Unanimity!

Disclaimer: Not my characters (sigh), but I would love to own them.

A big thanks to my beta, Charmed Nay!

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"You bastard!" Hermione yelled as she stepped out of the grate, dusting soot from her clothing. "You have no right to do this!" She pushed him away as he tried to steer her to a chair.

Severus knew that her parents were in the room still, so he decided to play things smoothly. "Hermione, stop. You're going to hurt yourself or our child."

"It's not like you care, you ruddy git," she said angrily. "Why did you have to tell my parents?"

"Because it was a honorable thing to do," John Granger said firmly. "Control yourself."

Hermione's eyes widened before she turned to face her parents. Severus watched as tears welled up in her eyes, and her lips trembled. "Daddy, it's not what you think."

"Have a seat, dear," Jane Granger said, pulling her daughter towards the davenport. Once they were seated, she said, "Hermione, why would you secretly try to marry Harry when it's this man that you want? He wants to marry you. He came to ask your father for his permission and support."

Hermione put her head in her hands and laughed bitterly. "Mum, he doesn't want to marry me. He doesn't even respect me. I didn't want to be a single mother, and Harry wanted to help."

"That's not fair to Harry," her mother said softly. "Even though he is being noble and wants to do this, you can't believe it's what he truly would've chosen for himself." Jane looked to Severus. "He has admitted that he's not in love with you now, but all he asks for is time."

Expression incredulous, Hermione looked to Severus. "Did you tell my mum this rubbish? I'll bet you forgot to mention that you called me a Mudblood!"

"I never called you that," he said, sounding scandalized.

"You put down Muggles."

"I said that a witch that grew up in the Wizarding world all of her life would know better than to trust something made by Muggles," he said hotly. He turned to her father. "We have no risks in failure where our Pregnancy Potions are concerned. Her Muggle pill has only a 99% efficiency. I meant no disrespect."

"Bloody hell, Severus! You are changing things around! You said that I was only good for one thing, and that was..." She looked away, not wanting to say the words in front of her parents.

"You said that, Hermione. You were putting words into my mouth," he replied evenly. "I'll admit that I was shocked and angry at the time, but most of what has happened since is because you haven't thought clearly. All I asked was for a little time after I calmed down."

"You said that you would not marry me. That it wasn't an option," Hermione said, glaring at him hatefully. She looked at her parents. "Really. He's just trying to make me look bad."

Severus sighed in a show of regret. "I was not thinking clearly. I've already told your parents that we exchanged harsh words. I simply wanted some time to think. The next thing I know, you have decided to marry Potter."

"Hermione," John said gently, "why would you just decided to marry Harry when you obviously care for this man?"

"Dad, he and I have only been seeing each other for a few months. I've always wanted to marry him, but I didn't want it to be like this. I'll not have him resenting me or our child because of some ruddy Muggle contraceptive!" A lone tear streaked down her cheek. "I wanted him to love me, love our child. Trust me. That will never happen. I can see what a pillock I've been for ever thinking that I could change the way he felt about me."

Her mother smiled softly. "He's asking for that chance now, Hermione. He's the true father of your child. If he wants a chance to be in your lives, how could you deny him?"

"Because I won't marry someone that doesn't love me," she said determinedly.

"And, does Harry love you?"

"Well, yes, in a way-"

"And," Severus interrupted, "in a way, so do I."

Hermione's mouth gaped open for a moment before she sneered hatefully. "Oh, that's rich. You're laying it on real thick, aren't you? What the fuck are you playing at, Snape?"

"Hermione!" her mother admonished.

"That's enough," her father roared. "Maybe we should have told you a little more about our life, Hermione. Your mother and I met at university just as we told you. We shared a flat and split the bills. We were friends only. It was easier to have a mate that was also interested in becoming a dentist. We studied together, worked together, lived together, and one night we had drinks together. It was the first time that either of us had done anything like that. We didn't want a relationship, but we decided there was nothing wrong with sharing a bed."

Hermione's cheeks reddened. "Dad..." She couldn't believe what he was saying.

"What he means, Hermione, is that we weren't in love. We decided to seal our dreams of having our own, strong dental practice by marrying each other. It was easier in all things. Marriage came first, but love came later. Relationships aren't always what we read in our books, honey. By the time we found out that you were on the way, we'd fallen in love, and the news couldn't have been more welcome."

Severus watched as disbelief played over Hermione's expression. This was working out better than he'd expected! He hadn't known that her parents married without love. Obviously they'd continued to share a bed and still work together as if the contract binding them meant nothing. Maybe being bound to someone wasn't all that bad when the rules were mentioned up front and abided by. He'd imagined being married meant being trapped. He'd not looked at it from its obvious vantage point. Having a wife meant having a willing witch in bed most nights. It also meant someone would be around to talk to if boredom took over. Being with Hermione over the last few months hadn't been bad. He'd quite enjoyed their discussions, their quiet time where each read their own book, and naturally, their sex. Yes, he could live with that. What of the child? He shuddered slightly, pushing the thoughts of a screaming, swaddled infant away. Instead, he focused on Hermione.

"I must say that I am shocked. I've always thought you'd met in school and fallen in love." She wiped away one other tear that had found its way out. "No matter. I will not marry, Severus. I don't know what he's done to gain your support, but if you would only know the kind of man that he is, you wouldn't give it to him."

"Yet you love him?" her mother inquired.

"Yes, but I'm-"

"You love him, but he's a horrible man?" she goaded. "Tell us, Hermione. What is it?"

"He'll never love me. He doesn't care about me."

"Yes, I do," Severus said, boring his eyes into hers. He hoped they would take it to mean that he loved her. He cared, yes, but love? No. He wanted to marry her though. He had to be sure that no other man had her or acted as father to his offspring. He could humble himself just this once. It was only the three of them present. "I'm not in love with you as of now, but you know my feelings."

"You see," her mum said. "Just give him time, honey."

"Now, hold on, Jane," John said, eyeing Hermione. "Maybe she doesn't want to marry anyone." He eyed his daughter. "Do you want to stay single? We can help you. While we are disappointed that you kept this from us and would have married Harry to hide the truth, we are still your parents. We will love and protect you at any cost."

"Thanks," Hermione said, smiling slightly. "I will not marry Harry...for now. Maybe I do need time to think things through."

"Might I make a suggestion?" Severus asked, raising an eyebrow. This was the opening that he'd been waiting for. "Stay the summer holiday with me as we'd planned. Help me with my research, live with me as a...wife. It's the only way that you will honestly believe that we can live together amicably. Give me this chance." He had to hold back a smirk as an uncertain look passed over her face. It was quickly replaced by one of hope, and then it moved into one of mistrust.

"It makes sense, Hermione," her mother urged. "You love him enough to have desired a life with him. I think you should try this."

"No, I will not be forced into this," she said firmly.

"Forced?" Severus asked suddenly, full of emotion. "Our entire relationship has been engineered by your free will. Your scheming with Rolanda and Potter brought us together. Now, you dare to act as the forced party? Let's see what your parents think about that, shall we?" He was beginning to get angry. Why wasn't she complying? She'd been whinging about a relationship, and he'd finally agreed to it, mostly. So, what was the hold up? Just accept my offer, Hermione.

Her angry eyes met his and participated in a staring contest. He knew he had her. She wouldn't want her parents to know the truth. She wouldn't want them to know that she'd tricked him by making him think she'd go so low as to pay a gigolo for sex while she and her mates laughed about fooling him. That was his final trump card. He'd blackmail her if he had to, but Potter would not have her. No man would. She belonged to him. She was bearing his child, no other's.

"What's he talking about, Hermione?" her father asked uncertainly.

"Nothing much, daddy," she said, swallowing away her anger. "Rolanda, Harry, and I conspired to trick Severus into spending time alone with me so that I might work on gaining his attention. He's right. I think we should marry immediately. However, I want a stipulation that if I am not happy with things that I am allowed a divorce after the baby is born. This will ensure that my child will have his father's name and not be deemed a bastard."

"Well, of course you can divorce," her mother said with a chuckle.

"Not in the Wizarding world, mum. Not unless both parties have that specified in the original marriage contract. The binding magic is too strong to break, but if it is bound that something can be broken later, it allots for it. Most don't think of doing that or feel that there will never be the need for it."

"Very well," Severus agreed. He walked towards the grate and allowed a smirk to work its way across his lips. There was always a way to word things to suit his needs. This would be no different. He'd let her think that she was winning something here, but it would be he who still made the final decision. He threw in a bit of Floo powder. "Ministry of Magic."

Hermione turned to her parents while Severus spoke to a Ministry official. "I really wish that he'd not told you this. I'm really sorry, and I know you are disappointed in my actions. I'm an adult though, and I feel that my relationships, no matter how unorthodox, are my business. I thought I could handle this on my own."

John smiled. "You are too headstrong for your own good. Sometimes, Hermione, you need to turn to others even if you don't want to. This man here came to face us alone, and he told us quite bluntly about you two. That took a lot of courage. I think his intentions are honorable. He's wanting to do right by his woman and child. I can say that I agree. I wouldn't want any other man raising my child as his own."

Hermione only nodded. Severus had them fooled. He'd gone there for one purpose only. That purpose was to keep her from Harry. Oh, she'd pretend to go along with his ruse of a marriage in front of her parents, but things would never be the same for them again. He had admitted that he cared for her, and she knew that he did. However, he did not love her, and in her heart, she knew that by forcing himself to do the right thing would only lead to a long, unhappy life. She didn't want that for either of them. So, she would use this to her advantage. She would marry him, have their child, and divorce him. The baby would have its father's name and inheritance. That would be enough. I love him, but I will never make him spend all of his years with me when I know he doesn't want to. She smiled shakily at her mother.

"Things will be fine. You'll see," her mum said. "I can tell that he loves you. It was written all over his face, honey. I think he's just a proud man. He never expected to have anyone, and well, now that he has someone, he doesn't know how to act."

"Time will tell," she replied, mostly to herself.

Severus came back. "Hermione and I have much to discuss and a marriage contract to create. Once we do that, we'll go to the Ministry for a quick binding. I would not object if you'd like to stay."

"No," Hermione said quickly. "I would like to be alone. We'll have to rush back to consu...er...seal the binding anyway." She wanted them to leave so she could let this man have a piece of her mind. Her hand itched to slap the smug smile off of his face, but she couldn't trust him to not hit her back.

"Very well," Severus said, moving to extend a hand to her father. "John, rest assured that we will have things worked out satisfactorily. I shall send word to you each week on our progress."

Hermione glared at him hatefully. "I think I can write to my parents on my own, thanks." She turned to her parents and hugged them tightly. "I love you. I'm sorry."

After a few words of encouragement, forgiveness, and returned love, her parents accepted Severus' Portkey to return to their home. Hermione spun around to find him smirking at her. "You've won nothing here today, Snape. This is underhanded! How could you do this to me?"

"Underhanded? What about you scurrying off to Potter without so much as talking to me about it?" he asked snidely. "FUCKING HARRY POTTER!" he bellowed, kicking over a table and lamp. He lowered his voice to a dangerous tone. "Doing that, Hermione, would have only brought about his death. Think you I would let someone..." He looked away from her. "I would never have allowed it. I would have killed him. No man will raise my child or bed my witch."

"Your child? YOUR CHILD?" Hermione laughed bitterly. "You could care less about this baby! I'm not that thick, Severus. I could have gone to anyone else, and you would have been glad to be rid of us. You only want to keep me from Harry."

"I would have never allowed it," he said grimly. "As for the child, I may not have wanted to sire any children, but now that I have helped to create this one, I shall be its father. Make no mistake about that, Hermione. Now, are there any other stipulations that you want to add to this marriage contract?"

"Do you love me?"

"No."

"Why not?" She had to know his reasoning. Why couldn't he feel something?

"I'm not built that way."

"But, you said that you care about me."

"I do care."

She sighed. "If you care, maybe it could develop into something more. Don't you want to have a happy life, Severus? We could be good together."

"We were good together," he said curtly, unfolding the parchment he'd gotten from the Ministry.

"I'm not talking about sex! Doesn't it feel good to be held? To know that someone loves you and wants to give you the world?" she asked softly, putting a hand on his arm. "How does that make you feel? You must feel something, Severus."

"It makes me feel powerful. It tells me that I can manipulate you with a twisting of words. It makes me want to possess you and own you...and fuck you until you scream out my name." Hermione blanched, dropping her hand away from him. "Not what you wanted to hear, is it, my dear?"

"Severus," she said, trying once more to touch his heart somehow. "I want to make you happy, but if you can only think of me as a possession and not a real wife and the mother of your child... I can't live that way. If things aren't better, we will part ways."

He sneered hatefully. "I'll not let you have anyone else."

"You wouldn't be able to stop me," she retorted, anger building. "Why is it all right for you to go shag someone, but you won't allow me the same indulgence?"

He pulled her to him roughly. "Do you really want someone else? Do you want it to be Potter that slides into you? Do you think your lips will easily scream out his name in ecstasy? Is that what you want?"

"I just want you to love me, to love our child. What about that? Will you be a real father?"

"I will be a father to the best of my ability, which is mostly giving it a name and lecturing him on the ways of the world, but raising the child will be your chore. I know not how to handle children," he said, pushing her away from him.

"You lecturing our child on the ways of the world? Oh, hell no," she spat. "Mark my words, Severus, I will not live in an unhappy marriage, nor will my child. I will give you until the time I have this child to change something, and if you can't, I will leave you. Let me see that. Show me where it says that we agree on that. It's the only way I will marry you," she said angrily.

He waved his wand over the parchment. "Oh, it says that right here," he said smugly. "Just there. It's just above the portion that says if you do decide to leave my home and live as a single mother, you will not be eligible for another marriage or any man living in your home-"

"WHAT? You can't do that, Severus!" she screeched, walking towards the grate quickly.

He reached her as she tried to get a handful of Floo powder. "Hermione, stop!" He pulled her struggling form back against his chest, pinning her hands to her body beneath his. "I guarantee that you will never have reason to leave me. We can have a mutually satisfying marriage, and we need never explore you leaving or finding another lover." He brought his lips down to her ear to whisper. "I can give you respect amongst our peers, Hermione. I can give our child a name, a family legacy, and a father. At night, I will be the lover some witches can only fantasize about, and during the day, I will be as I have been...a friend of sorts. Do this."

Severus smirked to himself only momentarily as the fight left her body. He knew he'd won. She would be his. Her cold voice wiped the smug expression from his face. "I will marry you, Severus. You remember what I've said. If something doesn't change, I can and will leave...regardless of having no other lover living with me for the rest of your life. A life alone is better than a life with someone yet still being alone."

He released her. "Very well." He pushed the parchment back into his pocket and moved in front of her. He grasped a big scoop of Floo powder and threw it in. Not trusting her to follow him to the Ministry, he pulled her into the grate with him. "And, now, my dear, we wed."

Hermione allowed him to pull her to the correct office, and someone that he knew within the Ministry, the same person to quickly draw up the contract, went over the offending marriage contract with them. She listened attentively and heard nothing amiss. Numbly, she signed her name below Severus' spiky signature. The fellow quickly bound them. She didn't look at Severus as he slid a ring onto her finger, nor did she look at the ring. She couldn't believe that her wedding was nothing more than a quick binding and parchment signing. None of her friends were with her, and she'd not allowed her parents to witness. It was the most horrible scenario that any woman could have hoped for.

"Congratulations," the nasally speaking man said, leering at them through wide eyes. "You are now bound by the Wizarding laws of this country and are man and wife. May your future be bright."

"I appreciate you handling this on such short notice," Severus said, waving the man away.

"Not a problem. Your marriage contract will seal and stamp itself the moment you've completed consummation. Do you understand what constitutes as a consummation?"

"Yes, thanks," Hermione said, cheeks heating. She wasn't about to have lectures on consummating her marriage with this man. It was bad enough that she had to do the act at all. It would be the first time that she could truly say that she wanted no part of making love...er...having sex with Severus.

"That will be all," Severus said shortly, leading her back the way they had come in.

"I...I need to write Harry," she said softly.

"What did you say?"

"I said I need to let Harry know what I've done," she said more forcefully.

Severus chuckled. "I would enjoy watching his reaction in person, if you don't mind."

"I'm serious, Severus. He's probably worried about me and wondering what you've done to me."

He didn't comment. He simply led her to the grate. They Flooed to The Leaky Cauldron and went into Diagon Alley. They went to the local Owlery and rented two owls to deliver parchments for them. He tried to see what she wrote to the brat, but she wrote too quickly, half turned away from him. He scribbled to Albus that they'd been married and would be back at the castle the next day. After they sent their owls off, he led her to a private spot.

"Is there anything that you require whilst we are here?" he asked.

"You can give me nothing I require, Severus," she said blandly. "Shouldn't we be getting back to your house?"

"Our house, isn't it?" he asked, smirking arrogantly.

"I know I'm not really welcome there, and until the day that I am, I will refer to it as your home."

"Whatever you'd like," he said, pulling her close. CRACK! She pushed away from him the moment they Apparated outside of the front gate of his home. He watched Hermione as she walked back towards the front door. She looked around the grounds slightly. Her expression showed indifference. Severus felt an odd pang deep within. She should be happy as a new bride. Was this not what she wanted? She supposedly loved him, yet it seemed that she changed the moment she'd gotten what she wanted. It might not be the marriage she'd dreamt of as a girl, but it was a marriage to the one she wanted, wasn't it? Typical woman, Severus. You try to please them and get nothing in return. You were a fool to do this. You were a fool to marry her. The Snape line should end with you.

Severus walked towards her and unwarded the enchantments. A gust of wind blew through before he reached her, and her hair covered part of her face. Of its own volition, a hand reached up to brush the locks away. For a brief moment, her eyes softened at his kind gesture, but the look was quickly replaced with a mask of indifference. Part of him longed for her to smile at him. "Hermione, I know this is a little awkward for you, but I just wan-"

"It doesn't matter, Severus. Let's just get this over with," she said huffily.

"Indeed," he said, letting coldness seep into his voice. She's got you now. There's no need for her to be nice or pretend to love you. Opening the door, he led her inside. "I suppose we should get this over with."

"Fine. Where?"

"I've not given you a proper tour of your new home yet, have I?" He sneered. "You can wait for that I suppose. Follow me." He led her to his bedchambers and watched as her dull eyes glanced at the bed in disgust. What the fuck is this? I was readily accepted at any hour before this. Shouldn't she want to please me more now that I have made such a sacrifice?

Hermione began pulling off her clothing slowly. She knew he was watching her, but she didn't care. This was not what she wanted. Yes, she wanted to marry Severus, have children for him, and be a true wife to him, but this was nothing like she'd planned. She never wanted to force him into marrying her. She'd always imagined that he would grow to love her and maybe mention wanting to spend his life with her in passing one day. She lay on the bed, completely naked. "I'm ready."

Severus came to stand next to the bed, and his face held an expression of disbelief. He shook his head slightly but began to unfasten his trousers. He'd already taken his robes off. She pulled her eyes away from him and looked directly at the ceiling. After a few moments, she felt the bed dip and felt his hands upon her. She closed her eyes, held her tears at bay, and wished silently that things would be different for them. She hadn't much hope that he'd ever love her, what with the conversation they'd had earlier. Bugger the bastard. I'll have my child's love. That will do.

His lips found her throat, and she willed herself not to move. She turned her face away when they seemed to be closing in on her mouth. She heard his frustrated growl. A hand reached down to part her legs and explore her depths. He sighed raggedly. "What is it?"

"Nothing."

"Look at me when I talk to you."

She turned her face towards the sound of his voice and opened her eyes. "Just put it in and be done with it, Severus. There's no use to try to make this special for me. Anything that I felt when we made love is gone right now." She swallowed her emotion. "I don't know if it will ever be back." She saw a flicker of disappointment flash over his face before he moved over her, roughly pushing her legs even farther apart. She could feel him fumbling around with himself, arranging himself at her opening, and pushing in slightly. Her mind may have been ready to accept him, but her body was not.

"Damn," he said, pulling away from her. "Maybe if you would help a little," he growled in frustration.

"I only want to consummate our marriage. I'm not in the mood tonight. There's just too much that-"

"That will be all," he said brusquely. He pushed into her again, and she felt her body give a little. There was something strange. He felt...a little flaccid.

"Oh, honestly," she said moving against him to try to help him in farther. "What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing," he said pulling away. "It's you that I have a problem with. I can't do this with you just laying there as if my touch disgusts you."

"Well, maybe it does!" she shot back.

"I suppose consummation can wait another day. I shall have to find a more willing participant for tonight, won't I?" he asked coldly, getting out of the bed to dress.

"You wouldn't dare!" She knew he was bluffing. He wouldn't go to another woman's bed on their wedding night. The glare he gave her chilled her. He would, wouldn't he? "Severus, if you go to another woman, I will not consummate this marriage. I will go back to the Ministry and tell them to tear up the contract." Without a word, he left her alone and naked on the bed.

Severus Apparated to Knockturn Alley nearly ten minutes after he'd left Hermione. He'd instructed Dilly, one of his house-elves, to show her to her private chambers. She need not worry about gracing his bed again. There were others that could fulfill his needs.

He made his way into a small, dark pub and immediately found a willing witch. He followed her to a tiny flat across the street. The practiced witch accepted his Galleons and began disrobing. Once she was naked, she lay on the bed, touched herself eagerly, and crooked a finger at him. "Come here, handsome." Severus unfastened his trousers only enough to release his already hardening cock. He pulled his wand out to whisper a Cleansing Spell on the woman. "There was no need for that, mate. I'm a clean witch."

"One can never be too careful." He smirked lightly, casting a series of charms on the woman and himself. He moved towards the bed and looked at the woman a little more closely. She had bony hips, skinny legs, and flat breasts. She was too thin for his liking. He liked a little something to hold onto when he had sex. This woman didn't even begin to compare to Hermione. This is not Hermione. What am I doing here?

"Aren't you going to undress?"

"I think not," he said. "I'll be a moment." He quickly strode to the bathroom and closed the door. "What the fuck am I doing here?" he whispered to himself. You are showing your wife that you don't need her to find release. "My wife." Severus quickly began fastening his trousers again. Don't go running home, Severus. You can do this. She can't deny you her body and expect you to not seek another willing one. "I'll not be like that bastard," Severus said. His father had flaunted women in front of his mother on occasion. He'd not been married for an hour, and he was starting off exactly as his father would have expected him to act. She deserved more respect than that.

He knew she was in love with him completely, and that did make him feel more than he had admitted to her earlier. For the first time in his life, he felt needed and wanted. Both Dumbledore and the Dark Lord had needed him, but this was different. This was the need of a woman. Part of him hated feeling that way, but a part of him liked to be wanted. Flashes of her smile, her face contorted in ecstasy, and her half-lidded, sated eyes passed through his mind. He wondered what she would look like swollen with her...his child growing inside of her. Their consummation had gone horribly. It was partly his fault. He'd expected everything to revert to normal. Would he ever have his loving, eager lover back? A thought hit him suddenly.

"Do I love her?" he whispered to himself. "It's impossible." His eyes moved to the mirror. His mouth opened in shock. A lone tear glided down his face. "What the fuck?" he roared loudly. Severus slammed out of the bathroom and made his way to the front door.

"Where are you off to? Come to bed," the paid witch called.

"Keep the money. I've changed my mind," he said, leaving her in shock. He needed time to think about things. He'd mostly come to this paid witch because of his wounded pride at not being able to perform on demand earlier. Sex with an indifferent Hermione was something he never wanted to experience again. She should have welcomed his efforts to seal their bargain. It was the pressure that had done it. The shock of it all maybe. Something. Just knowing that he was married, even though he'd never wanted to be, weighed on his mind, and it must have interfered with his normally matchless stamina. Right, then. Those things combined with her bored expression and lack of desire had done him in. No man, not even he, could be expected to perform under such extremes.

"You fucking bastard!" a male voice said angrily.

He turned just in time to see a flash of angry green eyes, and a fist connecting with his right eye. He staggered back for a moment and felt another blow along his jaw. As quickly as he could, he spun away and pulled his wand. "Potter! I might have known that you would attack a man when he wasn't paying attention. Is that the only way that you know how to fight?"

"Need a wand, do you? Come on, you bastard! It's not bad enough that you snatched Hermione away and blackmailed her into marriage, is it? No, to be even nastier than usual, you had to come here and slum around with a whore on your wedding night! Does she know where you are, Snape?" the brat yelled loudly, attracting attention.

He'd been about to hex the boy when Weasley came behind Potter and threw his arms around him. "That's pretty low, Snape, even for you, you great, miserable wanker!" CRACK! Weasley Apparated them both away. Potter was lucky that Weasley had taken him away. Potter was also lucky that he'd caught him unawares. He felt his eye throbbing slightly and decided to Apparate home.

Severus made his way to the bathroom and examined the eye. "Not bad, boy," he murmured. It had been a solid hit, and were it not for magic, he'd be sporting a black eye for a few days. His jaw had only a slightly red discoloration to it. He pulled his wand up to soothe the battered flesh when a shrill voice sounded behind him.

"If you slept with another woman, I will NOT consummate this sham of a marriage. How dare you take off and leave me that way! I couldn't Disapparate! I couldn't use the Floo! All of the doors were warded. What if something had happened? I could have died here!" Hermione yelled.

"I slept with no one," he spat in annoyance. "The house-elves would have brought you to safety if the need had arisen. Go to your room, and leave me be."

"No, I will not be dismissed like a child."

Severus spun around to face her. "Then stop acting like one!"

"What happened?" she asked softly, raising her hand to his cheek.

"It's nothing," he said, ducking away from her hand. She pulled him closer with her other hand, bringing that one back to his face. "Hermione..." What could he say? I could use this to my advantage of course. "I was attacked by Potter."

"Oh, no," she breathed, pulling her own wand from her pocket. "Close your eyes." He stood by patiently as she mended his bruises and repaired the slight cut under his eye. He was surprised that she hugged him so tightly after she was done. Not knowing what else to do, he put his arms around her. "I'm sorry," she said. "I may have been angry when I wrote to him. It's my fault."

"No, it's not. He's been wanting to do that for a long while," Severus said, making sure to keep his voice low and purposely dismayed. "I suppose I have been an arse to you." There; that was as close to an apology as he would give her. He hoped it would suffice. "I just need to rest. Good night." He moved away from her and began stripping his clothes as he made his way to his bed. He knew that she was following him, so he made a show of rubbing his shoulders as if they ached before he slipped beneath the sheets. "Hermione, what is the meaning of this? I instructed Dilly to show you to your rooms." He pretended to be surprised.

"I'm married, Severus. I do not plan on sleeping in my own chambers like a child instead of a wife." She pulled off her robes to reveal her bare body for only seconds before she blew out the candles on the nightstand. She slipped into bed next to him. "Budge up," she said.

He slid to the middle of the bed, and a true feeling of emotion overtook him. Severus reached over and pulled her next to him. "Stay near me," he whispered, part request yet part demand.

She snuggled closely with her back against his chest. "Severus, did you really leave to find a woman?"

"I've not been unfaithful." Though I fully intended to. "I was out, however, as you know. That's when Potter assaulted me. Does he always attack his opponents when they aren't looking? I mean, the Dark Lord is one thing, but this was a completely unfair fight."

"Save all of your love for me, Severus. I won't share it. No matter how much I hate you right now, I'd still rather you didn't go elsewhere. I'll not deny you anything," Hermione whispered.

He wondered vaguely if she'd not heard what he'd said about being unfairly attacked when her bare arse moved enticingly against his loins. Severus wanted her. He felt himself stiffening. Was she gifting her body as a peace offering betwixt them? If so, he accepted. "I shall be faithful," he heard himself saying. What the hell did I say that for? Did it really matter? Her hand was now coming around to grasp his arse. He would have to think about things later.

All he wanted to do was please her, and in return, be pleased. He moved slightly and turned her over onto her back. The moment his hands left her body, he tried to see into her eyes. There was nothing but a silhouette in the darkness. To find her lips, he moved a hand across her body. His light caress began at her soft belly and traveled upwards, not stopping to knead her breasts. Once he found her chin, he cupped it and lowered his face. He placed a chaste kiss on her closed lips first, then, he suckled her lower portion and top portion respectively. His tongued licked the crease where the two met. "Let me love you," he purred in a silkily soft voice. You weak bastard. Words of love! He shrugged the thoughts away with another thought. Just a man making sure to get what's his.

Hermione's lips opened immediately, and his tongue delved into her mouth, slowly exploring. Her tongue tangled with his whilst her hands found their way to his hair. The hand that held her chin captive moved down to cup a breast; his thumb was circling her nipple, making it harden. She moaned into his mouth, and in answer, he groaned back. His hand slid down past her stomach to finger through her hair and find her entrance. He delved one finger in to test her wetness, and this time around, he found her to be ready for him. He inserted a second finger into her and began slowly thrusting them in and pulling them out. His thumb now found her already swelling nub and circled it gently.

It was time. He ended their long, soft kiss and moved his lips to her neck where he suckled and nibbled until he was sure that she was marked. He moved over an inch and did the same there before gliding down. She belongs to me. This is my wife. My own. The kneading fingers in his hair only made him want her even more, but he knew she deserved pleasure. She deserved something. Their roles had been reversed. She, not he, had been the one forced to marry. He'd not mention that aloud, but he knew what was going through her mind. She wanted a fairytale romance, and he could never give that to her. He could, however, see her happy. He sighed contently as his tongue laved her taut nipple. Her increased whimpers had his erection ready to explode. When he felt her body arching into him and trying to tighten in preparation for her pending orgasm, he removed his fingers.

"Severus..." she whinged in frustration.

"I'm here," he murmured against her ear, sliding his hard length into her.

"Oh, God, yes."

Her tight, wet channel seemed to have been made for him. Relishing in the feel of her clenching around him, he slowly thrust in and out. His mouth found another spot on the other side of her neck, and he marked her. The fingers in his hair tightened, and she bucked against him in yearning. Wanting to answer her call of fulfillment, he gradually increased his strokes until they were both grunting and moaning. One hand untangled itself from his hair and found her crux to help bring her to orgasm. The cries of pleasure and the convulsing around his cock were too much to stand. He spilled into her and rode out their orgasms with erratic thrusts. He collapsed atop her, not particularly caring if he was crushing her. Her arms and legs quickly ensnared him, signaling that she liked the feel of his weight upon her. To be fair, he placed most of his weight on his knees and elbows. His hands found her hair and pulled the strands away from her face.

His eyes had finally adjusted to the lighting, and he could just make out their gleam in the darkness. "I don't hate you," she whispered.

"I know." His lips crushed hers again. This time passion took over. He was a man marking his territory, and from her response, he could sense that she didn't mind. My wife. The marriage had been consummated. "Madame Snape," he said aloud. The words sounded odd to his ears, but they didn't sound as offensive as he once may have believed. He felt a small finger trail its way across his jaw and find his lips.

"I love you," she said, pressing her lips to his. She deepened her kiss as if marking him in return. He didn't mind. Feeling his soft penis slip out of her, he turned them over and held her atop his body.

"I know," he whispered. Moments later, sleep found them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione woke up to find herself alone in the large bed. Damn! Had last night not happened? Of course it had. It had been beautiful. It was as if they'd made love fully, as if they were two lovers just realizing their worth to each other. She would not allow herself to read any more into it. How would he treat her? Would he regret being nice? Had he really not gone to another woman? He didn't carry the scent of any foreign perfume, and he sounded honest enough. She put her faith in him. He wouldn't lie to her about that.

She noticed a parchment on the pillow next to her for the first time. She read it quickly. He'd had her clothes from the previous day cleaned, and they were waiting for her in the bathroom. He said that he would be in the study when she was ready for breakfast, and after that, they could go to Hogwarts to ready some of their things and see Poppy. He'd probably written this to avoid any awkward morning after talks. She decided to take advantage of this new, courteous Severus.

She made her way to the bathroom when the ring on her finger caught her attention. It was beautiful. There were diamonds and rubies set in a dainty, platinum band. Where had he found this ring? She'd ask him at some point in the future, but for now, she would simply appreciate its beauty.

As quickly as she could, Hermione showered and dressed. She went to the study and stood next to his chair. He was reading the morning paper. "Good morning," she said. "Anything interesting in there?"

"Not a thing." He turned a few pages and lifted it to her. She glanced down. It was an announcement of their new marital status in the back section. "They work fast."

"They do. Have you eaten?"

"No, I thought I would wait," he said cordially. "Shall we?"

"I think I could do with some toast this morning."

He nodded. "Do you not feel well?"

"I'm fine." She giggled. "So far anyway." She wanted to talk about the amazing love they'd made together, but she knew better than to ruin a good thing with uncomfortable words. She wanted to talk about the baby, but she didn't know where to start. She also didn't know if he would be ready to discuss it. It had been a huge shock to the both of them. But, if he wants me to see Poppy, it must mean that he's ready to accept things.

Their conversation was light, touching upon his research for the summer and outlining what they had left to do at the castle before they could come back to his home. "I suppose we should have the house-elves move your things into my chambers since we'll be sharing them at the start of next term."

"All right," she agreed. "I'm done whenever you are ready."

He nodded, folded his napkin, placed it in his plate, and rose to extend a hand to her. They made their way to the grate, and he, once again, put in enough Floo powder to transport the two of them together. From his rooms in the castle, they made their way over to see Poppy.

"I'm glad to see that you've come around. Come here," she ordered, pointing to a small, curtain-enclosed room.

Hermione looked to Severus. "Will you come?" He shook his head slightly and looked extremely uncomfortable. "I won't be long."

Severus watched as she disappeared behind the curtain with the Mediwitch following closely behind her. He strained to hear what was going on, but Poppy must have put up some damned Silencing Spell. Perhaps he should have gone in with her, but for some reason, it felt as if he would be intruding. The shock on impending fatherhood was still upon him. He would allow his wife to have her time alone with the Mediwitch, and then he would allow her to tell him about the visit. It would make things less awkward than for them to try to talk about it with Poppy hovering.

She finally came out. Hermione looked pale and disheveled. For some reason unknown to him, his heart faltered. "Is something amiss?"

"Er...maybe. No. I'll tell you in our chambers," she said quickly.

"Very well," he said, allowing her to slip her arm under his as he led her out. The way she'd said our chambers was not lost on him. He was slightly put off, feeling suddenly pressured, but then she corrected him.

"Where are we going?"

"To our chambers in the dungeons."

Her cheeks reddened. "Sorry. Could we go to my chambers? I've been thinking of them as ours for a while now, and it just slipped out."

He nodded in understanding, and they began climbing the stairs. When they reached the second landing, an angry Harry Potter stood waiting for them. "Well, isn't this just fucking cozy?"

"Harry," Hermione said. "You've gotten my owl."

"Yes, I know he blackmailed you into marrying him, forcing you to do his bidding like some private whore."

"Harry!" she chided.

Severus moved away from her and roughly grabbed Harry by the collar. "You will not speak that way about or in front of my wife. Do you understand, boy?"

"You're mighty brave today, Snape! Not going for your wand yet?"

"I've no need for my wand when I can see what's coming," Severus said, smirking when the boy blanched slightly. "Apologize to her."

"She knows that I'm not angry with her. I'm angry about the way you treat her. Did you tell her where I found you last night?"

"Shut up, Potter!" Severus warned.

"No! I'll not shut up. You didn't tell her, did you?" he asked, taunting him.

"I told her that I was waylaid by you when I wasn't looking," Severus said, pushing the boy aside. He turned to reach for Hermione's hand.

Potter said, "Didn't tell her that I caught you leaving a paid whore's flat, did you?"

Severus' eyes lifted and met Hermione's. Her eyes immediately began to tear up as she heard what the brat had said. "He didn't," she murmured.

"Oh, yeah, he did. He was checking to be sure that his trousers were fastened as he walked out the door. The bastard fucked another woman on your wedding night!"

"Severus?"

He shook his head angrily. "I didn't, Hermione. I told you last night."

Potter started laughing. "You don't expect her to believe that, do you? Both Ron and I saw him Hermione. We called him on it, and that's why he is so angry right now! He's mad because we told you about it before he had the bollocks to do it himself. It appears that he lied about it!"

Severus turned around, drew back his arm, and hit Potter as hard as he could, making the boy stumble backwards and fall on his arse. With satisfaction, he noticed that his glasses had been broken. Rage took over Severus as the boy wiped the blood from his nose and smirked. He moved forward again to attack the brat, but he felt Hermione clinging to his arm. "Let go, Hermione. He deserves it." He shrugged her off and lunged for Potter again, who had been in the midst of standing. They both fell back onto the stairs. A small shriek stopped Severus in mid swing. He turned to see what was amiss with his wife, but she was gone.

A sickening feeling rooted in his gut. "Hermione!" he called out, rushing across the landing. "Good Lord!" She'd fallen down the flight of stairs and landed in a small heap on the first landing. He went to her immediately. God, did I do this to her? Did I accidentally push her down the flight of stairs when I pushed her off of me to attack Potter? "Hermione," he said, voice rough with emotion. "She's breathing," he told Potter, who was now hovering next to him. He scooped her up to bring her back to Poppy. He noticed Potter's horror. "What is it?"

"She's bleeding, Snape! What have we done?"

Severus saw where the boy was pointing. There was a small amount of blood where she'd been lying. "The child," he said quietly, looking into her slack face. She would never forgive him if she lost it. He would never forgive himself if she did either. Nor would he forgive Potter. As he ran to the Infirmary with his unconscious burden in his arms, he could only think of one thing. His mother's face. This was what had happened to her, though his father had done it purposely. History had a way of repeating itself, didn't it? "Poppy!" he called loudly. The moment he saw her, he said, "She fell down a flight of stairs."

"There was blood," Potter chimed in.

Severus hadn't even realized that he'd followed them. He quickly moved forward to put her on a bed for Poppy to have a look at her. Please let my wife be all right. Please let her...our child be all right. I'll try harder. Really I will. I'll not be like him. I won't be like my father. It was an accident.

---

Southern's Notes: This was a hard chapter for me to write because I was afraid that I'd made him a bit soft. After going through it with my beta, I don't think so.

I hope that those of you pulling for Harry enjoyed the scene where he attacked Severus. As far as the ending scene, I have an idea of which way I will go with it. What would you like to see happen? I'm almost certain that some of you may have guessed what I've decided to do next.

For update info and snippets, please see my author profile and click on the link to my journal. I post snippets there or at my yahoo!group, Potter_Place.

Also, I've started a new story, Luring the Enchantress. It's a Severus where we are unsure which side he is truly on. Hermione catches his eye, and he decides a bit of slow seduction is needed to woo her over. Dumbledore has no idea, but Voldemort feels that his most faithful servant deserves a reward. Come check it out!