Within and Without

Twenty-Eight

A/N: A time skip might be happening here soon....

*******Severus********

"Mia, two weeks is not enough time to plan a wedding," Severus said as they both got ready for "work". Although Hermione had a new job as it was deemed no longer safe for her to assist with repairs, much to her annoyance he was sure. However he also believed that the new work was good for her because it utilized that big brain of hers and ultimately would make Hogwarts an even greater learning institution. Minerva had seen fit to include Hermione on the staff along with Hogwarts surviving teachers both past and present in order to revamp the curriculum. It was a tremendous task by itself, but of course Hermione wanted to add wedding planning to the mix.

"That would be true if we weren't magical," she countered. Huffing and puffing as she tried to put on her shoes. Her large belly made it nearly impossible.

Severus chuckled and went over to assist, "You're so stubborn Mia. Even if we do have magic. Two weeks is still cutting it close. I just want you to get everything you want," He explained, kissing her forehead once he was done putting on her shoes.

"I just want to be married before we have the triplets," Hermione replied. "It may sound silly, but I want us all to have the same last name."

Severus gathered the pregnant witch in his arms. "There's definitely nothing silly about that. I for one can't wait to call you Madam Snape." He kissed her then, their tongues seeking out each other with a greedy persistence. His large hands groped her plump arse with much relish.

"Mmmm, if you keep that up we're gonna be late for work," Hermione murmured as she peppered his neck with kisses. He was going to resist, but the way she started to suckle the soft skin of his throat made him lose his resolve. He should've known she'd try that as it was a sensitive spot for him.

"You play dirty, future wife," Snape purred, "but I like it. McGonagall will have to wait. I need you now." He hoisted the witch into his arms and deposited her on the dresser where they proceeded with an early morning romp.

As it stands they actually weren't late, but they were the last ones to arrive.

*******A WEEK LATER*******

Hermione was ordering him around like a house elf as they finished up the wedding plans. Everyone's help was solicited in order to pull off this rather rushed wedding ceremony. Not that Severus wanted it postponed necessarily. The joy of finally bonding to his witch was all that kept him going. On top of all this, Severus and Hermione rather belatedly realized that they needed to insure they had everything for the triplets as well.

Getting three of everything was starting to feel like an insurmountable task. Especially since the babies were different genders so then they had to get girl and boy things. Although Hermione suggested that they buy as many gender neutral baby things as possible. Frankly, both he and his fiancee were wore out at this point. Even so, they still pressed their way to the meeting Minerva called for late in the evening. Which was unusual, but they assumed she had a good reason for it. When they opened the door to the staff room, all they heard was a loud, roaring--

"SURPRISE!!!"

Beside him, Severus could hear Hermione gasp, and her grip on his hand tightened. Before them was a highly decorated room filled with not just the staff, but several Order members and members of Dumbledore's Army. There was a table laden with goodies as well as one with gifts. "What.....what is all of this?" He wondered, never experiencing anything like this in his life.

Remus came up to him. "Smile old man, this is a party for you and Hermione."

"Old man? We're the same age," he grumbled, but a smirk was on his lips. Truly, he was touched. He never expected anything like this at all. He could feel a warm, fluttering sort of feeling in his chest and for a horrifying moment he thought he might cry. Hermione did cry as she moved around to hug everyone.

"Anyway, Hermione's friends had an idea to host a baby shower, but then you two decided to hurry up and get married so this is kind of like a stag/hen/baby shower all rolled into one!" Remus explained, handing Severus a drink and clapping him on the back. And then, in a lower tone he added, "Also, I uh, took your advice. We're sort of....dating now...."

At this, Severus's smirk widened and both men looked across the room at Vonn who just so happened to be talking rather animatedly to Hermione, Ginny, and Luna. Suddenly it impressed upon Snape just how far they had come. "We've survived Voldemort for two decades, we've endured great loss, and we've both managed to find happiness anyway. We're two of the luckiest men in the world I believe."

Remus nodded, "That we are Severus. We are lucky indeed."