The Serpent and the Lioness

Chapter 53

"Hey, Dad."

"Hello, Princess."

Hermione smiled brightly hugging her father tight before moving to give her mother the same. It felt so nice to feel their hugs again. It had only been two months since Severus and she had come to replace what was lost. It had been a hard, long, 3 nights were all of their lives had been flipped upside down. Her parents hadn't been angry—no, they had been disappointed; that had nearly crushed Hermione.

She had told them about the war, about her injury, about Severus. They had been disappointed that they hadn't been able to care for her when she needed them most. Deeply saddened by the years of her life she had lost. That she didn't trust them. She had explained all she could. Many tears and tight hugs had calmed the mood at the time.

Then her Dad had walked in on one of their small kisses and nearly tore Severus apart. He was still glamoured at the time and looked well over the age of her grandfather. Hermione had to re-explain the magic at play before her father left in a huff muttering how his daughter's virtue was tarnished by a dirty old man. That had hurt Severus more than her and he had refused to touch her for almost two weeks before she finally cornered him in the bedroom.

The argument that followed had lost them two windows and a very nice chair but in the end, she had convinced him—beyond doubt— that she wanted his touch. That she needed him in her life. She was very sure the world had rocked in its axis that night.

Hermione smiled softly, sitting down with her parents. Their relationship had grown back to its normal ways. A series of letters had hashed out any remaining issues between them and she was happy that they were continuing on with the life they had made in Australia. Of course, she wished they would move closer but magic was a wonderful thing. She was still able to see them as often as she wished.

"Where's your...suitor?"

"He's coming, I asked him to buy a book for us to read on the beach after lunch." Hermione gave her father a gentle smile before crossing her legs adjusting the soft white summer dress. "He really is a good man Dad, you should stop worrying."

"I can't help it, it's what father's do."

"I know...But can you try really hard today?"

"I promise sweetheart. For you, I'll be nice."

Hermione smiled brightly, "Thanks, Dad."

A dark shadow appeared over her shoulder and Hermione smiled brighter, knowing just who was the cause. She tilted her head back expectantly.

"Did you find a good book?"

"I believe so." Severus gave Mr. Granger a wary look before pulling the book from the plastic bag on his wrist handing it over.

"Great Expectations?" Hermione, of course, knew the book but found it a rather curious choice for their vacation day.

"Oh, that's a wonderful book, I remember having to read it in high school." Mrs. Granger gave Severus a welcoming smile obviously trying to pull him into polite conversation.

"I've always found Dickens to be rather long-winded myself." Mr. Granger adjusted in his seat watching with hawk-like eyes when Severus took his seat next to Hermione.