Author's Note: Written for…

Ultimate OTP Competition. Prompt: "Actually, I don't want to have kids. Ever."

-first installment-

"I thought you were only supposed to carry your bride over the threshold on the wedding night," Hermione teased, her hands clasped tightly around her husband as he maneuvered her through the doorway of an unfamiliar house.

Severus scowled. "I hardly think my chambers at the school qualify as a home, though you've been most obliging of my schedule this past year."

"It doesn't make much sense for us to get a real house if I'm never going to see you," she commented. Her eyes wandered around the house he'd brought her to, wondering why he had. They made the decision to live at Hogwarts before they were even married.

"It's my turn to be considerate," he told her, setting her down on the carpeted floor so she could wander about.

The house appeared to be furnished, or the downstairs at the very least. Everything seemed new but comfortable and in soothing colors. The sort of house she imagined herself living in before fate took her down a different path.

"There are three bedrooms upstairs, and a large garden," Severus told her. His stomach twisted anxiously like it only did when he was around her. "Do you like it?"

Hermione eyed him suspiciously. "Of course, Severus. It's beautiful. Now, are you going to tell me what we're doing here?"

He grinned widely and said, "Welcome to your new home." He handed her a set of keys.

She stared at them for a moment, rubbing her fingers over the cool metal, before flinging her arms around Severus' neck and mumbling her thanks in between excited squeals.

"It's close by the Ministry so you won't have long to get to work," he explained once she calmed down enough to listen. "And I've already set up the Floo network. Once term starts I'll just Floo to my office every morning. Do you really like it?"

"I love it, Severus."

"Good. I know it's a bit big for two people, but I thought once we have children it'll fill quite fast."

The shift in Hermione was instant and obvious. Her smile was gone and her eyes downcast. She was fidgeting with the keys.

"Hermione? Did I say something wrong?"

"No." She answered too quickly and he quirked an eyebrow. "It's just that … well. Actually, I don't want to have kids. Ever."

He thought for a moment that she was joking, but her stance was wrong.

They'd never discussed having children before, but Severus had always believed it was an obvious progression. Hermione was young and had so much love. Not to mention, her mother had been pestering for grandchildren for some time. He couldn't recall his wife ever mentioning an aversion to parenthood then.

"I should've told you sooner," she said when he hadn't commented after a moment. "I honestly didn't think the subject would come up."

"Why not?"

"I didn't know you wanted children. I didn't think … I'm sorry."

He wrapped his arms around her, feeling her relax into him. "I'm not upset, only surprised. I thought you would want a family. And with Ginny pregnant-"

"I know, I've thought about it. I just don't think parenting it for me." She looked up at him, brown eyes wide and searching. "You're sure you're alright with not having children?"

She looked so scared for that moment. Severus smiled reassuringly. "I'm simply happy having you in my life."