Chapter Text
Hermione slid into her seat at their usual table across from Severus.
“Sorry I’m late,” she said brightly. “Apparating in this horrid rain was quite an experience.”
“I imagine so,” Severus said dryly. “You’re dripping all over the floor.” Then with a quick flick of the wrist he cast a drying charm - instantly ridding the water from her soaked person.
He then slid a glass of butterbeer towards her, her favorite. He’d ordered it at the same time as his own fire whisky. It was more efficient that way.
“Oh, you wonderful man,” Hermione sighed happily, taking a long drink. “If you weren’t universally opposed to matrimony, I’d probably marry you right now.”
Severus stilled.
Hermione set her mug down. “What?” She asked, cocking her head to one side.
“It’s nothing.” Severus said, taking a swig of fire whisky.
“Come on,” Hermione cajoled, “there’s no hiding from me. Did my joke bother you?”
“Not at all.” Severus said stiffly. “It’s only that… I’m not… opposed to marriage. Not universally that is.” He traced patterns in the wood grain with his fingers, not meeting her eyes.
“Oh,” said Hermione quietly. “I see. Of course.”
They were silent for a long time. The sounds of the rain outside and the chatter in the pub filling the space between them.
“You wouldn’t want to take me up on my offer then?” Hermione asked, too casually.
Severus’ head snapped up. “You were serious?”
Hermione nodded hesitantly, cheeks aflame.
Severus’ eyes widened. “How long?” He breathed.
Hermione squeezed her eyes shut in embarrassment. “A little over a year.” She admitted.
Severus swore under his breath. “Merlin, I had no idea.”
Hermione suddenly had lost her nerve. “I should go.” She said, rising and digging in her purse for some money to pay for the butterbeer.
Severus caught her wrist and held it gently but firmly. “Four years.” He said.
Hermione froze. “What?” She breathed, looking up into his dark gaze.
“Four years I’ve loved you, Hermione.” He said, meeting her eyes with something like hope and terror mixed together. “Never once did I dream that you might-“ He shook his head. “Did you mean it?”
Hermione’s heart was beating so fast she feared it might beat its way out of her chest.
She nodded.
And then his arms were around her, his mouth on hers. It was a kiss full of pent-up longing and love carried in secret. At once passionate and tentative, testing, exploring, memorizing every curve of her lips, every taste.
When they broke apart, they were both breathing hard. Hermione’s cheeks were flushed.
“When?” Severus asked in a rough voice.
“I said right now.” Hermione responded, grinning.
“Give me your hand then.”
Hermione placed her hand in his, and he apparated them away.