Chapter 14: Australia: Part 2

Hermione woke the next morning feeling more hopeful than she had in ages. She thought about the discussions from the day before and knew they might still get some resentment from her father; but his feelings were out in the open, and perhaps time would heal it all. She felt Severus' body pressed against hers. His breathing was still steady. She slipped away from him to use the loo. When she came out, he was standing next to the door with his eyes still shut. He squinted an eye open and bent and brushed her forehead with his lips. "I'll be right out."

She crawled back into the bed, snuggling down under the covers and facing his side of the bed.

Soon he came out and crawled in next to her. "Hmm," he murmured as she kissed his lips. He slipped his arm around her, drawing her closer, and hooked a leg over hers. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yes," she said, peppering his face and eyelids with soft kisses. "Thank you for being so reserved with my dad. I know it must have taken a huge effort to not strangle him a time or two." She felt his hand caress her breast softly, and she pressed herself into his hand.

"It was necessary to give you the best chance at reconciliation. I know when to keep my mouth shut. I've had practice with masters."

"I'm sure you do. How about performing some of the mastery on me right now?" she asked, her voice becoming sultry with sexual desire. She gave him a searing kiss. "We've been together nearly 22 hours and have not made love."

He answered by pushing her onto her back. He proceeded to kiss her and then work his way down to tease and nip at her breasts. His hands caressed her as she caressed him. One of her hands was buried in his hair as the other slipped downwards to grip him and guide him in.

He buried himself in her moist warmth and stared down into her eyes as he began to move. He loved to see her eyes grow larger and then glaze over with their passion as he brought them to a mutual orgasm. She clapped her legs round him and clung to him, crying out his name softly.

He slumped to the bed, drawing her to his side, and flipped to his back. "If we weren't here, I'd keep you in bed all day."

"I'm sorry. That does sound lovely," she said, nuzzling his breast.

"Don't be, my love. This was important. By the way, I didn't see any decorations downstairs. This is Christmas, is it not?"

"Mom was waiting for us to get here. I assume we will decorate together, tonight."

There was a knock on the door. Severus stiffened and then bound into the bathroom.

Hermione giggled and lowered the wards. "Yes?" she called.

Her mother opened the door and peered into the room timidly. "Hermione, breakfast is ready." Her eyes scanned the room.

"He's hiding in the bathroom," she said. "I wasn't sure if it was dad."

June laughed. "He was afraid to come up and get you. He knows you sleep together, but he doesn't want to see evidence of it. Mess up one of the guest rooms to keep his fantasy going."

Hermione nodded, still holding the sheet to her neck. "We'll be down in a few minutes, Mom."

June nodded and closed the door.

Severus came from the bathroom, already wearing his boxers and an undershirt.

Hermione slipped out of the bed. "I didn't know you could move that fast." She laughed.

"We'll if it had been your father, I'd rather not get my nose broken again. One old man's anger is enough for me." His voice was bitter.

"I'm sorry, Severus." She slipped her arms around him, and he cheered himself up by giving her firm bum a groping until she laughed and twisted away from him to grab a quick shower and dress.

"Hermione, I'm going use the shower down the hall to save time and pacify your dad."

"Thank you," she called over her shoulder.

Fifteen minutes later they were dressed and heading down the stairs. Hermione found they were eating out on the patio again. It was a warm summer day.

Severus had dressed in kaki pants and a gray, short-sleeved shirt. His hair was tied back with a black ribbon.

Paxton was coming from the kitchen with a pitcher of orange juice and a tray of glasses. He bent to give Hermione a kiss on the cheek and said, "Good morning, baby." Then he said, "Severus, I trust you slept well."

"Very well, sir. Thank you. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"No, please take a seat. This is the last of it." He set the tray onto the table.

Severus observed, "The food looks wonderful. I am starving."

Hermione hugged her mom and took a seat. "Yes, I'm famished as well. Do you use this table for nearly all your meals?"

June nodded. "Yes, it's so warm this time of year, and the garden is lovely."

"May I ask who does the gardening?" Severus asked to make conversation.

"Paxton takes care of the trees, shrubs, and the succulents. I plant the flowers."

"I would appreciate a tour later. I see some very fine specimens of species I could take clippings from, if you would allow it."

Paxton seemed pleased. "Of course, Severus. After we eat, we can take a look. I think June wants Hermione to decide which decorations we will put up this afternoon. Why don't we let them do that while we take a look? You can tell me what I have here. I honestly put out some of them because they are an attractive grouping."

"Well, from here I see some interesting combinations. I haven't studied the plants of Australia much. I use a few that I know come from here for my work. Nearly every plant can be of use in my line of work."

"You can say Potions, Severus. June and I want to be more involved in Hermione's world. We wish to learn more about our daughter now, and we want a more open relationship." He was addressing Severus but looking into his daughter's eyes. "We wish to be more prepared should danger ever arise again."

Hermione stared back at her dad. Was this another put down because of what she had done to them?

But then he gave her a warm smile.

"Next time, we go into hiding together. We don't want to lose our daughter anytime soon. Speaking for June as well as myself, we also don't want to lose out on the joys of grandchildren."

"Dad!" Hermione exclaimed, blushing. "It's a bit early to pull out the grandchildren card."

"I realize that, Hermione, but you will give us hope?" he asked.

Severus said, "Once Hermione has finished her apprenticeship and has established her career, there will be time to think of children. But that might be four or five years in the future."

Hermione grabbed Severus' hand under the table and squeezed it. She was warmed by the fact that he wanted children in the future but would wait for her to be more ready. Four or five years didn't quite seem enough for her, but she knew he was not getting any younger.

"You did say you were engaged, so grandchildren are inevitable...right?" June asked, pouring herself another glass of orange juice.

"Yes, Mom, we are going to get married after I finish my second year this coming June. Severus feels it would be best if we were married since we will be living at Hogwarts together. I know Headmistress McGonagall feels the same way."

"And how do you feel about it?" she asked, handing Severus a tray of bread.

Severus sighed inwardly. This situation might not be comfortable for some days. He had never had to deal with anyone's parents; it was tedious.

Hermione said, "I would prefer to finish my schooling, but I understand their point of view, and I am looking forward to being Severus' wife. I just can't promise children for a few years. I want to finish my two years of study under Severus and get a couple years of teaching Potions out of the way. A baby can be wonderful but very time consuming."

Paxton asked, "You're going to teach Potions at Hogwarts? What will you be doing, Severus? I can't imagine you'd want your wife taking your job from you."

Severus explained, "I will be taking the Headmaster's job once Hermione is done with her apprenticeship. Minerva wishes to retire from the position and has offered me the job. I am already the deputy Headmaster in training." He decided against telling them he had already been Headmaster for a time. It would bring up too many things to explain...like being on the enemy's side.

Paxton's eyes seemed to take on a new light of pride. "My son-in-law will be the Headmaster of an exclusive private school. I like that. It's something to share with my golfing buddies."

"Daddy, you're still playing golf? I'd forgotten you were taking lessons a few years back."

Paxton put his napkin down and sat back, apparently finished with his meal. "I love it, and it gets me out of your mother's hair a few hours a week. There are some wonderful golf courses in this area and the neighboring city. Do you play, Severus?"

Severus looked confused. "Golf ... hmm, isn't that the game with the sticks and the small ball you hit from a distance into a tiny hole?"

Paxton smiled in amusement. "Yes, I forget how isolated your world is with ours at times. Why don't you come with me this morning? We can try the practice field. We'll take the garden tour this afternoon," he said, dismissing the garden with a wave of his hand.

Severus groaned inside, looking longingly at the plants. Hermione squeezed his hand rather painfully. "Well, I can at least observe, sir. I do not think I would do well at that sort of game."

"Oh, you'll enjoy it. Sunshine and good air. It will be good for you."

June stood and gave Hermione's shoulder a squeeze. "We can have some girl time. I wanted to have you help me get the decorations out of the shed. The tree is in the shed, too, out of the sun. I didn't want the needles to dry."

Paxton stood and said, "Come on, Severus. Let's get out there before it gets too warm. I have an extra pair of golf shoes you can adjust to fit yourself."

Severus stood and drew Hermione to her feet. His eyes implored her, Do I have to go?

Hermione reached up and kissed his cheek. "Have fun, I shall miss you."

He sighed and followed after Hermione's father.

June watched them vanish into the house. "Come on, Hermione. Let's sort through the shed for the decorations. I'm sure there are things we can just get rid off. I don't know why I didn't do it when we moved."

"It hardly seems like Christmas without the freezing rain or snow," Hermione observed, already missing Severus.

"Well, I for one am quite happy with the warmth. I ache much less. Business has been good for your father here. But I really think he will retire in a few years and just enjoy our lives here. Personally, Hermione, you couldn't have sent us to a better place. It's wonderful here. Why we stayed in that bitter cold place for so long is beyond me. I guess we didn't know any better. It was home. But I can say I'm very happy here. With your abilities to travel like you do, it really doesn't matter where in the world we are, does it?"

Hermione, warmed by her mother's enthusiasm for the place, hugged her as they walked across the yard to the shed. They entered the darkness of the shed. Her mother pulled a light cord, and a single bulb lit the shed with dim light. Hermione instinctively pulled her wand and said, "Lumos." The wand light brightened the room considerably.

She realized her mother was looking at her with wide eyes.

"Sorry," she said and started to lower the wand.

"Leave it, Hermione. I dare say it will help us find what we want easier. Your dad and I really want to be a part of your world...not just because of grandchildren but because we love you, and we want to support what your life is and the things you have accomplished there. You're a brilliant woman and witch, and we have never praised you for all that."

Hermione let the wand sag at her side and enveloped her mom in a hug. "Mum, I'm so glad Severus and I came." They cried a bit and hugged, overcome with emotion. Hermione finally drew back and relit her wand. "I hope Dad goes easy on Severus. He's really a wonderful man, Mum. I love him so much. Despite our age difference, we are perfect for each other. We are interested in all the same things. He's very well read, even in Muggle literature. He's brilliant and inventive. We can talk for hours."

"And make love for hours, I'd imagine," June said, bending to open an old cardboard box.

"Mum!" Hermione felt her whole body flush with heat.

June only laughed. "Well, that's rather important in a marriage...at least when you're as young as you are. He's quite handsome, isn't he?"

Hermione fanned herself, feeling the sweat pour over her forehead. The shed's heat seemed to be overwhelming. She laughed nervously and said, "I have no complaints. He's quite wonderful in whatever goal he sets."

June nodded as she pulled a string of lights from the box. "I quite thought he might be. You look so happy...happier than I've ever seen you, Hermione. I always wondered, with your bookishness and intelligence, if you would find a man that would be your equal. It appears you have. I was rather afraid you'd settle for Ron, and you and I both know it wouldn't have worked. He may be a best friend, but he's not husband material for you. He'd have wanted at least six kids, and I know you and Severus aren't likely to have more than one or two."

Hermione was so pleased that her mom was getting her. "Thanks, Mum. I think Severus understands that a child or two is all I will want. I think his life has been so hard that he never expected to fall in love. He's a precious, special man who's had a lot of bad things to deal with in his life, but he went through those years with dignity and loyalty for the side of good. He's an amazing man with an amazing story, and it makes him all the more thankful for what he has now."

June said, "I'm happy for you, and I'm so glad you both have come through that war and can make a life. Now grab that box and we will take them to the patio and sort it all out."

*****

Severus rode in near silence to the golf course. He looked out the car windows with interest, trying not to show his nervousness at being in a car. The thing could easily become a twisted mass of metal on this busy highway.

Paxton finally broke the silence. "Listen, Severus. I'm sorry about yesterday."

Severus waved his hand dismissively. "I understood, sir. You had a lot to hear and a lot to say. Just, please know that Hermione's actions in the past were only because she loved you so much."

"No man likes having the say in his life taken from him, does he?" the man stated.

"No, I can definitely attest to that." Severus admitted.

"Son, I hope you won't be angry, but I read about your history in the wizarding papers. I was rather shocked to find out you were with my daughter. But I can see you're a fine man, and you adore her. I can see you will have the strength and fortitude to keep her safe. I only ask you continue to make her happy," he said, guiding the car into a parking lot.

Severus waited until he'd pulled into a parking lot and stopped. "I will do everything in my power to keep her safe and happy. You have no idea how she brings light to my life."

"I will ask that you send us a Portkey for the wedding. June and I want to be there," he said adamantly.

"I will see to it personally, Paxton," Severus promised.

They got out of the car and retrieved the clubs from the trunk. Severus shouldered the bag for the older man and followed him to a row of people who were standing near the little balls that seemed to be resting on a small stand. Severus eyed them with trepidation.

Paxton laughed. "You'll get the hang of it. It's really quite a skill mathematically, angles and all. With your intelligence, it should be no problem. Oh, and Severus, I know you're sleeping with Hermione, but be discreet for June's sake."

Severus eyebrow climbed, but he didn't say anything besides, "Thank you, sir. I will be careful." He turned his head so he could roll his eyes in private. Now about this game... he wasn't too sure as the man next to him hauled off and with a crack sent the ball many yards before him to land only inches from the tiny hole.

******

Hermione laughed when Severus sagged onto the bed in the afternoon and took a nap. The morning's fun had exhausted him mentally and physically. The sun seemed to sap his energy, and the tension of being with Hermione's father on his own wore him out. Though Paxton had been nothing but encouraging and supportive, as he'd missed ball after ball or sent them into sand traps. The time change was getting to both of them, and they had begged for a nap.

The tree was decorated, and they had a couple hours before a late dinner. They both dropped off immediately, wrapped in each other's arms.

Hermione was awakened by the gentle caress of Severus' fingers against her arm. "Is it time yet?" she groaned, wishing for more sleep.

He murmured sexily, "No, I'd say we have about 45 minutes. Care for a romp?" He kissed her, letting his tongue slide over hers in a slow lazy manner.

"You have the wards and Muffliato in place?" she asked, letting her hand roam over his chest.

"Of course. I daresay I will not be caught shagging their daughter by either of them. By the way, your father told me it was okay for us to sleep together...just don't let June know."

Hermione, awake now, laughed, throwing her head back against the pillows. Severus covered half her body with his. She lay back as he leisurely kissed her body, and she caressed his hair as she hooked one leg about his waist.

He slid further down her body, and she clutched at the sheets, no longer able to touch him. He kissed a trail over her legs and into her thighs and then bent her knees. She opened herself to him. Her thighs quivered with her need for him by the time he was done kissing her with feather light touches. His fingers slid softly over her nub, teasing her. When he plunged his tongue in, she shrieked and clapped her hand over her mouth. As if reading her mind, he murmured, "They won't hear you; let it go." He went back to making love to her, determined to leave her boneless. His tongue plunged in and out, and he nipped and sucked at her nub till she bucked against him and cried out his name again as she shattered into a powerful orgasm. The world went dim with her passion. She never tired of oral sex. She loved the care he took to make her cum so strongly that she almost fainted each time.

He moved up, and she grasped his hard shaft, guiding him in and clinging to him as he plunged hard over and over into her. His ability to forget the world and just be with her never ceased to amaze her. She stared into his face. His eyes were closed, and his body arched above hers. He was magnificent. Her hands roamed over his back, feeling his muscles tighten and relax. Her fingernails dug light streaks into his back. She was proud to be able to give Severus Snape so much pleasure. His body spasmed over hers, and she let herself go to experience a second orgasm. "Her...mio...ne," he groaned, slipping to her side. He drew her close, kissing her softly a few times, and then let her rest against his heaving chest. She listened to his rapid heartbeat until he calmed. His hand was caressing her side gently.

"I could lose myself in you," he whispered.

"I feel the same way," she said, pressing a kiss to his chest.

He sighed, his lips pressing together for a moment. He rubbed at his eyes and said, "I wish they weren't waiting for us. I'd be content to just lay here with you the rest of the night. Tea filled me up enough."

She let her fingers run trough the dark hair on his chest. "It's only a few more days, and then we can go home and shag each other silly for the rest of the holidays."

"I'm looking forward to that." He grinned.

Hermione finally pushed against his chest and moved off the bed. "Come on! Let's take a quick shower. We can dry off with our wands. We've got about 15 minutes."

Severus swung his legs off the bed and climbed to his feet. "Shall I use the shower down the hall?"

"No, come on. We can scrub each other's backs." In no time they were bathed and dressed.

---

Thank you, Lisa, for your beta work. I appreciate your willingness to keep doing me this huge service.