Punishment- Reader POV

Chapter 19

May 28th, 1997

We spent the afternoon unpacking. I fell more in love with the house as the day went on. I began to fantasize about the family we could raise in a home so strong. Growing a big family with someone I love was a dream of mine that had grown cloudy as I grew up, but being here with Snape made it almost feel possible again. I had been eagerly looking at each book that filled the shelves, one by one. That is where he knew to find me.

"I'm running out to pick up takeaway," he said with a tap on my shoulder.

"Do you want me to come?"

"If you would like," he smiled, "But you seem a bit preoccupied," his eyes darted to the bookshelves that surrounded us.

"I'll stay and set the table," I leaned in to kiss his cheek. He smiled warmly before leaving.

I gave myself a few extra minutes to dust off some books before going to set the table. A table fit for a family, a proper family. It was easy for me to daydream about setting the table with our children. His children. I knew deep down that that was all it could ever be, a dream.

About half an hour went by before he returned home once again with takeaway and canned ciders.

"Do I get to have one?" I ask, gesturing to the ciders he placed on the counter.

"I suppose, but just one, no need to get you intoxicated you are mad enough as it is."

"Thank you, I think," I smiled as we sat at the table. Snape plated up our takeaway properly before handing me my plate. Fish and chips, my favorite. "Did you ask for-"

"It's in the bag," he cut me off and proceeded to take out a container of curry sauce for my chips before dousing his in malt vinegar and loads of salt. We began to eat, so consumed by the delight we had from the meal that we did not talk until we were practically finished. I took a sip of cider and crinkled my nose, it was strong.

"You don't like it do you?" He teased, a pleased smirk on his cocky as always face.

"I haven't decided yet," I blushed sheepishly.

"You haven't decided yet?" He cocked an eyebrow.

"That is what I said isn't it?" I grinned and got up to go wash the grease off my hands. He chuckled softly, a smile on his face as I got back to him at the table. "What else did you get?" I think of the extra bags he brought in with him.

"Sweets." My eyes lit up.

"What kind?"

"Chocolates, candies, and ice cream, and a couple of bags of crisps too for the beach tomorrow." I quickly rushed back into the kitchen to check the freezer for the ice cream. Chocolate, salted caramel, rum raisin, and vanilla. Perfect. "Did I get the right ones?" He called out from the other room.

"Yes you got the best ones, thank you!" I called back as I assembled us bowls, one scoop of each, we were on holiday for Merlin's sake. "Come meet me in the living room," I carried the bowls and set them on the coffee table before turning on the telly and flipping through the channels. We rarely watched ours but I wanted to live like a true muggle this trip.

"What is this rubbish?" Snape nodded towards the telly and picked up his bowl of ice cream before making himself comfortable next to me on the couch.

"A film," I smile as I lean into him.

"Okay, darling."

Darling. My stomach fluttered. I think Snape ended up enjoying the film, he didn't complain once.