Chapter 11 - The Honeymoon

Chapter 11 – The Honeymoon

Severus slowly became aware of a sharp pain in his arm. He opened his eyes and looked at his young wife, her head pillowed on his shoulder. Her tousled short curls made her look even younger. He enjoyed the unfamiliar warmth of her soft body pressed against his. Yawning, he eased his way out of the warm bed. He may as well get some work done while she slept. He did not want to be accused of neglecting her again. He dressed in his black pants and shirt from the day before and headed for the library.

Hermione woke up a couple of hours later. She lazily reached her hand out, expecting to find Severus. Her head popped up when she only felt cool linens. Calm down, she told herself. You know he doesn't sleep much. He hasn't run away. Yet. She scrambled from the bed. The soreness between her legs hardly slowed her movements. She pulled on a peach robe she found at the foot of the bed and went in search of her husband.

She found him in the library, busily scribbling on some paper. She had an odd sense of déjà vu. The curtains were drawn, and only a couple of candles were lit. Papers had fallen to the floor and there was an unsteady pile beside his right elbow. "Now, if there were some poor, helpless students sitting in front of you, I would swear we were back at Hogwarts," she teased as she walked into the room.

Severus started when he heard her voice. "What time is it? My students were never helpless. I will have you know, had we used Mr. Longbottom's experiments during the war, we would have won sooner."

Hermione giggled. "It is about eight in the morning. Were you going to wash and dress for breakfast?" She walked around the desk and gently kissed him on the forehead.

Severus looked at the pile on his desk. He had actually gotten most of the important paperwork done. He looked back up and choked. Hermione had loosened the belt of her robe and was wedging her way between him and the desk. He was shocked when she sat on his lap, their faces inches apart. He raised an eyebrow at her brazen behavior.

Hermione merely smiled at his silent question. She leaned forward and gently teased his lips with her own. She groaned softly when his hands came up and cupped her breasts. Her hips rocked softly as he started kneading the twin mounds. Her mouth opened as he deepened the kiss.

Severus didn't know if this was going to be a daily ritual to their morning routine, but he was not going to question his good luck. He dropped his hand down to the opening of her robe. He couldn't stop his own groan when he discovered she was completely naked underneath it. His fingers stroked her damp curls, encouraged by the mewling sounds coming from the back of her throat. Just as he was preparing to push a finger into her wet warmth, a knock sounded at the door.

Hermione squeaked at the intrusion. She jumped off his lap, and had just straightened her robe when the butler opened the door. "Excuse me, my Lord," he said, lowering his eyes. "Cook said she would have breakfast ready whenever you got hungry."

"Give us an hour, Mansford. I lost track of the time." Severus had requested breakfast in an hour when he had come downstairs. He ushered Hermione up the stairs to their bedroom. He was glad that there was a minimum of servants; this way, he was able to spend more time with Hermione alone.

An hour later, both the Lord and the Lady were seated at the table, plates piled high. Severus watched Hermione pour tea for them both. "What would you like to do today? I am at your disposal." As long as she chose something he liked doing, he didn't see why he couldn't be an attentive husband.

"I suppose we should go about and meet all of the local tenants here. I need to become familiar with these people too. I don't think we have time for a party, but going into town should allow me to meet most of them," Hermione said as she buttered her toast.

Severus groaned. He hated crowds normally; to have to subject himself to meeting new people all day sounded like cruel punishment indeed.

"What? Did you think we would spend all week in bed?" Hermione asked.

"Actually, that does sound like fun," he said innocently.

"Severus, really. You are a responsible landowner, I think. We need..."

"Hermione, I was teasing you. Why don't we go to the stables? You can pick out a horse you like, and then we will ride into town. The local inn serves decent food, and that way, we can meet the tenants and browse through the local shops."

"Oh. All right. Can we take the carriage instead?"

"Why? It is a nice day out. Oh, stop looking at me like that. I actually do like the outdoors. I also happen to enjoy riding," he knew what his students, past and present, called him at Hogwarts.

"I'm sorry. You just did not seem like the outdoorsy type, at least while I attended school," she said.

"Well, go upstairs and change. With the number of trunks that your mother sent, I am sure there is a riding habit somewhere. Miss Winks would know. I will meet you downstairs in the parlor." Severus pushed away from the table, walked around and held Hermione's chair for her.

Hermione walked slowly up the staircase. She had never ridden a horse before and was actually, a little afraid of them. She went into her old bedroom, though she didn't know how it could be old when she only had it for fifteen minutes the previous night. Miss Winks was busy hanging up her clothes.

"Miss Winks, is there a riding habit in any of those trunks?" Hermione had to admit that with five trunks, there had to be an outfit for any occasion.

"Please, call me Jane, my Lady. Everybody else does, even the family. Here is your riding habit. Um, actually, here they are. It appears you have three." Miss Winks held up three dresses for Hermione to choose from. She was shocked when she had found them. When she had first met her new mistress, she had thought that Hermione seemed a sensible young woman, but her choice in clothing was quite surprising.

Hermione groaned. Indeed, there were three. She just couldn't believe her mother. In true Narcissa form, she had chosen three beautiful riding habits. However, it was the colors that caused her to groan aloud white, peach and pink. "Thank you, Jane. Are you sure there aren't any others?"

"It would appear not, my Lady," Miss Winks shook her head in amazement. "If you don't mind me asking, why did you pick those colors?"

"It was my mother who chose my trousseau. Next time, I will just have to pay more attention," Hermione groaned. "I will wear the pink one. The color is a little darker and shouldn't show as much dust." She just knew Severus would make some comment.

She popped her head around the corner of the upstairs hall. She ground her teeth together when she saw Severus standing below in the hall. He was dressed all in black and was carrying a black riding crop. Trust him to be impeccably dressed, she muttered. She had made it halfway down the stairs before he heard her approach.

Severus was sure his eyes were going to pop out of his head and could feel his jaw fall open. Hermione looked lovely in pink; he just couldn't believe that she would wear it riding. Oh, this is just too funny! He chuckled to himself.

"Hermione, dear..." he started.

"Not one word, Severus, not one word," she ground out as she sailed past him. She gritted her teeth as she heard him chuckling behind her.

"Yes, but, my pet," he continued. "You do realize that we are going to be riding outside. There might be a little dust or dirt..."

"Severus, just shut it," she continued towards the stables. She had seen them from the parlor earlier.

"Are all of your clothes that becoming shade?" he was openly laughing now.

"Severus, unless you want to wear this habit, I suggest you stop laughing. I did not pick out these colors. For your information, my mother did!" Hermione stopped so he could catch up and show her which barn the horses were in.

"Oh, well that explains it then." He was still chuckling softly as they walked down the middle aisle of the barn.

Hermione stopped before the stall of a pretty, gray mare. "She is beautiful. Do you think I would be able to ride her?" She looked docile enough. Hermione pet the soft nose that came through the bars.

Severus nodded his approval and they waited in the yard while the horses were saddled. He had chosen a large black stallion; he couldn't see himself on anything else. He swung up into the saddle with ease. He had forgotten how much he missed riding all those years at Hogwarts. He turned around to see what was keeping Hermione.

She looked at the gray mare standing calmly beside the mounting block. She hadn't realized how tall she was in the barn. She lightly patted the mare's neck and tried to summon the courage to put her foot in the stirrup.

"Hermione? Are you coming?" She looked up at Severus' voice.

"Yes. I have something to say, first. I have never ridden a horse." She waited for him to start making his usual sarcastic remarks. When he didn't say anything, she looked up at him.

"I see," he said, his brow wrinkled in thought. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Well, I guess I never really thought about it. It can't be that difficult. Just tell me how what to do before I get on." Hermione never thought she would need to know how to ride a horse, so she never really studied it while attending school.

"It isn't quite that easy. Come over here and ride with me. We will have to arrange lessons later."

"No. I am not going to ride on your lap. What would people think?" Hermione didn't want to tell him that she was also afraid. She remembered the time in her third year she had ridden a Hippogriff and had not liked that at all. She knew that this horse could not fly, but the association was still there.

"Hermione, we don't have all day. We are married. It is a small village. Come here." He reached down and easily lifted her in front of him.

She sat very still, her hands clenched around his wrists. She looked down, moving only her eyes, and quickly looked straight ahead. She just knew she was going to fall over and break her leg.

"Hermione, let go of my arms. I can't control the horse if I am unable to feel my hands. Now, if you need to grip something, grab a hold of his mane, that's the long hair in front of you." He couldn't believe that he had found something that she was not competent at. His concentration was needed to keep the black beast calm.

"I know what it is called. Just because I have never ridden a horse does not mean that I don't know what this hair is," she snapped. She dropped his wrists and quickly grabbed a handful of the horse's mane. She squeaked in surprise when the horse started moving forward. She felt her body start to slide down as she was sitting sideways on the horse's back.

"Shift your weight backwards until you are sitting fully in my lap. You won't fall. My arms will steady you."

Hermione did as he said and found that her balance was indeed much better. They soon reached the outskirts of the village. Both of them were happy to see that it seemed like a happy and well cared for place. There were people walking in and out of neat buildings, talking to each other in the street, and children playing in the yards. As they approached, many stopped what they were doing to look at the new comers, but there was no hostility or suspicion in their faces.

Severus stopped in front of the small inn. He handed the reins over to the young stable boy and guided Hermione inside.

"Welcome, my Lord. How can I be of service?" the bartender asked.

"My wife and I would like the shepherd's pie and ale," Severus answered. He held a seat out for Hermione.

"Ale?" she asked quietly. She had never had anything except butterbeer or the occasional glass of wine. But, as it appeared it would be all she would get, she shrugged and tried a sip. Being very thirsty, she decided she could get used to the taste. Besides, the food smelled wonderful and she was hungry. Soon, their lunch and the ale were gone.

After their meal, the spent a few minutes getting to know the people working at the inn and the few customers there. Then Severus led the way outside.

Hermione wanted to get some paper and pens, so, next, they stopped at the town's shop. As soon as she entered, she was greeted by what seemed to be the entire female population of the small town. Severus nodded and made a beeline for a small collection of books in a quiet corner. He was soon joined by the few brave husbands who had come in with their wives.

Hermione greeted the shopkeeper and was assured that the items would be delivered to the manor. She greeted the other women and soon had more invitations to visit than she could possibly fulfill in the week she was here. By the time she had met everyone, it was late afternoon. Guiltily, she looked at Severus. She was very surprised to see him deeply engrossed in conversation with some other men. She was sure he would be very impatient to get home by this time. Making her excuses, she went to join him.

"... and we will have to get together so that I can see what process you use." She heard him say as she walked up to him.

"Of course, my Lord. Just send word when you have the time. Good day," the man said. He smiled at Hermione and left the shop, his wife joining him at the door.

"I do apologize for taking so long, Severus. I am ready to go if you are," she said.

"Of course, we need to start back if we are to be on time for dinner," he said.

Hermione and Severus rode back to the manor in near silence. It was neither strained nor uncomfortable. Both marveled at how well things were going so early in their marriage. Hermione was shocked to discover that she liked being his wife. She hoped things would continue to go as smoothly. Severus was appalled to discover that he had spent the whole day in her presence and enjoyed it. He just wondered when things would change.

After a quick bath and change, they ate a leisurely dinner and retired for the night. Hermione was a little disappointed that Severus did not attempt any intimacy, but she was glad for the rest as she was still a little sore from the night before. Severus, on the other hand, was hoping that Hermione would give him a sign that she was in the mood for a late night romp. When she pulled on her long nightgown, he tried to stifle his disappointment. He climbed into bed and felt better when he felt her arm slide around his waist. Cuddled together, they went to sleep.

Severus awoke the next morning to a soft, tickling sensation on his nose. He batted at the irritant and rolled over. Pretty soon, he felt something crawling across his back. With lightening fast reflexes, he grabbed a hand. The soft scream told him it was Hermione.

"Good morning to you too," she grumbled.

"What were you trying to do?" he asked, cracking open an eye.

"I was trying to wake you up. I thought it would be better than hitting you with a pillow. Though now, it does seem like a rather good idea." She wasn't really mad or hurt, but he didn't need to know that.

"If that is your way of seducing me, you need to work on it." He laughed as Hermione just gaped at him.

She opened and closed her mouth a couple of times. It was one of the rare occasions that she was struck speechless. Finally, she found her voice. "If I had wanted to seduce, dear husband, you would know it." With that, she flounced off the bed and had hardly taken three steps before she felt his strong arms close in around her waist.

"It does seem that we were in the same position on our wedding night, my dear," he purred. Getting the best of his wife did more for his libido than seeing her in a red corset. Well, maybe, he thought to himself.

He laid her on the bed and immediately tore her nightgown from neck to hem. He decided that it was in fact quite generous, as now the maids would have new rags.

Hermione shrieked and crossed her arms across her breasts. "What do you think you are doing?"

"Opening my wedding present," he smirked.

"That is my only other warm nightgown! Now how do you expect me to stay warm..." Hermione's voice trailed off as Severus ducked his head and started laving her nipples with his tongue.

"I suppose I could think of a couple of ways," he said. He sucked one plump nipple into his mouth, lightly worrying the bud with his teeth. He moaned when Hermione arched her back, pushing her breasts up further for his enjoyment.

She grabbed hold of his arms and could do nothing more than moan and writhe in pleasure. She felt warm shivers run from the sensitive buds down to her core. Curious to see if his breasts were as sensitive as her own, she slipped on hand down and lightly brushed his flat nipple with the tip of her fingernail. She felt a warm tingle of pleasure at his light groan.

Severus shuddered as her hands explored the smooth plains of his chest. The soft tickle of her fingers as they explored his lower stomach. When she gently wrapped her hand around his swollen flesh, he drew a sharp breath. "Hermione, please, stop now, or I will not be able to go slowly," he bit out. The feel of her hand slowly caressing him was quickly sending him to the edge of his endurance.

Hermione loved the feeling of power she had over him. She was very aware of the wetness between her own legs. "What if I want you to lose control?" she asked breathlessly. She gently squeezed on the downward stroke when she spoke.

That was all Severus needed to hear. He surged up between her legs and entered her with one sure stroke. He gritted his teeth at the feel of her moist heat enveloping his hardness. He felt the tightening of her muscles as she gasped. "Did I hurt you?" he asked, exerting all his will power to hold still.

"No," she gasped. "Please, don't stop. I need to feel you deep within me." She wrapped her legs around his waist in an attempt to get closer to him. She wriggled her hips to adjust the way he was positioned above her.

Severus started moving in long, sure strokes. He enjoyed watching her face. Her eyes closed in pleasure as he rubbed against her swollen clitoris. He quickened his speed and was happy to note that she was just as aroused as he was.

Hermione grabbed his upper arms when she felt the tempo increase. She rose to meet him thrust for thrust. She opened her mouth in a silent scream when she felt him reach between their bodies and start massaging her over-sensitized bud. That extra stimulation was all that was needed to send her hurtling over the edge. Her inner muscles milked his engorged length.

Severus felt her orgasm crash over her. The feel of her muscles tightening around him was more than he could bear. He surged one last time into her heat and stiffened. His breathing was harsh and ragged. He reached down and found a blanket. He wrapped it around them both as they fell into an exhausted sleep.

It was around noon before they found their way out of bed. Instead of subjecting Hermione to another bout of riding sidesaddle, Severus had the small carriage readied. He wanted to check on the crops and land to make sure all was sound. He was not totally ignorant of the obligations of a landlord as he did have some property he had inherited while teaching at Hogwarts.

He looked beside him and smiled inwardly at his wife. Hermione was dressed in a delicate pink gown. It was actually a good color for her, but the style was rather fussy for his taste. He thought that Hermione might share the same opinion, as it was the second time she had pulled on the ruffled sleeves. He made a mental note to have her visit a new dressmaker as soon as they got back to town.

Hermione was glad to be out and included in the tour of the land. She admired the quaint country setting and made mental notes to herself of possible improvements she wanted to discuss with Severus. "Is it possible to stay here longer?" she asked. She was enjoying the growing bond of friendship between them.

"Unfortunately, Parliament meets soon and I have to attend," he said. He too was finding that he liked being able to discuss everyday things with another human being. "Don't worry, we will be able to return often," he continued at her disappointed look. They continued their ride in relative silence. When they returned to the manor, they spent the evening together in the parlor. Neither felt the need for idle chatter.

The rest of the week flew by, and before she knew it, Hermione was tucked into the family coach. She was returning to London to start the Season as a society matron. She just hoped that she would be able to survive; parties and gossip were not her favorite things in the world. She would have even been happy to return to her mundane job at the Ministry than host a ball. But, she knew that Severus' position in Parliament dictated that she be just that, a leader of society. For his sake, she was willing to try.

Severus too, was not looking forward to returning to town. He didn't mind attending Parliament and even the daily task of attending to his many estates. What he did not like, was hosting the balls and dinners that his social rank dictated he give. He still did not like people, or rather having to talk to empty-headed nitwits. At least Hermione was interesting to talk to, she was even intelligent enough to have a decent conversation with on occasion. He sighed. Hermione will at least have something to do, what with planning the many dinners and parties and balls this Season.

All too soon for both of them, the coach stopped in front of the London mansion.

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Author's Notes: Due to vacations between both myself and my beta, it will probably be about a month before I will be able to update again. I apologize to my many readers, but it is sooo needed! Enjoy this long chapter, I hope you enjoy it. Tinnidawg, you are the absolute best! I will have this posted to Ashwinder once they are moved.