Chapter 14 - Visitors

Chapter 14: Visitors

After a very busy month, Hermione finally had every item in the house cataloged down to the minute grains of salt. She had separated that list into items to dispose of, to donate to various charities, items to be repaired and items that were needed. It was the 'items needed' category that she was worried about. She just wasn't sure how to broach the subject to her husband.

She smiled as she thought back with pleasure about their first night in their new home.

*****

"Are you sure you want to stay here tonight, Severus?" she asked hesitantly. She had not been able to ensure that the house was clean enough to live in yet. She did not relish the idea of sleeping on sheets that mice had danced on the night before.

"I bought this house so that we could be alone. No Minerva, no Harry, nobody," he said. In fact, he didn't care if they had to sleep on the floor wrapped in dust cloths, he was happy just to be away from all the others.

"At least you have minimal staff already," Hermione said quietly. She hoped at least one bed had been made. She was tired and Severus was determined to stay, so she decided to make the best of it. She peeped into the sitting room as they walked towards the staircase. At least it looks well kept, she thought.

"I am going to bed. Are you coming or were you planning on burying yourself in the library?" Severus asked. He already had his foot upon the first step. He arched his eyebrow as he waited for his wife to answer.

"I am coming," she sighed. She took his hand, and together they walked slowly up the steps. She was glad they had become comfortable enough around each other and didn't need to fill the quiet moments. As she had gotten older, she learned that it was sometimes the quiet times that meant more.

Severus smiled to himself as they approached the bedroom. He couldn't wait to get his wife into bed. All of these lovely rooms to take her in, he thought wickedly.

Her surprised gasp made him chuckle softly. He stood behind her and looked into the room and smiled. The large four-poster canopy bed was hung with rich midnight blue velvet and tied back with silver satin cords. The dark wood gleamed from a recent polishing, and a warm fire was blazing in the fireplace. He stepped around her and, still holding her hand in his, slowly drew her deeper into the room.

Hermione was stunned by the warmth and beauty of the master bedroom. She loved the dark blue, silver and creamy white colors of the room. Still taking in the details of the room, she barely felt Severus start to draw the sleeves of her dress off of her shoulders. She shivered when his lips lightly brushed the hollow where her neck joined her shoulder. She slowly turned and threaded one hand in his dark hair and the other caressed his back.

"Mmmm, you know how much I love that," she murmured as he kissed his way around her delicate neck. She shivered when she felt his chest vibrate as he softly groaned.

Severus wanted nothing more than to ravish his wife, but the soft mewls and sighs encouraged him to go slowly and take his time. Her sharp intake of breath as the cool air hit her body caused him to drop to his knees. He had managed to loosen the laces of her dress, and it pooled at her feet. He nuzzled the soft skin of her stomach, and with his hands he traced her familiar curves.

Hermione felt her own knees weaken when his hands covered her breasts. His long fingers massaged the soft flesh as his sensitive fingers sought her swollen nipples. The soft pull on her highly sensitized nipples was creating a burning ache between her legs.

"Sit back on the bed," Severus gently commanded.

She hadn't realized she had backed up against the bed until he had spoken. She carefully sat down on the edge of the bed, and allowed him to gently push her back so that she was lying with her legs over the edge of the bed. Even though she knew what he was going to do, she still couldn't stop the involuntary arching of her back and hissed in appreciation when he leaned forward and delicately tasted her.

Hearing her beg for more and her rapid gasps urged Severus onward. He inserted the tip of his tongue into his wife's body. The gentle clenching of her muscles almost sent him over the edge. He withdrew, and before she could complain, he gently sucked on her clitoris and at the same time, inserted two fingers and started gently thrusting them into her.

"Oh, gods! Severus! Please!" she panted. Her hips were bucking gently, and she wanted nothing more than to feel him driving into her. She was desperate to feel his body fully upon her.

Severus stood up, and with a deft movement he divested himself of his trousers and leaned over Hermione. He rubbed himself against her opening to lubricate his swollen shaft, and as he felt her hips rise to meet him, he pushed into her until he was buried as far as he could go. As her legs wrapped around his waist, he drew back and quickly lunged forward again.

Hermione had waited long enough; she was more than willing to accept all he had to give. She strained with him and met him, stroke for stroke. Sweat had broken out on her body as she felt the tension become more than she could bear.

As Severus pulled back, he reached between them, and Hermione felt her body explode. Her vision blacked out for a quick moment. She felt Severus reach his own climax, his body tight and eyes closed with pleasure. He gently thrust to draw out their combined pleasure, whispering how wonderful she made him feel, and then wearily lay down next to her. She reached over and brushed his hair from his face. She loved the peaceful expression he always had after they made love. He cracked an eye open and pulled her to him. She snuggled in and soon, the two drifted off to sleep.

*****

Hermione smiled fondly as she recalled that night. Sighing, she looked at her lists once again. At the sound of muted voices in the entry, she tucked the lists into her pocket and fixed a welcoming smile on her face. Peeves entered the room to announce her first caller, "Lord and Lady Weasley, Mr. Ron Weasley, and Miss Ginny Weasley."

Hermione nodded and rose as the Weasley family walked past Peeves. "Arthur, Molly, how nice to see you again. Please, make yourselves comfortable," she said as she gave everyone a warm hug in greeting.

"Hermione, I have heard many wonderful things about your new house. I heard you have a fascinating collection of snuffboxes," Arthur said.

Hermione laughed fondly. His enthusiasm for something as mundane as snuffboxes reminded her of the other Arthur Weasley, the one who loved all things Muggle. "I have scattered many family heirlooms throughout the house. It was actually the passion of Severus' grandmother. If you and Ron would like to wait until Severus joins us, I am sure he would enjoy showing them to you."

"Of course, that would be fine," Arthur answered. Turning toward his son, he continued, "Ron, perhaps you and I could enjoy a quick game of chess while we wait. That way the ladies would be free to talk about fashion or shoes, or whatever it is they find so fascinating."

"Really, it wouldn't do either of you any harm to visit like the rest of us civilized people," Molly said in her no nonsense tone of voice. "Hermione, you look wonderful. I am glad that marriage seems to be suiting you."

"Thank you. Would you like some tea?" Hermione said, gesturing to the waiting tea pot. She poured cups of tea for Arthur and Molly as everyone seated themselves.

"I must say, this house is definitely more welcoming than Lady Sibyll's," Molly stated.

"Oh? I wasn't aware you had visited with her. How is she?" Hermione asked in surprise.

"She had a small house warming reception last week. It was supposed to be close friends and family, but I just don't see how seventy-five people could be considered close," Molly mused.

Hermione had never heard of the party and wondered briefly why they had not been invited. However, not being particularly fond of the Fudges, she decided that she didn't really care and shrugged aside the slight feeling of disappointment.

"She told us that she didn't want people to think you were competing with her and that she was sure that your home would be perfectly adequate for entertaining when you felt up to the challenge," Ginny chimed in.

Hermione felt her temper start to rise. She quickly started counting to ten, until she heard Ginny continue, "Of course, she also made no secret that she is expecting. She wore the most beautiful, peacock blue, satin gown I have ever seen. The waist was high, but of course she had to wear the dress tightly enough that it was practically scandalous."

"What?" Hermione asked in shock.

"Yes, dear. You heard correctly, Sibyll is expecting. It is positively indecent considering that she has been married for only a couple of months," Molly fumed. She firmly believed that expecting women should be more circumspect in their activities during that time.

"I am happy for them. It seems she is becoming a very respectable figure in society," Hermione said softly. She looked up in surprise when Peeves entered the room again.

"Lord Lucius and Lady Narcissa and Lord Draco," he announced.

Hermione barely heard everyone greet each other. She was too wrapped up in her shock and surprise. She knew that Sibyll felt some sort of competition with her, but she wasn't quite sure why.

"Hermione, are you feeling all right?" Narcissa asked her daughter. She really didn't remember a time when Hermione seemed so absent-minded. She hoped she was not coming down with anything, the Season was proving to be rather entertaining this year.

"Yes, Mother. I am fine," she said. She shook her head lightly and filed her concerns away for later.

"It is good to see you have a full parlor, considering this is the first week you have entertained in your new house," Lucius said warmly. "Arthur, is this your first visit?"

"Yes, although Molly and Ginny have been here a couple of times already," Arthur said as he and Lucius shook hands.

Pretty soon, the men were gathered around the chessboard discussing hunting and gossip from their clubs. The ladies remained seated around the tea pot, discussing more weighty issues.

"Mother, did you get invited to Lady Sibyll's house party also?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, darling, I did. I must agree with Molly in that it was a total disgrace. Your father and I left early. That place looked cheap and garish. Whoever would pair mauve and crimson in the same room?" Narcissa shuddered delicately in distaste. Hermione softly snorted as she remembered the colors her mother had chosen for her riding habits.

"Hermione, why didn't you and Severus attend the reception?" Ginny asked curiously.

Hermione had opened her mouth to answer, then, closed it in embarrassment. She didn't want to admit that she had never received an invitation from Lady Sibyll. How utterly annoying to be the only one not invited, she thought. How even more disgusting to find that I actually care about that.

"I am afraid that I am at fault for that," she heard a deep voice answer behind her. Turning, she saw Severus standing behind her chair. She smiled warmly at the brief kiss he placed at her temple in greeting.

"I had forgotten to mention it to her. Thankfully I had not penned a response; hence, they were not expecting us. We had gotten involved in a discussion in the library right after I had received the invitation," he said.

Hermione blushed as she recalled exactly what they had been discussing and where that discussion had ended. The amused looks she was receiving from the other ladies made her decide that she did not mind missing the party after all. "Severus, I had told Arthur that you would show him around. He was interested in examining your collection of snuffboxes. I'll arrange for a light luncheon outside when you are done," Hermione said.

Severus nodded and went to join the men gathered around the chess table. He was glad that Hermione had settled into the role of wife so smoothly and quickly. He smirked when he thought about how well the physical aspects of their marriage were going. Mentally patting himself on the back, he felt confident that if things continued as to go as well in the marriage bed, it wouldn't be long before she fell in love with him. He even admitted to himself that he was extremely fond of her by now.

"Severus, I just want to tell you how much I admire your choice in a new home," Arthur's greeting jarred him out of his private musings.

"Thank you. Hermione said you were interested in seeing some of the antiques, especially my grandmother's collection of snuffboxes, around the house," Severus said.

"Yes, yes, of course. No hurry, old chap," Arthur said warmly.

"Ron and Arthur are just finishing their chess game. Sit and relax a bit," Lucius added from where he was observing the game in progress.

Severus could see that Arthur would win within the next couple of moves, so he remained standing.

"Have you been to any of the clubs lately, Severus?" Draco asked, slightly hesitant.

"No, I have been particularly tied up in various sessions at Parliament. Between that and meetings with my accountants, I haven't even had time to attend many of the social functions with Hermione," he said.

"Really? Then I suppose you have not heard the latest gossip circulating about you," Lucius said softly.

"I doubt it can be anything interesting, bearing in mind I have just returned from my honeymoon and am now setting up house," Severus returned dryly.

"Don't be too sure of that Severus," Arthur commented. "Your social position and the recent addition of a lovely, young wife make for plenty of speculation."

"You bunch are starting to sound like the women," Severus mocked.

"Actually, Severus, you might want to pay heed to this latest. We don't even know where it originated," Lucius lightly warned.

"Well, speak. It appears all of you want me to know," Severus snapped.

The ensemble of men looked nervously at each other for a moment before Ron broke the silence. "You aren't still dallying with Lady Sibyll, are you?"

Severus just glared at the young man.

"Well," he said, clearing his throat, "it appears that Fudge has been letting it be known throughout the ton just how 'fertile' he is with his new wife."

Severus continued scowling at Ron. "I fail to see why I should be concerned."

"She was once your mistress. How long has it been since you called it off with her?" asked Draco.

"Definitely longer than two months, I can assure you," Severus said. He was getting frustrated that his own friends were questioning his fidelity to his wife.

"Hmmm, the boys have a point, Severus," Lucius spoke from his chair. "She must be closer to three months. If I recall, the Fudge line isn't as 'fertile' as he claims. I doubt he would announce his good fortune at the club unless he was positive."

"I broke things off with her before I got married. I had not been sleeping with that woman for longer than that," came the biting reply.

"Well, that is good to hear. I would hate to see Hermione hurt," Arthur said. "Come, Severus, show me the rest of this house."

Severus nodded his head and the subject was closed. He ushered his guests out into the entry hall and began the impromptu tour.

An hour later, everyone was gathered around the table in the garden. Hermione had shown Molly and Ginny around, and all agreed that the house was comfortable, yet tastefully elegant.

"Hermione, your father and I have to make our good-byes for now. We promised to have tea with the Longbottoms," Narcissa said as she kissed her daughter.

"Of course. Please, come see me anytime you wish," Hermione answered as she walked with her parents to the entry hall.

"Draco, are you joining us?" Lucius asked his son.

"I believe that I will go riding in the Park with Ron and Ginny," Draco said as he and Ginny joined the others.

Narcissa blinked once and smiled. "Very well. We will see you at home then."

Arthur and Molly also made their excuses, and soon, the house was quiet. Severus turned towards his wife and was just about to suggest going for a ride themselves, when another couple came to pay their respects.

"Severus! Hermione! So glad to catch you at home," Cornelius said as he came through the door. He handed his hat to Peeves as his wife entered ahead of him.

"Lord Cornelius, Lady Sibyll, welcome. Why don't we go into the parlor?" Hermione said in greeting. She had been hoping to spend some time together with her husband, but polite society dictated that she continue to receive visitors for a while longer yet.

"I just insisted that we come see your lovely new home. I have heard so much about it!" Sibyll gushed. She looked around the room, her sharp gaze missing nothing.

"Thank you. It has been fun decorating," Hermione said quietly.

"Yes, I am still adding the finishing touches to my own home. I, myself, prefer the lighter woods. They don't make the rooms seem as oppressive and musty feeling," Sibyll continued.

Hermione bit the side of her mouth lightly. "Severus prefers the darker wood, and Lady Minerva agreed that it makes a room warmer and isn't as garish as the lighter woods," she simply said.

Sibyll just nodded, her eyes narrowed a fraction. "Of course, Severus always had good taste," she purred.

"Come, my dear. I must agree that I too have said many a time how much I enjoy the solid, traditional look," Cornelius said jovially.

"Of course you have, darling," Sibyll said to her husband.

As nobody was in the mood for tea, they wandered out to the garden. The spring weather was warm and inviting. Of course, Lady Sibyll had to make some comment about the state of Hermione's flowerbeds.

"What exactly are you going to have out here, my dear?" she simpered.

"I have instructed the gardeners to plant some flowering shrubs by the walkways and put something bright and cheerful in all of the beds. A nice mix of roses, tulips, peonies, and so forth," Hermione said happily.

"You are leaving that to the gardeners to decide?" Sibyll asked with a slight trace of horror in her voice. "Do you really think that wise? What happens if they put something ghastly in there that you don't like or are allergic to?"

"Why would they do that?" Hermione asked, perplexed. "We are having a couple of gardeners from the estate come in to supervise the planting. I have complete confidence in them and respect whatever choices they make."

"If you think that is best," Sibyll said. The tone of her voice left no doubt that she considered that idea foreign and laughable.

Severus took his wife's hand and laid it on his arm. He could see that she had clenched them into fists and did not want her to say something she would regret. He did not agree with Lady Sibyll any more than she, and wanted to offer her some show of support, even if it was silent. He was rewarded with a small smile of appreciation from Hermione. "My wife knows my tastes, and I trust her implicitly," Severus said in a firm voice as he led the small group back towards the parlor. Where did that come from? he asked himself. Then he gave a small mental shrug as he discovered that he actually did trust Hermione's judgment.

"Would you like a brandy, Cornelius? Maybe the ladies would care for a glass of sherry?" Severus asked.

"Thank you, that would be fine," Cornelius said, only to be interrupted by Sibyll's excited voice.

"Do you have any champagne? Since you are now close family, I just can't wait to share the good news," she trilled.

Hermione and Severus looked at each other and then pasted polite smiles of expectation on their faces. A quick look at Lord Cornelius showed him grinning from ear to ear. Severus nodded and called Peeves to bring in a bottle. Once everyone had a glass in hand, Lady Sibyll announced, "It appears that Lord Cornelius and I are going to become parents! My predicted date is around the holidays!" She raised her glass in triumph but didn't drink.

"Congratulations, Sibyll! Cornelius, you must be most pleased," Severus said.

"Yes, we are quite excited. Did you realize, Severus, my boy, that if you decide not to have children, and if Harry is not blessed with any, my son will be your successor?" Cornelius said, slapping Severus on the back.

Hermione choked on her small sip of champagne. She covered it by pretending to sneeze. She had seen the wince of pain on her husband's face at that announcement. She set her unfinished glass down on the table.

"Oh my! I do hope you are not catching a cold, my dear?!" Sibyll simpered to Hermione. "I believe we will have to make our good-byes, as I don't think I should be exposed to any illnesses," she said. Sibyll sailed towards the front door with her husband following in her wake.

"Of course not. I do hope you will come and visit again," Hermione said as the Fudge coach pulled out of the driveway. Under her breath, she muttered, "Hopefully not too soon." She just smiled politely as Severus gave her a long look in question.

"I think I have had enough calls today, Severus. Please, take me for a ride in the carriage?" Hermione softly implored.

Severus looked at his wife and could see she looked a little tired. Not that he blamed her, even he was a little dazed at the whirlwind visit of his ex-mistress and his cousin.

"I'll have the driver hitch up the team and meet you down here in a few minutes," he said. He could tell something was bothering her, but he didn't know exactly what, and he didn't want to make a blunder and presume to guess. He had learned that one did not give Hermione any ammunition to bring up in present or future arguments. His wife had a mind like Devil's Snare.

"Much better," Hermione sighed in contentment as they rolled through the park. The fresh air and warm sun on her skin made her feel drowsy and relaxed.

Severus agreed as he sat beside his wife. She was snuggled next to him with the most peaceful expression he had seen on her face in a while. "I have to agree. It is pleasant to be able to forget one's problems for a bit."

"Speaking of which," she started, "I have been thinking about our situation some more. Stop it," she said when she heard his soft groan. "I have thus discovered a couple of things."

"And I am sure that you are going to enlighten me whether I want to hear them or not," he said dryly.

"Of course. But, I am sure you have reached many of the same conclusions," she said. "First, I have noticed that no matter how hard I concentrate, I can not do any magic." At Severus' nod, she continued, "Second, I have noticed that you and I are growing more comfortable and affectionate towards each other. Whether this is because of the story's course or because we are actually starting to 'like' each other, I am not sure."

Severus scowled and muttered softly to himself. Hermione giggled and continued, "Third, at the rate of our growing 'affection' for each other, we should be in love by the holidays." Here she stopped as her husband had issued a rather indelicate snort.

"Hermione, I don't think you can predict the exact moment a person falls in love," he said.

"Of course not," she said practically. "However, it does give us a general idea of when this adventure might be coming to a close."

"Aren't you forgetting the other stipulation?" he asked quietly.

"No. Not at all. That is the fourth reason I predict around the holidays," she declared rather quickly.

Severus looked at her sharply. "Don't you go around thinking that too! It is bad enough that everyone else is wondering who the father is!" he raged.

Hermione looked blankly at him. "What are you talking about?"

"That harridan, Lady Sibyll. I promise you that there is no way that her child could be mine. It has got to be her husband's or some other unfortunate wretch's," he fumed.

Hermione smiled and shook her head. "Severus, I am aware of that. You told me a while ago that you were no longer seeing her. I believe you. I am talking about your child. The one that I predict will be born around the holidays also."

"Well, that is better," he huffed. He was slightly placated that she, at least, believed him.

The rest of the ride home was rather silent as the two were wrapped in their private thoughts. It wasn't until the carriage had pulled up to the door that Hermione heard a choked gasp. Turning, she looked back at the carriage to see Severus hanging onto the carriage door for dear life.

"Severus, what is the matter?" she asked, afraid he was going to be sick.

"Did I hear you correctly?" he asked.

She smiled. "Yes, you did. I said that I believed you. That wasn't too hard, was it?"

"No! Silly girl! About a baby at the holidays?"

This time she started grinning. "Yes, you heard me correctly. I was wondering how long it would take to sink in," she said, laughing at the stunned expression on his face.

"Ungrateful baggage," he said as he scooped his wife into his arms and carried her up the stairs. The coachman laughed as the door closed, sure that he had never seen his lordship this happy.

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Author's Notes: A million thanks to the readers! This one took a bit longer than I imagined. I also want to introduce White Dragon. She has joined Tinnidawg as my second beta! A million thanks to Tinnidawg and White Dragon, without them, it would take even longer for me to update!