Unexpectedly Expecting

8: A Passionate Reconciliation

The basement became more spacious as I made my way into the bowels of Prince Manor. I was astonished even now by all the evidence of electric lighting, and other muggle creature comforts in such a gothic place. But then again, I also was starting to enjoy not having to struggle for money on my non Hogwarts days. Going to wizarding school had never been easy for my parents financially, and during the summers I interned at my dad's London dental practice, but all the same, I sometimes wished that my family had been a little better off.

Lark had shown me where the swimming pool sized "bathtub," was, as well as a room full of work out equipment, and Jacuzzi the second day I arrived here. Lark was in charge of the male house elves, and Smocky's right hand elf you might say, but still, he took the security of the Manor and grounds very seriously.

I heard the sounds of swimming as I made my way downstairs, and stopped short when I saw Severus swimming laps wearing...well, nothing. I couldn't move, or breathe, I was frozen in shock.

Move idiot. Move your ass, it's not like he's not yours or anything, my inner mind sassed me. I put one foot in front of the other, and then another one as I found a lounge chair, and almost collapsed on it, trying not to stare at the physically fit dark wizard who was my wand point husband now.

"You could get in the water, you know," He remarked, slicking back his black hair from his face.

My cheeks flushed. Don't stare! Don't stare, idiot. "I...I think I'm good sitting here, thank you very much. And besides, I didn't bring a suit with me..."

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He moved towards the edge of the pool, and got out. I expected him to put on a towel, but nope, he decided to walk naked over to the Jacuzzi where the bubbles were already on. "Join me."

"W-Why? You hate me, remember?"

He rose an eyebrow. "Oh? Did I express such an opinion? I merely called you and the...products of our love an inconvenience. Now, undress and get in the hot tub with me, Hermione. Now."

"No."
"What did you say?"
"I said, 'no'. Did I stutter?"
"Very well. Have it your way."

He flicked his left hand, and he cast a non verbal, non wand evanesco spell. My clothes vanished off of me, and I tried covering up my breasts with my hands. He approached me on silent bare feet, and gently, but firmly, pried my hands away from my chest.

His eyes roamed up and down my body, and they looked appraising, but...warm? Calm even? I tried to do it again, but he took my hands in his, and shook his head. My heart beat fast as I tried looking everywhere but at the very naked, soaking wet wizard in front of me.

"Look at me."

"I-I-I..." I looked into his eyes. He stepped away from me slightly. "I...This is so awkward."

Severus sighed heavily, and took my right hand, and put it on his chest. "Why do I frighten you, witch?"

He gently tilted my head to make me look into his eyes. "I'm...I'm not used to seeing you without clothes on. A-And...Shit, fine. You look...um, hot, and...yep, I'll shut up about it now. Why do you care anyway?"

His eyes smoldered as he stared into mine. "Care? You are mistaken in that, witch. Care is not what is on my mind at this moment, but removing your girlish inhibitions surrounding me. And perhaps, I might wish to enjoy you before your body inflates like a balloon."

I rolled my eyes. "Typical man. Always so shallow."

He caressed my cheek in a mildly possessive way that was making my insides turn to mush. Damn it, why does he have this power over me? "Am I? And what is your basis of comparison, witch? Have you had others before me? Perhaps that duck walking Seeker of yours? Or even Weasley himself?" His hand stroked the hollow of my throat, and he gave a mild squeeze there, before cupping a breast in his hand, and rolling the nipple between his fingers. "No? How about your friend Potter?"