he brought her closer and closer to completion. His fingers dipped into her, and she writhed on them. Water splashed as she moved against his hand. His own erection was pressed a bit uncomfortably between them. Hermione cried out softly as she climaxed, shuddering against him. He urged her to turn, and even though her body wasn't finished yet, she slipped onto his hard shaft and rode him, building her climax into another roller coaster ride of feeling. He lay in the tub, staring up at her face. Her breasts bobbed up and down before him, and he was bathed in her long hair as she dipped down to kiss him and drew herself up again. Throwing her head back, she closed her eyes and let him guide her on and over his thick member each time. He had his hands on her waist, and she was gripping his forearms tightly.

Severus thought, if this isn't heaven, what is? He felt his own climax build just from the feel of her warmth encasing him and her look of ecstasy as she brought herself to another climax. He felt his seed burst from him, and her vagina clamped around him, milking him, and they both cried out with pleasure as she collapsed onto his chest.

They held each other tightly, breathing hard from the exertion, and Severus wondered if his back would hurt when they climbed from the tub. He smiled. He didn't care as long as Hermione was with him. Making love to her was the sweetest thing he'd ever had the pleasure of doing in his whole life. Hermione made him think that life was finally worth living.

"I love you," he whispered.

Hermione raised her head, looking into this face. "I love you too, Severus. I know it's hard for you to say it, but I love hearing it." She gave him a sweet kiss. "Maybe we should go to bed. My backside is getting a bit cold."

Severus grinned at her and helped her rinse off, and they climbed from the tub. He used his wand to clean the tub, not wanting to lose the afterglow of this time with Hermione.

Curled up against each other in their warm bed, they drifted off to sleep.

*****

The next day found them traipsing through a thin alley between some old, clay-colored houses.

"Severus, where are we going?" Hermione asked for the tenth time, running to keep up with him.

He had a Cheshire cat smile when he turned to look back at her. "It's a surprise," he said. They stopped by a dark door. Severus taped his wand on the door and whispered a charm.

Hermione eyed the door with a little trepidation. "Are you sure you know where we are going?"

The door had opened to reveal a dark entryway.

"I am well able to defend you should anything arise, but it won't. This place is a library of sorts. I thought you might find it interesting." He held his wandless hand out to her.

Hermione eyed the gloomy passageway with a little less fear. She took a deep breath and grabbed his hand, and they plunged into the dark hallway. It was more like an entrance to a tunnel, as it started to go down and down into an underground destination. Lit torches appeared on the walls, casting a sinister glow as they flickered into the dark corners, shedding only more frightening shadows.

As they neared a solid wooden door, an eerie light flicked beneath it, and glints of silver blue flickered enticingly.

Severus used his wand to tap a series of knots in the wood, and the door creaked open. They were bathed in the strange light. It danced in their eyes, blinding them.

Hermione followed Severus though and gasped when she realized the source of the light. There was a series of Pensieves in rows back as far as the eyes could see, and shelves that spanned hundreds of feet and rose stories above them. She clasped his hand tighter.

"Severus, what is this place?" She spoke in a whisper, not wanting to disturb the absolute reverence.

He smiled and waved his hand, encompassing the entire room. "This is the history of our people...those who have shaped the growth and built the foundation of our people. Many key people have been approached and asked to archive precious memories here. Sometimes they are plain, common people who have seen amazing steps in the history of our people."

"But Harry's never said a word about this. No one has asked me..." She trialed off, realizing how conceited that sounded.

Severus squeezed her hand. "Well, Harry was sworn to secrecy. And I have two reasons for our trip to Italy. One was to share this summer with you, and one was to bring you here so that you might share some of the memories you have of the war. They are slowly collecting those thoughts."

Hermione shaded her eyes and peered deeper into the room and realized that here and there wizards and witches were bending over Pensieves with their faces buried in this or that memory.

"What happens if I give them key memories? They will be gone from my head. I don't want to lose what I was." She felt her body tremble.

Severus pulled her against him. "There is a special charm that will allow the memories to feel a part of you one again once you revisit them. It's a daunting process. You must select the memories, and then you must view them...in essence relive them...so they are back in your memory. The spell duplicates the feel of them once again as real memories instead of that of an observer."

"Harry consented to do this. His life was hell. He wouldn't want to live those memories again."

"He did. It wasn't easy, but he knew the importance of it all. It was also part of his Auror training. I did come with him on several occasions where I was involved." He cringed when Hermione gave him a scathing look.

"When did all this occur? Why was I kept in the dark? We could have come together."

He gave her a pained look. "I am sorry, but those of us who are privileged to know about this place are mainly masters, doctors, and highly placed professional people. It was not my place to tell you until now."

"Why you, and why me now?" she asked. "Do they know about us?"

"Not in the sense you are talking about. I had to register my intent to take you on as an apprentice. I was sent an official owl asking that I accompany you here. You could not gain knowledge or entrance to this place without a sworn member of this secret place. The Hall of Memories is well guarded."

"I don't know if I want people parading into my fears and some of the things that happened. I don't know if I want to live through everything again," she said. "I would like to see a few things I've always wondered about, though."

Severus smiled down at her. "Let's select a memory, and you can think about what you might be willing to share. Hermione, no one will force you to share what is most private. They wish to see the final battle from your point of view. The Hall of Mysteries events you were a part of. Perhaps even the ride on the thestral to get to London. Not all the memories have to be horrible ones. They can be fun and there to show the viewer who Hermione Granger was and how she supported the Chosen One."

Hermione smirked at him. "The Chosen One."

He smirked back. "I know he never wanted his role just as I never wanted mine. We all had to do what we had to do. It's as simple as that."

Hermione smiled, but it was hard to swallow the lump in her throat. "You gave them memories?"

"Yes," he said dryly. "It was not pleasant, and I reserve the right to allow only those I deem necessary to watch them. But they are here. Once I am gone, they will be given free viewing."

He moved them to a desk, and they pressed their hands against a charmed document that took their sworn oath to not reveal the secrets they would be allowed to see.

"What is your pleasure, my dear?" Severus asked, curious what her lifelong dream was.

She gave him a mysterious grin. "I want to see Godric Gryffindor."

Severus groaned.