Survivor

Chapter 24 - The Eye of the Hurricane

I decided to omit the "consummation" of Severus and Hermione's marriage for something a little more meaningful. Fear not, I may write a little bonus chapter after the Epilogue just because.

Warnings for scenes of consensual sex, following by implied rape. 

All errors are my own H.x

It was traditional for newly wed muggles to go on a short holiday after they married, called the honeymoon. Originally invented in medieval times, a honeymoon once involved drinking mead during a moon cycle to encourage fertility. In more modern times, the honeymoon was less focused on fertility, instead inspired by the carnal desires one often felt after a marriage bonding.

Hermione didn't know whether people of the magical community also celebrated a honeymoon period. She and Severus certainly didn't.

It was unlikely that Witches and Wizards didn't go on a honeymoon, Hermione decided. There was simply a long list of extenuating variables that meant it was unwise that Severus and Hermione take a short leisure break.

The first factor was that June 1st (the date of Severus's trail) was only 4 days away. While there was an argument for the couple to spend their last uninterrupted days together, the likelihood of either of them being able to forget about the trial was slim to none.

Their marriage was also one of convenience. Hermione had been patiently waiting for something to happen between her and Severus for what felt like an age. It only felt like weeks ago that they had shared their first kiss in the Headmasters office. A Whirlwind romance indeed.

Silently, she reassured herself that, should Severus walk away from The Ministry a free man, they would have time to reconsider their marriage. Perhaps it would work out for them both. Right now, their rushed union was something Hermione pushed into the furthest corners of her mind.

Unbeknownst to her, Severus had done the same. He too, had built a metaphorical dam to slow the rising pools of regret, ever growing in his mind. It was a sham marriage, orchestrated only to support the witch financially.

It wasn't his first choice. No, Severus would have preferred to court the Witch properly before offering her his hand in marriage. Hermione didn't deserve a lousy ceremony at the Ministry. She deserved elaborate flowers and a fancy cake, and a party that lasted all night.

Merlin, if Severus made it out of Azkaban, he would give her anything she wanted.

"Severus!" Hermione's voice followed by the pounding of her footsteps could be heard as she made her way up the stairs.

The Witch in quested barged through their bedroom door, wearing only a fluffy robe, waving around a copy of The Daily Prophet. Hermione's hair was flying around untamed and charged with static, making her look an unhinged medusa. Only a deep crimson mark on her neck gave hint of the blissful night they had shared before. Severus smiled to himself, thinking about the array marks he had left on the now-covered areas of her body.

"Read what that putrid woman has written about us!" Hermione thrust the newspaper at the naked form of her husband, who had been fast asleep when she had crept out of the room to make them their preferred caffeinated beverages.

Severus pulled the covers to his chest, and leaned against the headboard. He didn't have to look far to understand what Hermione was talking about.

DEATH EATER MARRIES EX-STUDENT IN MINISTRY CEREMONY.

Former Headmaster of Hogwarts and known Death Eater, Severus Snape (37) appeared at The Ministry of Magic yesterday, ahead of his shock upcoming nuptials to ex-student Hermione Granger (17). The pair pictured below, were escorted through The Ministry by war hero and close friend of Granger, Harry Potter, and friends Ginny Weasley and Draco Malfoy in an extraordinary turn of events.