Disclaimer: Not mine. This is, after all FFnet, so of course there is no way that this is mine.
A/N: This story is AU in case you haven't noticed quite yet and it's going to stay that way for the rest of the show.
"I have to sit down," Hermione whispered for her legs were no longer able to support her through the countless waves of shock.
Severus looked at his wife. His wife, he was really going to have to get use to thinking of her in that fashion. He was still in a daze of shock that she didn't turn around and run when she realized it was him standing next to the podium. He was even more shocked when she agreed to allow him to kiss her.
He had liked feeling her lips against his. How many times had he dreamed about any kind of situation that would allow him to feel those silky lips against his? Though, he had to admit, that marriage was never one of those ideas.
He couldn't help but notice how frazzled she looked, yet at the same time she looked so beautiful to him. Her hair, that dress, her skin. Severus licked his lips wondering what her skin would taste like.
"You want to court me?" Hermione asked, her voice clearly telling him that she was confused by the idea. He saw the lines crease her forehead as she looked up at him where he stood a safe distance away.
"I believe it would be the best course of action for our situation." Severus replied.
"But, we're married." The lines in her forehead got even deeper.
"True, but we do not even know each other." He caught her glare at him, no doubt the thought that they had been working together for over three years and had barely spoken to each other in that time passed through her mind.
"Hence the courting," Hermione returned, sighing and looking down at her hands. "Where am I to stay?"
Severus gulped. He hadn't given that idea much train of thought.
"Well," he began, shifting his wait from foot to foot. "Seeing as how we both are teaching at Hogwarts, it would be convenient for us to stay there if you wish."
"I would like that." Hermione replied.
"We could either move your things, or move mine. We could also find another room that is vacant in the castle."
"I really don't have that much stuff," Hermione said, looking back up at her husband. "I'm sure, that with a little help from the house elf staff that I could have everything moved into your quarters in an hour."
"That would work." Severus supplied.
The crisis at that moment was averted. They had rationally figured out living arrangements, their first major decision as husband and wife. Severus felt a swell of pride at accomplishing such a minor task as a husband. He really could do this after all.
"This place is nice," Hermione went on. She looked about the small, single room cabin. "Who's is it?"
"It's Albus'. He thought it would be nice."
"It's cozy."
"Minuscule is more like it."
"It's a cabin, therefore it's cozy."
"As you say, wife." Severus replied with a grin. His heart warmed when she smiled at the name he used. "Shall we get going? There is much for us to do this evening."
"Yes, let's go." She rose from the couch and placed her hand in his outstretched one. "You can then begin to court me."