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The Choices We Make Chapter 12: Choices: Chapters 125 to 136
Chapters Menu
The Choices We Make

1: Choices: Chapters 1 to 20

2: Choices: Chapters 21 to 40

3: Choices: Chapters 41 to 46

4: Choices: Chapters 47 to 54

5: Choices: Chapters 55 to 61

6: Choices: Chapters 62 to 69

7: Choices: Chapters 70 to 78

8: Choices: Chapters 79 to 86

9: Choices: Chapters 87 to 100

10: Choices: Chapters 101 to 110

11: Choices: Chapters 111 to 124

12: Choices: Chapters 125 to 136

Choices: Chapters 125 to 136

The Choices We Make

Chapter 12 of 12

Pearle

He was a fool to hold Hermione to her original promise. It was time to rectify that mistake. But it seemed fate, and Hermione had other plans. Can Severus learn to live with the choices he’s made, even at the cost of his own happiness?

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Summary: He was a fool to hold Hermione to her original promise. It was time to rectify that mistake. But it seemed fate, and Hermione had other plans. Can Severus learn to live with the choices he's made, even at the cost of his own happiness?

A/N: The story is written in drabble form, one hundred words per chapter. The brevity of the chapters forces the emotions to stand out sharply against the action. The first forty chapters were posted in the drabble collections – Round Nine through Fourteen. Since so many have asked me to post these as their own story, I've decided to compile them here.

Disclaimer: The characters, settings, etc., of the Harry Potter series are not mine; they belong to J.K. Rowling and Co. I promise to return them when I am through. Well, most of them anyway.

The Choices We Make

Chapter 125: Cat And Mouse

As the week wore on, Severus continued to play the part of perfect gentleman, escorting Hermione to meals, going with her for her check-up, bringing her fresh potions. He was careful to maintain their distance, despite Hermione's repeated attempts to seduce him.

That's not to say he didn't try and tempt the witch.

His hand at her back when walking slid lower than necessary; his voice, deliberately dropped to a silky tone to entice her when whispering in her ear at a meal; 'accidentally' brushing the side of her breast when taking her books.

It was driving them both crazy.


Chapter 126: Hindsight Is 1000% Accurate

Saturday--May 27th, should have been circled in red on his calendar, heralded for the change it brought, or perhaps avoided entirely if hindsight were employed.

It started as any other Hogsmeade weekend he'd chaperoned: irritating and annoying. The only good thing he could say about it was it kept him away from temptation for the day, away from Hermione.

Libidos had been rising steadily all week, the original reason for their separation lost in a sea of lustful hormones. Severus could barely remember why he was keeping Hermione at arm's length anymore, the desire to take her becoming overwhelming.


Chapter 127: Timing Is Everything

She was entering her second trimester. According to Poppy, she should tire less, her magic should be more accessible as the baby started to develop some of its own. Less aches and pains, too. Tell that to her back, she thought, rubbing the base of her spine. She wondered if Severus had something for her backache.

A glance at the clock showed he should have returned from Hogsmeade sometime within the last hour. He was never in a good mood when forced to chaperone; heading for Severus' office, she could only hope he'd been back long enough to calm down.


Chapter 128: Let "Sleeping" Dogs Lie

"Enter!"

Hermione sighed; this was one case where his bark might not be worse than his bite. She suppressed a giggle as she opened his office door.

"Severus, I'm sorry to bother you, but my back is killing me. Do you have something I can take for it?"

His eyes softened at the sight of Hermione. "Did you lift something you shouldn't have?"

"Possibly, but it's been bothering me for weeks. I can go see Poppy if you're busy." Her eyes trailed from his eyes to his lips and back; thoughts of her erotic dreams raised the color in cheeks.


Chapter 129: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

"No, it's fine. I still have the balm I used when I pulled a muscle in my back. It's much more effective than anything Poppy has." A quick spell revealed a hidden doorway. He moved quickly, Hermione's presence unsettling him. "If you'll wait a moment, I'll get it for you."

Stay or follow?

Hermione debated a moment before following him through the doorway. She'd been alone in their old quarters with Severus before, and nothing had happened. Of course at the time her mind hadn't been occupied with thoughts of ripping his clothes off and shagging him senseless.

Damn hormones!


Chapter 130: Can You Say Duplicity?

She wasn't following him.

She told herself she needed an Advanced Charms text she'd left on the nightstand. Her traitorous mind reminded her she'd packed her books first, all of her books, before she'd even thought to pack her personal belongs when she'd left.

"Hermione!" Intent on reading the jar, Severus barely avoided colliding with the witch. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you. I thought you were going to wait in my office?"

"Yes, well, I...thought I left a book I needed on the nightstand, but it's...not there." Hermione looked around nervously. "So, I just rub that on my back?"


Chapter 131: The Right Place At The Wrong Time, Or Is It The Wrong Place At The Right Time?

"Rub it in thoroughly on the affected area; you should feel relief almost immediately." Severus saw Hermione grimace. "What?"

"It's hard for me to reach my back. Would you mind putting it on me?"

Warning bells were clanging in his mind; his carefully constructed plan was about to crumble. He should've said no; he should've handed her the jar and sent her on her way. He should've done a lot of things. Instead he watched as Hermione slipped her robes off and lay face down on the bed, her shirt riding up to expose a broad expanse of golden skin.


Chapter 132: Is That A Wand In Your Pocket Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?

"Hermione..." Severus swallowed thickly, watching the witch wriggle higher up on the bed.

"Severus, please, just put the balm on. I'll be out of your hair in no time."

Not trusting his voice, he nodded mutely. The spelled balm warmed instantly in his hand. Gently, he rubbed a small circle into the small of Hermione's back.

Her moan of appreciation was his undoing.

Kneading her shoulders before moving lower, his fingers stroked the sides of her breasts. He gave up all pretense of propriety, rolling her over to suck wetly at a hardened nipple through the fabric of her blouse.


Chapter 133: When Two Become One

Hermione lost herself in his touch, the feel of his hands on her body, the jolt of pure lust coursing through her veins.

A whispered spell and their clothes disappeared.

Severus settled between her legs, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss as he buried himself in her heat. He thrust slowly, setting an easy pace, but Hermione would have none of it.

"The baby..."

"...Is fine. Please, I need more." Pulling him forward, she urged him on, her hips rising to meet his every thrust.

He felt her muscles tighten as she shattered around him, her climax triggering his.


Chapter 134: Reflections

Severus moved to the side, mindful of his pregnant wife. He smiled as she nestled against him, her eyes drifting closed even as she kissed his cheek. He managed to snag the coverlet, pulling it over both of them before settling back to watch Hermione sleep.

Poppy had assured him everything was fine. Pregnant women got tired, their bodies adjusting for the new life growing inside them.

At last she was home where he could take care of her. He was pleased to know it was over. Hermione was back in his arms, back in their bed where she belonged.


Chapter 135: Don't Count Your Blast-Ended Skrewts Until They're Hatched

Her stomach growled, waking them both.

Sometime during his musings, Severus had fallen asleep. "Feeling better?" he asked with a smile.

"Most definitely. I think we both needed that. What time is it?" Her stomach gave another loud rumble. "I think we missed dinner."

"It's after seven. Why don't I have the house-elves send up dinner before they move your things back in?"

"Move my things back in?" Hermione looked at him in confusion. "Why would they do that?"

"Because you're home." His tone said he'd had enough of this game.

"Severus, I'm not ready to move back in yet."


Chapter 136: Conjecture or When You Assume, You Make An Ass Out of You and Me

"But we just made love!"

"Yes, and it was amazing. I can't tell you how randy I get these days."

"You used me," he snarled.

"You seemed to be having a pretty good time of it yourself."

"What was this all about if you weren't coming home?"

"It was about two people coming together. I won't let you pressure me into making a decision."

Sitting up, Severus stared at his still estranged wife. "Enough is enough, Hermione, I can only apologize so many times. I've tried to prove I've changed. Either you forgive me and come back or..."

"Or what?"


To Be Continued

A/N: I know-evil cliffhanger by the evil author. Sorry about that, but this was the most natural place to end the chapter. More soon!

A grateful thank you to my beta, the wonderful Southern_Witch_69, who has a never ending supply of commas and kind words for me. The mistakes, however, are still mine.

Hmm, after a quick reread (before posting) I realize those following this story will most likely want to take Hermione out and string her up, possibly me, too (especially if SW69's comments in the margins were any indication). Think about the fact that Severus threw her out in the beginning and that her emotions have been running through a roller coaster ride ever since then.

Pearle

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Latest 25 Reviews for The Choices We Make

68 Reviews  |  6.62/10 Average

10/10

glenda

hello:  Greetings from e-nuff, (Not unfinished fanfics) we are here to remind you that this is the month of  Finish your fanfic, please give us a relly happy update to this wonderful story, so we can say our mision has been acomplished!!!!!!bye!!!!!

10/10

Lyndie578

i love this story! it's wonderful to watch him work to win her back.

10/10

miz

;_< How could you Pearle.... this was such a cliff hanger... aww... I hope it's all right in the next series of drabbles.      

10/10

danistormborn

Despite being in a frenzy for more chapters, I have to say that the "Or what?" ending was perfect. Damn.

0/10

MollysSister

Poor Severus! All he wants is his wife to come back home. He has been on his best behavior for chapter after chapter and what does Hermione do? She rejects him yet again! I feel so sorry for him. I don’t think he will tolerate only a physical relationship. Have pity on the poor man Pearle!!

10/10

Myst

Yeah, an another update!  Booooo, evil leaving it like that.  Oooohhhh, Severus, watch what comes out of your mouth!!!!  What an emotional ride, great job.

10/10

blue artemis

Actually I thought it was funny.  Severus really has no idea what to do, does he? 

0/10

droxy

Evil.....and good to see these archived.

10/10

sandstar08

as much as i would love to have him break down just now and hermione comfort him and then they live happily ever after, i doubt that's what you have planned.oh well. your way is probably more interesting. ;)can't wait for the next part. hope you're feeling better.~

0/10

Alison

Oh Pearle, I've been following this story since you first posted!  Please do another soon; just like canon, I both want and don't want it to end!  (And of course, I want them both to end up happily-ever-after-together ... )

10/10

ayerf

If she wasn't pregnant, I would be tempted to have her strung up. Puh-lease don't let Severus put that threat into motion.Very enthralling stuff!

0/10

orlando switch

O dear, he still doesn't get it, does he?

10/10

septentrion

You call this a natural place to end the chapter? Only if you update soon!

0/10

sinbad

Well, I'm not big on drabbles, but I enjoyed what I read.  I just never really satisfied with drabbles because just as you sink your teeth into them, they're over. However, I bookmarking you for the evil cliffie.........cheers!                                                                                                            

Response from Pearle (Author of The Choices We Make)

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10/10

FFire

I'm completely loving this. As much as I'd love for you to finish this NOW, I know what it's like to be sick and in and out of the hospital. Take it as it comes and please be well.

0/10

KiraAlexia

Another nice updte. I'm happy you are feeling better.

0/10

DarkLove

I love this story... and whats this about an update on Dances? I'm dying to know what happens in both stories.

0/10

Gardengirl

Great update, but mostly I'm glad you're well enough to write some more!

Huge hugs,

Response from Pearle (Author of The Choices We Make)

0/10

mugglemomof3

Pearle,So glad to hear hubby is on the mend. I was so excited to see an update from you. I assumed that meant that things were getting better. I hope you are feeling well, and of course I am looking forward to lots more updates of this and Dances.

0/10

Becky

Oh Pearle, such WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL news..I'm so happy for you all..I will keep you on my prayer list!  You take care...I loved these, Poor Severus!!  WILL she come back to him??  He is so stubborn, but he loves her!!!Thank you fo this update!

10/10

miz

I love to read more soon... scuh talent. Love the chapter titles, they're so witty. I think I introduced a friend of mine to your wonderful fanfiction..

0/10

Gardengirl

Yea, Pearle! Thanks for a delightful update. Don't overtax yourself - be well! I'm glad you have felt up to this, though... always a great read. Cheers, Michelle

10/10

Amethystique

A really enjoyable work of literature.  Wonderful intricate plot, emotive dialogue and all round jolly good read!  Glad you're feeling better, maybe Severus will make you one of those vitamin potions?Look forward to more of this and more Dances With Witches!

10/10

Lyndie578

I wish you good thoughts for your recovery.  I hope your feeling 100% better soon!  And Thank You for the update!  This really is a lovely relationship story and I get all tingly inside when I see you've updated.  Good on Severus for his honesty--I think Hermione needed to hear that!  Great job!

0/10

savvyjune

it just makes me cry...i keep thinking dam girl i'm going to smack you silly...sure he made a mistake..but get the stick out of your ass and come half way...i love this series...hopefully the angst will end soon...take care...keep up the good work...

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