Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary!
Yes, the SS/HG Quiz is celebrating its first anniversary! The very first quiz was posted on April 6, 2007. In honor of that occasion, we thought you might like to join Severus and Hermione for some of their anniversary celebrations. Come help us wish a very happy anniversary to our favorite couple.
Quiz composed by morethansirius worker bee most excellent
Match the quote to the story title:
The Galleon by pearle9240
Dance by keladry_lupin
An Anniversary to Remember by Rickmanlover24601 aka aussiemozzie
The Perfect Day by Severusgirlx
22 October by acadia_elle
Happy Anniversary by hp4freek
The Clock Chimed Again - Are You Talking To Me? by pearle9240
Expectations by scatteredlogic
A Christmas Cauldron by ladyofthemasque
The Anniversary by shiv5468
Picture This by ozratbag2
The Snapes Go on Holiday by ancientgirl
1. The woman rose from Professor Snape. In her wrath, she turned to face the Order members. Her fury was evident even in her graceful movements. Power flowed from her, through her, around her. Her clothes blew, though there was no breeze in the room. She was surrounded by a golden light. It was elemental. A protective force like the one Harry's mother must have summoned when she protected Harry from Voldemort. As she spoke, she was shaking with indignation. "The next person to ask my husband a question will answer to me." Her tone left no room for mistake. She could, and would, defend Snape. She would not allow anyone to cause him more harm. She glared at the group.
All of the Order members were stunned. They were beyond shock; no one could even speak.
Remus Lupin was the first to find his voice. "Hermione," he said gently. It was not a question.
Then Kingsley Shacklebolt spoke in an official tone. "Hermione? Hermione Granger?"
The woman turned to the Auror. "Yes, I'm Hermione. I'm Hermione SNAPE." Hermione knelt beside Professor Snape again. She laid her hands on his arms and smiled gently into his deep black eyes. "Five years tomorrow, My Heart," she whispered. Her words were very quiet, but in the silence they were heard by all.
2. Freshly bathed and still nude, Hermione smoothed a drop of perfume into the hollow of her throat and considered her reflection in the full-length mirror. Candlelight gleamed along the silver threads that had recently appeared in her hair, and she examined the faint lines bracketing her eyes and mouth. Laughter lines, they were called -- and perhaps they were -- but she knew wrinkles was the more accurate word.
Her gaze was drawn down her body, and her hands cupped her breasts, lifting and assessing. There was no point in denying it; they'd begun to sag. Her hands slid downward, over her abdomen, fingers pressing lightly into the softening flesh before continuing back and over her hips. She sighed. She had to stick to an exercise regimen; she was developing a tummy, and her bum was spreading. Being a witch slowed ageing, but it didn't stop it completely.
She shook her head and turned away from the mirror to dress. Her new lingerie and most flattering robes were already laid out across the bed, and she smiled as she dressed. All the arrangements were in place, and she was determined to have an anniversary to remember.
"Thirty years," she mused aloud. "It doesn't seem that long ago..."
3. It was Hermione’s Wedding Anniversary.
She was celebrating it in the traditional manner, tucked up in a warm blanket on the top of the Astronomy Tower, with two glasses of Firewhiskey. One glass for her, and one for Severus.
She raised a glass in a salute to him, and took a sip. She was grateful for the warmth it generated; it was decidedly chilly up here. She had to admit that the new Mediwitch, whatever her name was, had been right that it was too cold up here for an old woman.
Perhaps they should have been more sensible and married in March and not November, or Severus could have chosen a warmer place in which to propose than the Astronomy Tower, but they’d been young and impatient and hadn’t thought ahead.
4. "Severus, are you all right? Is something wrong?”
“What? Why do you ask?”
She reached up to soothe his forehead, a vein pulsating at his temple. “You look…sick, or worried. I’m not sure which. Is something wrong?”
“Yes. Uhm, no.” Severus drew a shaky breath. “Here, have a seat.”
They sat on the couch, Hermione worried, as his colouring seemed to fade even further. “Severus?”
“Hermione, you know I love you…”
“Oh, my God, you’re sick. What is it? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m not sick.”
“You’re breaking up with me? You’re breaking up with me…on our anniversary! How could you?” Her eyes started to tear up.
“I’m not breaking up with you. Will you stop? I’m trying to propose to you!” he said, irritably. Of all the ways he has pictured this going - this was not one of them.
5. Being a castle now owned by a wizard who knew how to apply Muggle-repelling charms, it looked to be in ruins still, the same as Hogwarts. No one ever approached, as it was well situated near the mountains. He offered Hermione the use of his entire castle, which had dozens of rooms, and all the elves for her holiday.
Hermione was ecstatic. She had seen photos of the castle as Count Heinrich began restoring it. She couldn't wait to tell Severus and their children. When she finished her lunch, she went back to her office and set about the task of sending out invitations. She wanted this to be not only a celebration of their twelfth anniversary, but a Christmas and New Year's celebration as well. This would be an anniversary to remember.
Hermione knew Severus would be in his office, so she decided to tell him her news there. As she entered, he was sitting at Albus' old desk, with several parchments spread all about the desk, cursing under his breath.
"Imbecile," he said as he looked at the parchment in his hand and smirked. "I should just let him make this potion. I haven't seen Poppy reattach an arm in years." His face then darkened. "Hmm-then again, it might be my arm he blows off." He made a swift yet elaborate mark with his quill and laid the parchment down. As he reached for another, he noticed Hermione had walked in. He smiled.
6. Though the last eleven years had been immeasurably better than the first forty-four, Fate still decided to play with Severus Snape from time to time. The room reservation he’d made at a bed and breakfast half a world away was now being used by Ronald and Susan, who had jumped at the opportunity for a long weekend away from their wild brood. If the Snapes couldn’t use their holiday, Hermione had reasoned, someone ought to have the opportunity.
He and his lovely bride, on the other hand, spent the weekend of their anniversary--and the preceding week--in their Norfolk home. Hermione had spent the last several days confined to the bedroom, study, and bathroom, swathed in blankets and miserably trying not to scratch her abused skin, while Severus spent it seeing to her needs.
At least he could stay, having contracted the disease himself when he was nine. He’d much rather be miserable with her--and have her be miserable with him--than leave her to the care of another. The extra-strength calamine potion he applied three times a day kept her sores from itching, but the magical world had no significant advantage over the Muggle world, when it came to the chicken pox.
7. “Well, he painted me with…”
“Without your wand - I know, my love, I know. Strangely enough, I was starting to get sick of hearing the same thing every time we entered the Great Hall together. So I asked Albus if I could move you to our quarters and I’ve asked the artist to rectify that omission.”
“You did that for me?”
“Yes, oddly enough I did. The fact that shortly we’ll have sleepless nights and nappies to change meant that if I could give myself some respite from this one nagging concern, all would appear normal to the naked eye. I also thought your portrait was starting to look lonely, but as you and Albus keep telling me it’s just my hormones playing havoc with my brains, I wanted him to see that the black cloud does become a rainbow eventually.”
“Ah, Gryffindor sentimentality is it?”
“I’ll see your Gryffindor sentimentality and raise you a week on the sofa alone.”
Severus quirked an eyebrow at Hermione, turned slowly, encircled her with one arm as the other caressed her rounded stomach and kissed his beloved wife. Hermione pulled away briefly to whisper in Severus’ ear; “Happy Anniversary, Severus… and many more to come.”
8. The grandchildren were especially keen on Harry and Ginny's two youngest children. Now young men, James and Ron tended to indulge the smaller boys in games that were strictly too old for them, and in that respect, the youngsters regarded them as heroes.
Before anyone could reply, there was a loud crack from the direction of the great oak, and the Potters appeared, arms wrapped around each other as they Apparated together.
"Sorry. We got here as soon as we could." Ginny, still vibrant and red-haired, embraced Hermione and then looked into her face, her hand caressing her hair. "How are you?"
Hermione smiled yet another smile and nodded. "I'm well, thank you. Harry, you never get any older."
It was true. In the matter of blood, Harry obviously had his father's wizard blood. His messy hair was barely touched by grey, and there were hardly any lines on his face at all. At seventy-five, he looked middle-aged.
Harry grinned and bent to kiss Hermione. "You look gorgeous." He turned to Severus and held out his hand. "Happy anniversary."
Severus shook the hand with a 'thank you', if only for Hermione's sake.
9. The sweat poured down her face in droplets as Hermione sat bolt upright in bed. She looked around, half expecting an enthusiastic house-elf to pop out of nowhere.
“…wassamatter…”
A sigh of relief escaped her lips upon seeing the dark head of her husband. “Nothing, luv. Goodnight,” she said, laying back and snuggling into his warmth.
She thought of their anniversary the day before and how perfectly he understood her. Hogwarts: a History First Edition was the perfect gift to give her. And she knew he adored his personalised potion decanters. At least one Slytherin man understood her.
10. Besides, she liked him when he was ‘sarcastic, and yet snarkily sexy’, whatever that meant. Ten years of loving her, of being loved by her, and he still didn’t understand what she saw in him, what attracted her so strongly to him. Severus wasn’t going to complain, however. She was his, and he was hers, and the yearly viewing of this one Muggle movie was the homage they paid to the anniversary of their relationship. As she sipped the tears from his face, kissing them away even as they spilled free, Severus pulled her down onto his lap, cradling her in a different way than he’d cradled their child. For one thing she straddled his lap almost aggressively. For another, their mouths met again, lips parting, tongues tangling in a near-silent mockery-parody of the way they often verbally sparred with each other, both of them too intelligent, too stubborn, and too proud to woo quietly or peacefully even a decade later.
Yes, the SS/HG Quiz is celebrating its first anniversary! The very first quiz was posted on April 6, 2007. In honor of that occasion, we thought you might like to join Severus and Hermione for some of their anniversary celebrations. Come help us wish a very happy anniversary to our favorite couple.
Quiz composed by morethansirius worker bee most excellent
Match the quote to the story title:
The Galleon by pearle9240
Dance by keladry_lupin
An Anniversary to Remember by Rickmanlover24601 aka aussiemozzie
The Perfect Day by Severusgirlx
22 October by acadia_elle
Happy Anniversary by hp4freek
The Clock Chimed Again - Are You Talking To Me? by pearle9240
Expectations by scatteredlogic
A Christmas Cauldron by ladyofthemasque
The Anniversary by shiv5468
Picture This by ozratbag2
The Snapes Go on Holiday by ancientgirl
1. The woman rose from Professor Snape. In her wrath, she turned to face the Order members. Her fury was evident even in her graceful movements. Power flowed from her, through her, around her. Her clothes blew, though there was no breeze in the room. She was surrounded by a golden light. It was elemental. A protective force like the one Harry's mother must have summoned when she protected Harry from Voldemort. As she spoke, she was shaking with indignation. "The next person to ask my husband a question will answer to me." Her tone left no room for mistake. She could, and would, defend Snape. She would not allow anyone to cause him more harm. She glared at the group.
All of the Order members were stunned. They were beyond shock; no one could even speak.
Remus Lupin was the first to find his voice. "Hermione," he said gently. It was not a question.
Then Kingsley Shacklebolt spoke in an official tone. "Hermione? Hermione Granger?"
The woman turned to the Auror. "Yes, I'm Hermione. I'm Hermione SNAPE." Hermione knelt beside Professor Snape again. She laid her hands on his arms and smiled gently into his deep black eyes. "Five years tomorrow, My Heart," she whispered. Her words were very quiet, but in the silence they were heard by all.
2. Freshly bathed and still nude, Hermione smoothed a drop of perfume into the hollow of her throat and considered her reflection in the full-length mirror. Candlelight gleamed along the silver threads that had recently appeared in her hair, and she examined the faint lines bracketing her eyes and mouth. Laughter lines, they were called -- and perhaps they were -- but she knew wrinkles was the more accurate word.
Her gaze was drawn down her body, and her hands cupped her breasts, lifting and assessing. There was no point in denying it; they'd begun to sag. Her hands slid downward, over her abdomen, fingers pressing lightly into the softening flesh before continuing back and over her hips. She sighed. She had to stick to an exercise regimen; she was developing a tummy, and her bum was spreading. Being a witch slowed ageing, but it didn't stop it completely.
She shook her head and turned away from the mirror to dress. Her new lingerie and most flattering robes were already laid out across the bed, and she smiled as she dressed. All the arrangements were in place, and she was determined to have an anniversary to remember.
"Thirty years," she mused aloud. "It doesn't seem that long ago..."
3. It was Hermione’s Wedding Anniversary.
She was celebrating it in the traditional manner, tucked up in a warm blanket on the top of the Astronomy Tower, with two glasses of Firewhiskey. One glass for her, and one for Severus.
She raised a glass in a salute to him, and took a sip. She was grateful for the warmth it generated; it was decidedly chilly up here. She had to admit that the new Mediwitch, whatever her name was, had been right that it was too cold up here for an old woman.
Perhaps they should have been more sensible and married in March and not November, or Severus could have chosen a warmer place in which to propose than the Astronomy Tower, but they’d been young and impatient and hadn’t thought ahead.
4. "Severus, are you all right? Is something wrong?”
“What? Why do you ask?”
She reached up to soothe his forehead, a vein pulsating at his temple. “You look…sick, or worried. I’m not sure which. Is something wrong?”
“Yes. Uhm, no.” Severus drew a shaky breath. “Here, have a seat.”
They sat on the couch, Hermione worried, as his colouring seemed to fade even further. “Severus?”
“Hermione, you know I love you…”
“Oh, my God, you’re sick. What is it? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m not sick.”
“You’re breaking up with me? You’re breaking up with me…on our anniversary! How could you?” Her eyes started to tear up.
“I’m not breaking up with you. Will you stop? I’m trying to propose to you!” he said, irritably. Of all the ways he has pictured this going - this was not one of them.
5. Being a castle now owned by a wizard who knew how to apply Muggle-repelling charms, it looked to be in ruins still, the same as Hogwarts. No one ever approached, as it was well situated near the mountains. He offered Hermione the use of his entire castle, which had dozens of rooms, and all the elves for her holiday.
Hermione was ecstatic. She had seen photos of the castle as Count Heinrich began restoring it. She couldn't wait to tell Severus and their children. When she finished her lunch, she went back to her office and set about the task of sending out invitations. She wanted this to be not only a celebration of their twelfth anniversary, but a Christmas and New Year's celebration as well. This would be an anniversary to remember.
Hermione knew Severus would be in his office, so she decided to tell him her news there. As she entered, he was sitting at Albus' old desk, with several parchments spread all about the desk, cursing under his breath.
"Imbecile," he said as he looked at the parchment in his hand and smirked. "I should just let him make this potion. I haven't seen Poppy reattach an arm in years." His face then darkened. "Hmm-then again, it might be my arm he blows off." He made a swift yet elaborate mark with his quill and laid the parchment down. As he reached for another, he noticed Hermione had walked in. He smiled.
6. Though the last eleven years had been immeasurably better than the first forty-four, Fate still decided to play with Severus Snape from time to time. The room reservation he’d made at a bed and breakfast half a world away was now being used by Ronald and Susan, who had jumped at the opportunity for a long weekend away from their wild brood. If the Snapes couldn’t use their holiday, Hermione had reasoned, someone ought to have the opportunity.
He and his lovely bride, on the other hand, spent the weekend of their anniversary--and the preceding week--in their Norfolk home. Hermione had spent the last several days confined to the bedroom, study, and bathroom, swathed in blankets and miserably trying not to scratch her abused skin, while Severus spent it seeing to her needs.
At least he could stay, having contracted the disease himself when he was nine. He’d much rather be miserable with her--and have her be miserable with him--than leave her to the care of another. The extra-strength calamine potion he applied three times a day kept her sores from itching, but the magical world had no significant advantage over the Muggle world, when it came to the chicken pox.
7. “Well, he painted me with…”
“Without your wand - I know, my love, I know. Strangely enough, I was starting to get sick of hearing the same thing every time we entered the Great Hall together. So I asked Albus if I could move you to our quarters and I’ve asked the artist to rectify that omission.”
“You did that for me?”
“Yes, oddly enough I did. The fact that shortly we’ll have sleepless nights and nappies to change meant that if I could give myself some respite from this one nagging concern, all would appear normal to the naked eye. I also thought your portrait was starting to look lonely, but as you and Albus keep telling me it’s just my hormones playing havoc with my brains, I wanted him to see that the black cloud does become a rainbow eventually.”
“Ah, Gryffindor sentimentality is it?”
“I’ll see your Gryffindor sentimentality and raise you a week on the sofa alone.”
Severus quirked an eyebrow at Hermione, turned slowly, encircled her with one arm as the other caressed her rounded stomach and kissed his beloved wife. Hermione pulled away briefly to whisper in Severus’ ear; “Happy Anniversary, Severus… and many more to come.”
8. The grandchildren were especially keen on Harry and Ginny's two youngest children. Now young men, James and Ron tended to indulge the smaller boys in games that were strictly too old for them, and in that respect, the youngsters regarded them as heroes.
Before anyone could reply, there was a loud crack from the direction of the great oak, and the Potters appeared, arms wrapped around each other as they Apparated together.
"Sorry. We got here as soon as we could." Ginny, still vibrant and red-haired, embraced Hermione and then looked into her face, her hand caressing her hair. "How are you?"
Hermione smiled yet another smile and nodded. "I'm well, thank you. Harry, you never get any older."
It was true. In the matter of blood, Harry obviously had his father's wizard blood. His messy hair was barely touched by grey, and there were hardly any lines on his face at all. At seventy-five, he looked middle-aged.
Harry grinned and bent to kiss Hermione. "You look gorgeous." He turned to Severus and held out his hand. "Happy anniversary."
Severus shook the hand with a 'thank you', if only for Hermione's sake.
9. The sweat poured down her face in droplets as Hermione sat bolt upright in bed. She looked around, half expecting an enthusiastic house-elf to pop out of nowhere.
“…wassamatter…”
A sigh of relief escaped her lips upon seeing the dark head of her husband. “Nothing, luv. Goodnight,” she said, laying back and snuggling into his warmth.
She thought of their anniversary the day before and how perfectly he understood her. Hogwarts: a History First Edition was the perfect gift to give her. And she knew he adored his personalised potion decanters. At least one Slytherin man understood her.
10. Besides, she liked him when he was ‘sarcastic, and yet snarkily sexy’, whatever that meant. Ten years of loving her, of being loved by her, and he still didn’t understand what she saw in him, what attracted her so strongly to him. Severus wasn’t going to complain, however. She was his, and he was hers, and the yearly viewing of this one Muggle movie was the homage they paid to the anniversary of their relationship. As she sipped the tears from his face, kissing them away even as they spilled free, Severus pulled her down onto his lap, cradling her in a different way than he’d cradled their child. For one thing she straddled his lap almost aggressively. For another, their mouths met again, lips parting, tongues tangling in a near-silent mockery-parody of the way they often verbally sparred with each other, both of them too intelligent, too stubborn, and too proud to woo quietly or peacefully even a decade later.