Chapter 13 - Home Sweet Home

Chapter 13 – Home Sweet Home

Easter morning arrived with plenty of sunshine. The family was assembling below to go to church. Upstairs, Hermione was involved in a very secular activity.

"Severus, please?" she pleaded.

"No," he bit out.

"It won't be as bad as you think. Just try, for me? Pretty please?" she asked.

"What would you do in return?" he asked, unwilling to subject himself to an hour's torture for nothing.

"You think you should be given a reward for going to church with your family?" Sometimes, Hermione just couldn't believe how self-serving he could be.

"Hermione, I have never been to church. It holds no special significance or sentimental value to me. In case you have forgotten, let me rephrase that, obviously you have forgotten that I am a wizard."

"I am a witch and I have occasionally gone to church. Besides, I know you enjoy listening to Bach frequently. Some of the compositions he wrote were for the church. If you go with me, you might hear some other music you might enjoy."

Severus snorted. He hoped that by arguing with her they would be delayed enough to avoid going to the service. "Have you been to church even once since you found out you were a witch? Do you realize that we refer to Merlin and other gods? I am not going."

Hermione looked out of the window and saw the carriage pulling up to the door. "Fine, I am not arguing with you! I am sending your mother up. Let me know what type of reward she offers you!" She stormed to the door and slammed it hard enough to rattle the pictures on her way out.

"That insufferable, little piece of..." he started to mutter.

"Severus! Stop whatever horrid thing you are about to say. I want you to get dressed immediately. You have five minutes to get downstairs and into that carriage," Minerva said. "And don't forget to comb your hair," she threw over her shoulder in afterthought as she wheeled around and left the room before he could even think of a suitable retort.

Desperately wishing that he had landed in a magical book so that his muttered curses would work, Severus slowly dressed and stalked towards the carriage. Hermione beamed at him while he glared at her. Minerva patted his knee with a, "there's a good boy," while he sulked. Harry grinned and elbowed him as Severus stepped on his foot while sitting down. What I wouldn't give for a wand, he thought. Too bad that insufferable book doesn't allow magic.

Minerva decided that Easter would be a simple family affair in town. The family traditionally went to the country estate, but everyone agreed that they would prefer something smaller, especially after the engagement and wedding. Despite the informal celebrating of Easter this year, there were still plenty of enthusiastic participants for the children's egg hunt and games.

Later that day, Hermione sat beside Harry watching the children play. She had been enjoying the hassle free life that she had been forcibly thrust into, but it was starting to pall. She had discovered that she was incapable of doing any magic, and out of boredom she had read most of the books in the library. She was unable to work due to her rank and position in society, besides which, she had no desire to be a barmaid or flower seller anyway.

"Here you are, Hermione. I noticed you hardly touched your lunch, so I have brought you a plate of fruit," Severus said. He reclined next to her and set the plate on the ground between them.

"Thank you, Severus," she said, picking up a grape. "I couldn't possibly eat all of this. Do you think Harry would care to join us?" she asked with an impish grin. She was continuously surprised at how thoughtful and caring he was becoming. She didn't count his behavior this morning against him, as he had ended up going to church with her with minimal surliness.

"Since I brought so much, I figured that we could share it," he said. He opened his mouth and looked at her expectantly.

Then again, I could be wrong, she thought to herself. She looked at him, looked at the plate of fruit, and grinned.

The next thing Severus knew, he was choking and gasping for air. He sat up quickly and spit out four grapes. He turned and glared at his 'loving' wife. "I fail to see the humor in that," he snapped.

She grinned, plucked a grape, and popped it into her mouth. "I am sorry, dear. You looked like a hungry bird, so I fed you. It looked like there would have been plenty of room for four little grapes."

"You will pay for that one, my dear," he said as he gave her a quick kiss. "Harry, come. We have some details to see to before tomorrow," he ordered as he stalked away. He could hear Hermione laughing softly as he left. He almost ran over Ginny as she was hurrying towards his wife. He muttered a terse apology and continued with Harry running to catch up.

"Hermione, are you busy?" Ginny asked as she came up to Hermione.

"No, why don't you sit down?" Hermione said, wiping the tears from her eyes.

"Are you okay? Your husband hurried past me without even a 'good morning,' and he did not look very happy," the younger girl asked.

"I am fine. He just doesn't appreciate my sense of humor at the moment. How are you these days?"

"I am doing well. I hardly see you much anymore with the wedding and all the fuss that surrounds it both before and after the event. Not that I blame you. If I were just married, I would be all wrapped up in my new husband," said Ginny.

"I am sorry, Ginny. I didn't mean to neglect you. Why don't you and your mother come for tea tomorrow? Then we can go to the dressmaker, and you can help me pick out a couple of new ball gowns," Hermione said. She felt guilty, as Ginny was her closest friend, both currently and back at Hogwarts.

"Oh, I didn't say that to make you feel guilty," Ginny said in a rush. "Why don't you take your mother with you? She is always dressed so fashionably."

"After having to wear a pink riding habit, I refuse to let her pick out my clothes anymore," Hermione said. She shot her friend a disgusted look when she started giggling.

"Sorry, Hermione. I am picturing you in a pink habit, and it is extremely funny!" Ginny finally stopped laughing and soberly said, "I would love to go with you. Tea tomorrow? Would, um, would anyone else be at tea?"

"Just Minerva, my mother, you and your mother."

"Of course. Is the Duke going to be there? Or your brother?" Ginny asked with a blush.

"Oh!" Hermione finally realized what Ginny was actually trying to ask. "Well, I know Severus has some sort of business tomorrow with his brother, so I highly doubt he will be present. But I do believe that Mother is bringing Draco. He has started coming to quite a few social events lately. I believe that Mother is hoping he is starting to look for a wife."

"Oh," Ginny said quietly.

"Ginny, if you like him, why don't you go after him?" Hermione asked.

The younger girl blushed. "It just isn't done. I'm not that bold!"

Hermione snorted delicately. "Ginny, my brother is in love with two people. Himself and his reflection. If you want him, you will have to do all of the pursuing. He is just too lazy and self absorbed to chase after any female."

"I was actually hoping you could help me, as you are not only his sister but also a married woman now," Ginny said shyly.

"I will do what I can. I think it would be wonderful if..." Hermione trailed off as she watched Ginny turn bright red. A second later, she heard her brother's lazy voice.

"What would be wonderful, little Hermne?" Draco asked.

"Draco, stop being so nosy. I was telling Ginny that I think it would be wonderful if you were to fall in love with someone other than your reflection," she said, grinning up at him.

"I am hurt, dear sister," he said as he laid a hand over his heart. "I can't help how handsome I am. Besides, I love you. And Mother and Father. Of course I can't forget our dear departed grandparents and..." he trailed off as Hermione lightly hit his shoulder.

"Fine, you win!" she laughed.

Ginny smiled at both of them. "Hermione, I see Ron coming up the walk. I'll see you tomorrow at tea time."

"Okay, Ginny."

"I'll see you also then, Ginny," Draco said as she walked towards her brother. He then took a seat beside his sister. "Hermione, why is she going to be at tea tomorrow? I thought you and Mother were going to go to the dressmaker's?"

"Oh, you obviously haven't talked to Mother recently," Hermione said. "I told Mother that Minerva was going to accompany me, I was hoping to have an opportunity to get to know her better. I honestly don't want to ever let Mother pick out my clothes again," she said with a sigh.

"Well, if you are going clothes shopping with Minerva and Ginny, where are Mother and I going?" he ask hesitantly.

Hermione grinned. "You, dear brother, are going to a music recital."

She started laughing at Draco's loud groan. "Don't tell me," he said, "Miss Lovegood's?"

She nodded happily.

It was late in the afternoon of the next day when Hermione dropped Ginny off at home. She got no further than the foyer when she heard a loud groan. She quickly followed the noise into the parlor. There, sprawled on the sofa, was Draco. His usual, impeccably groomed form was now a rumpled mess.

"Draco, what is the matter?" Hermione asked with mild concern.

"If I never have to attend a musical again that featured Miss Lovegood, it would be too soon," he groaned.

Hermione smiled as she watched him rub his temples. "Maybe now you will stop calling me, Hermne?" she purred.

"Only if you have anything to stop this infernal headache," he continued to moan. "I don't understand why you hate it so much. Everyone thought it was such a cute name. It fit you perfectly. You always looked like a little sprite in the angelic white pinafores and the large white bows mother always put in your curls."

Hermione rang for the maid and seated herself next to her brother. "Why aren't you at home anyway?"

"Mother also has a headache and wanted a quiet house. Sev mentioned that he wanted me here after the recital, so I decided to just stay here." He took the headache powder that the maid had brought and leaned back.

"I wonder why he wanted you here," Hermione asked quietly.

"Because I wanted him to go with us," her husband answered from the doorway. He strode into the room and dropped a light kiss on his wife's brow.

"I didn't know we were going out! I really must change!" Hermione exclaimed, flustered by the surprise. She was starting to enjoy the kisses that he bestowed on her in greeting. She was a little tired, but as long as it wasn't going to be a long outing, she was willing to go.

"You are fine dressed the way you are," he said. He offered her his arm and started towards the door. "Coming, Draco?"

With a groan, the younger man heaved himself off the sofa and followed behind. Outside, Harry was already waiting and waved at them to join him. They all piled into the carriage and started moving in the direction of the Weasleys' home.

Hermione was surprised when they stopped to pick up Ginny. Her curiosity was piqued even more when her friend did not seem in the least bit surprised and said nothing but settled in quietly next to her. Things were a bit crowded, but they soon let Harry off at his club. Draco and Severus held a whispered conversation every so often, but other than that, little was said, and the carriage started moving towards St. James Place.

Finally, after about fifteen minutes of wandering through the fashionable streets of London, Hermione turned to Severus and said, "I am enjoying the fresh air, but where specifically are we headed?"

Her husband arched an eyebrow. "What makes you think we are headed in any particular direction? Have you considered the possibility that I just wanted to spend some time alone with my wife?"

"Honestly? No. If you had wanted to spend quality time with me, you would have left my darling brother at home and let Ginny rest after our strenuous shopping excursion," she said. "Besides, you did seem in a bit of a rush to get me out of the house," she continued.

"Your deductive reasoning is quite sound. As much as I enjoy your company, I wanted to show you something." Severus turned to the driver and nodded.

The carriage had come to a halt in front of, for lack of better words, a couple of small palaces. Hermione looked up the street and then down the street. Then she looked at Severus. He just looked calmly back at her. She noticed that Draco was grinning and Ginny was smiling, but nobody said anything. "All right. Just what was it you wanted to show me?" she asked.

"What do you think of your new home?" Severus asked.

"That is not funny, Severus," she said irritably.

Severus stepped out of the carriage and assisted Hermione out of it. He tucked her hand into the corner of his elbow and escorted her across the street. Draco and Ginny followed behind. Hermione noticed that Ginny had her hand resting lightly on her brother's arm and smiled to herself.

Looking back in front of her, she saw they had come to stop in front of an enormous, gray brick mansion. It looked solid and new. They walked to the front door, and then Severus handed her a key. She looked at him in wide-eyed surprise and fit the key into the door. The door opened on silent hinges. The small group walked inside and stood in quiet wonder. The entry had a white marble floor. Dark wood panels gleamed on the walls. An elegant staircase unfolded at the end of the hall.

"Welcome, my Lord," an elderly man said. He had slipped into the hall from a side door. He was jolly looking, and his eyes snapped with repressed humor.

"Peeves, my wife, Lady Hermione, Duchess of Walforth. Please have tea brought to the front parlor," Severus said. He turned and opened the first side door on the right. "This, my dear, is your new home." He stopped and waited for Hermione to enter. He then took her hand as she walked into the room. He was becoming accustomed to touching her in small ways. He even found himself seeking continued contact, such as holding her hand or placing small kisses on her forehead, even in the presence of others.

"You bought this? For me? When?" she asked as she took in the room. She loved the light blue and cream cushions on the furniture and rugs. It made the dark wood gleam, and the whole room was a study in understated elegance. "Did you buy the house furnished?"

"Yes. The previous owner had just had this built, and then a reversal of fortune mandated that the house be sold. It has not even been lived in. I wanted to find a home for just us. It is still close to your parents and my family without being in each other's pockets. Consider it a belated wedding gift, my dear." He looked at her, gauging her reaction to his buying a house without her input first. He figured she would either be excited and happy or put out and enraged.

Luckily for him, it was more of the former. She looked around with a concentrated frown on her face, which smoothed out into a pleased smile. Looking at the tall man next to her, she said, "After a tour of the entire house, I will know for sure, but I think I will like living here. It is rather large but still has a welcoming presence. Thank you, Severus." She would have reached up and kissed him but didn't to risk embarrassing him or displeasing him. She did smile up at him with happiness shining in her eyes.

Relief poured through him. "I am glad you like it. I will be happy to show you around, all of you." He brushed her knuckles with a light kiss and enjoyed watching her eyes widen slightly in surprise. He tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow again as they wandered through the house.

That evening, Hermione enthusiastically described her new home to her parents, as both the families and Ginny were gathered at the Malfoys'. The next few days were going to be filled with moving and settling in. By the time they finished dinner and settled into the parlor, they had started to discuss redecorating her new home.

"I will have to come see your new home and help you with the decorating first thing tomorrow," Narcissa announced.

"Mother, I haven't even moved into the house yet," Hermione started.

"All the better, darling. That way, you can have everything ready when you spend your first night there. Who wants to live in a house where painters and workmen have been trampling about," Narcissa continued.

Hermione sighed. "Mother, please. I want to decorate my first house myself. Of course, I will be asking for advice from both of you," Hermione quickly added as she saw her mother start to puff up in indignation.

"We understand, Hermione. Why don't you show us around your home tomorrow and tell us what you have planned so far," Minerva cut in.

"I was going to go to the house tomorrow and catalogue what is already there. Then I wanted to jot down some ideas on color schemes and furnishing. I want to research the family history and see if there is anything that I can incorporate into the decorating of the house, to make it homier," Hermione continued. She smiled gratefully at Minerva.

"Research on decorating a house?" Severus asked, his eyebrow furrowed.

"Of course. According to some of the family records, certain members had distinct tastes in colors or hobbies. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a room filled with watercolors painted by your great grandmother?" she asked in excitement.

"I was thinking of dark woods. Dim lighting. Drawn curtains. Very fitting for the study," he teased lightly.

She wrinkled her nose. "How about red furniture and gold tapestries," she retorted in jest.

Harry looked up from the chessboard he was seated at with Lucius. "I wouldn't mind seeing a room in those colors. I sort of like that idea."

Severus shot him a dark look.

"What about deep hunter green velvet and silver accents for a room?" Draco asked from where he was sitting with Ginny. Severus nodded in approval.

Hermione made a sour face. "If that were the case, I may as well decorate the bedroom in yellow and black," she shot back. Severus choked on the sip of brandy he had just taken.

"Why would you do that?" Harry asked innocently.

Both she and Severus chuckled softly. "No reason," she said.

Ginny looked at them in mild confusion. "I don't know if you want to hear what color scheme I like, but I do agree with Harry. Red and gold do sound very dignified."

Hermione choked in her giggle. "I will take it into consideration." She muttered under her breath so that only Severus could hear her, "I may as well decorate a room for each Hogwarts house color and be done with it."

He smiled and stood up. "I think we are going to turn in for the evening. I have an early appointment in the morning, and it sounds like Hermione will be likewise occupied," he said. They bade their good byes and headed home for some private celebrating and thank yous.

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Author's Notes: Sorry for the long delay. Fall is my favorite season, so I am out enjoying it as much as I can. Now that colder weather has set in, I will be hopefully updating more! Tinnidawg, you are the absolute best!!! Promise to get chapter 14 to you before the end of next week.