Summary:

The Plague crisis has been quelled and healing comes in different forms. Hermione and Severus reach new levels in their relationship, and happily ever after isn't really the end.

Beta read thanks to Tanguera!

Reviews are very much appreciated. Review replies are found at the end, and a few plot points that never made it into the chapters of Spoonful!

The demand for Hogsland help from the British Wizarding World resulted in a strange increase in media exposure, leading to unwanted celebrity status for Minister Longbottom. All the other wizarding communities took notice of the judicious handling of the Second War Plague, and were starting negotiations and discussions with the new country. Neville was developing a reputation of giving interesting if not rare herbological gifts to his counterparts, and being a quiet leader adept at reading body language. Every Forester and Meader had a warm and dry place to sleep, and were employed to contribute to Hogsland. The brewing team was starting to keep normal business hours for potions export, and several had joined the production team for the ever-growing Madam Garner's Spoonful of Sugar product line. The updating planners seemed to give alerts at a more sedate and routine pace, enough for Blaise to fall ill with a hacking cough and sleep in for a week without incident. Theo filled in, until his partner recovered, and then catching the cold himself with a bonus of bronchitis. Snape simply poured vitamin potions into the teapot every morning, and herding Hermione around with his wheelchair away from anyone with symptoms.

Molly Weasley groaned as her therapist and mind-healer pulled out the dreaded paints. She had always been pants at painting and the therapist insisted on using them every week. The potions she took after each session were starting to produce a noticeable effect. She had noticed the decrease in arguments with her children, and Arthur had stopped disappearing for long periods of time into his shed. It was a bit of a shock when Molly realized she hadn't begged her children to visit for dinner since the first week of potions, or that she wasn't always exhausted like before the Plague. The mind-healer and therapist were still adjusting her dosages to coordinate with her changing hormones; but for the first time since as far as she could remember, Molly had moments of happiness she didn't have to fake.

Hermione sometimes hated brainstorming with Neefa. The house-elf was swift and curt in her judgement, and would not elaborate unless prodded, but every suggestion was given due process if only in a lightning moment. Currently, they were working on the best way to mass produce a new hydrating gum product, possibly with a few refugees as employees and some muggle equipment. If Honeydukes needed to have an expansion facility added, what was the current workload of the Hogwarts elves? How many elves would they need to hire? They were already halfway through the list, was there a need to update it?

There was a trill from her planner, Hermione frowned, her wand didn't have a timer on and her brewing shift didn't start until tomorrow. What could possibly cause an alert? She put away her recipes and dug out the thick leather planner. The date glowed, First day of NEWT studying. She laughed at her year younger self. NEWTs seemed such a far and away concern. Yet it did pose problems as most of the brewing team, Pomfrey's assistant, the Minister of Hogsland, the Undersecretary and a communications liaison would need studying time. Severus could take over the brewing responsibilities with several evaluated students or citizens. If they chose to stay, more bodies wouldn't hurt the shifts and allow sick days and vacations. A house elf and citizen could cover for Luna, and help Ginny keep the response time down between automatic replies and follow-up. After the initial overwhelming influx, the Floo and owl mail were now defaulted to

The Communications Office of Hogsland appreciates your interest, please know that if your communique requires more in-depth response, a staff member will send correspondence as soon as possible. Thank you.

Hermione made sure to note that the Minister and Undersecretaries schedules needed to be cleared. "Severus, would you please arrange for help in brewing from the sixth years or a citizen? NEWTs will leave us quite short-staffed."

"Pomfrey, please be advised that NEWTs studying will decrease peripheral Hospital Wing hours for Hannah and the brewing team. Jonas may be able to suggest a few citizens."

It was understood that relations with the Ministry were rocky even after saving their world from an energy induced plague, rescheduling of any standard exams would not be looked on favorably without extreme cause. Like a terrorist group destroying the school and the need to clear 80 dead bodies from the grounds, Hermione thought wryly.

She left the kitchens after packing the prototypes up to be sent to Flume for inspection with a copy of her notes, thanked Neefa and left. She made sure there wasn't anything pressing left to delegate, then rolled her neck. It was time for a vacation, and studying for NEWTs was as convenient as any staycation, she paused and switched her mindset. Surely she would have to visit a therapist later. But for now, she switched from survival pragmatist Hermione Granger to studious perfectionist Hermione Granger. She found Luna, Theo and a member of the brewing team flipping through textbooks at the mismatch table sitting on duplicated stools. Other students in the newly restocked library chose the new tables and chairs. Those in the thick of Hogsland's formation seemed to prefer the section that still bore singe marks; the darker wood was the last indication of the repaired charred flooring, and scent wisps of fire still invaded at odd moments. The break in the flooring almost served as a barrier, the younger students either respecting their study space or fearing physical manifestation of their power. The other two scorched tables had elongated legs or wadded pieces of paper wedged under the supposedly wobbly support. Hermione smiled to herself. Trust them to gravitate towards fixing the broken, rather than using the new.

Not any surprise that they passed their NEWTs with ease, in the grand scheme of things, they had already used all the tested curriculum in a practical aspect. Hermione and Blaise tied for across the board Outstandings, yet both only took a moment to read their results in satisfaction, before rushing off to sort out the four dragons British wizards had encouraged to wander into Hogsland territory.

"Well, Severus. I was getting a bit worried there, during the Plague. You weren't taking as much care." Pomfrey held out a light ash crook cane, watching the potions master curl his lip in disgust. "The weakness in your left leg will only cure with time and regular exercise." Snape took the cane gingerly and nodded, before sweeping away as gracefully as his left leg would allow. The tap against stone gave students in the halls a rabbit-like demeanor. They would freeze, scan for the sound source, then scramble away. Severus sighed, so much for stealth in night-time patrols. He reached the door of his quarters and sniffed the air delicately. The familiar scent of potion residue, vanilla and sugar meant Hermione was ensconced inside. The slytherin smiled minutely before entering. Severus found her curled up on the loveseat, editing their latest potion journal critique. Hermione noticed the lack of wheelchair and beamed.

"That's wonderful! But that doesn't match, may I see?" The ash accoutrement landed in Hermione's hands, and Severus watched her place it aside. She rummaged around at the side of the couch, and pulled out a plain but elegant, silver handled and tipped, black walking stick. The polished wood gleamed sinisterly in the firelight as he took it from her and a pleased quirk of his lips was her only warning. Severus waved their clothes to the wingback chair with a brisk sweep of his wand, and knelt on the plush carpet to throw her knees over his shoulders. Her gasps and moans were the perfect soundtrack to his tongue sliding through her folds, searching for honey to slake his thirst. It wasn't long before he felt her walls flutter with her impending release, and her fingers through his hair started tugging. Hermione wailed as he added a third finger to his strokes and his tongue swirled faster around her clit. She could feel her toes curling before she slammed into a wall of bliss. Severus' eyes glittered as he inspected the panting mess of witch speared on his fingers.

"I have been instructed to partake in regular exercise. You don't have any objections in helping me, do you?" He didn't wait for an answer before levitating her to the bedroom, confident that Blaise would ensure no interruptions after he vaguely instructed the younger slytherin to not bother them till Thursday.

Hermione felt sore and sticky and absolutely wonderful. Her head propped up by Severus' shoulder, his long calloused fingers randomly rubbing her back gently while she straddled his lap. They had made love all of yesterday and this morning. It was rare that they weren't interrupted for so long, and she was able to enjoy his single-minded focus. The smell of bergamot made Hermione push back hair from her face. The tea tray floating in from the kitchen startled a giggle from her. Severus set his wand back on his bedside table, and helped his Gryffindor rearrange her limbs, to sit upright beside him against the headboard, and take the teacup without spilling. His fingers tangled in her too long hair, Hermione always thought to get it trimmed but never managed to make an appointment. She paused mid-sip at his next words.

"Dear heart. Would you be opposed to making this arrangement more permanent?" Hermione carefully replayed the words and translated from Snape-speak to English.

"Well, I'm not opposed to it, I'd like to think about it. Maybe when I'm not addled by endorphin overload?" She closely studied his face and only found relief and a small smile. "Will you give me a week?" Snape answered with a soft kiss. Then poured himself another cup and bit into a digestive biscuit.

He was still inside her on the next Thursday evening. Sitting leaned back against the headboard. Hermione still panting against his shoulder and hair in a knotted afro. Their bodies slowly cooling while she half-listened to his murmurs into her hair. It took a few moments for her to process his murmurs.

"...We suit in interests and skills complement the other. Obviously, we're sexually compatible and agree on offspring and money management. I wouldn't insist on any name change." Hermione slowly lifted her head, realizing what he was talking about. "And it would be most beneficial on taxes." He shifted his legs and caused Hermione to moan with the movement of his half-hard cock still inside her. Hermione smoothed back her hair, and lifted off his lap. His dick twitched at the loss of heat.

"I can't have this conversation with you inside me, it's too distracting." Hermione rolled onto her back and looked up at the slightly anxious face of one Severus Snape. She realized he was indeed very serious. She smiled. "If you haven't picked out a ring yet, I would like to choose it myself. After all, I hope to wear it for the rest of my years." She kissed him when he bent over her with a look of relief. She spoke against his lips. "Yes darling, I'll marry you. For the taxes, you know."

Hermione and Snape were quietly married by Minister Longbottom, witnessed by Blaise and a pregnant Luna. Harry staunchly ignored the guffaws from Theo, carrying Hermione's kneazle and giving his shoulder as a perch to her tiny owl, Ginny pinching the slytherin's arm firmly. Jonas Grimp watched the ceremony with the rest of the Council, fingering the velvet box in his pocket, and sacrificing his handkerchief to Hagrid's happy tears. Neefa's ears quivered in approval when the magic of their vows enveloped the bride and groom. Ambrosius quietly placed bets in the corner with his wife Cariana, on the timing of the first dark, curly haired child with expressive eyebrows. The brewing team slipping Hannah Pepper-Up potions to keep her from nodding off while the rings were exchanged from a rough midnight shift. The young medi-witch sighed in relief when Luna took the obligatory picture, and excused herself from the brunch for bed. The next day Ginny buried the small-print, all text wedding announcement deep in the Quibbler ads and classifieds.

No one outside of Hogsland found out about their marriage till 2 years later, when Blaise Zabini threw the largest wedding the considerable fortunes of Zabini and Nott could manage without looking ridiculous. It was a public statement to the rest of the Wizarding World, same-sex relations were allowed and supported in Hogsland. Also, Blaise's mother was finally convinced this was the only way she would have a wedding for her son, and Theo wanted to send a giant 'fuck you' to his Azkaban imprisoned father. An entirely separate edition of the Quibbler detailed the entire event down to the bridal party of maids and grooms where Hermione wickedly allowed her married name be used, as her baby bump was just starting to show.

"Well, my dear. As sad as I am to see you leave, I'm curious, what will you do?" Hermione watched Cariana bounce her squealing child. "Will you finally step into the spotlight? Take credit for your work?" The brunette smiled and set her teacup into its saucer with a soft click.

"Severus and I will be accompanying Neville on his tour. Unofficially. Coinciding our visits with potions contacts. There has been a spate of recent major world disasters, and more than a few communities still suffering from the aftermath of older incidents. The Minister won't be able to suss out the full story from the propaganda by himself."

"Ah, so no spotlight. But is it wise to bring a child with you?" Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"What better way for a child to learn what 'making an impact' actually means? Severus and I have always found it more effective working behind-the-scenes."

I have very much enjoyed sharing this story with all of you! I am fleshing out a few more story plots, so I hope you will enjoy my next posts. Thank so much for reading!

Review Reply: In no particular order...

Pgoodrichboggs: I have forgotten to tell people about life-changing events, sometimes it's humorous and sometimes you get a disconnected reaction like with Ron. Luna is a wonderful character that I sadly didn't utilize as much as I should have. As irritating as Molly can be, she's still Ginny's mum, I hope it came across as a realistic interaction.

Sunset oasis: I'm glad you liked the last chapter! Hope you like the ending.

Klo: I honestly considered rewriting so much after your review, the last chapter had already been written and was to be beta read, and then in limbo as life got in the way with both me and Tanguera. The children in a family are always the first to notice when something isn't quite right. Ron may not be bright but he can still be devoted to his family. Minerva and Flitwick unfortunately didn't make it into the ending chapter! Haha, I was already working on completely separate storylines until I got your review and started thinking I would have enough material for a sequel. For now, I will post the following facts I couldn't fit in:

- Yes, Bill and Fleur move to Hogsland, Fleur actually ends up being the book keeper for the pre-Hogwarts day camp and Hogwarts.

- Ron helps his mum normalize and winds up being the go-to guy for Auror/Social Services relations and falls in love with an apprentice baker, all the kids love him because he always has a cupcake in his pocket.

- Luna and Jonas have a traditional handfasting naked under a full moon, and she sets records having two sets of identical triplets. Jonas is deliriously happy with his litter of children but has to give up ever surprising any of them as they are all have eery Seer traits. Instead, he trains them for the gambling circuit. Aberforth babysits often.

- Kingsley and MoM never reach a feeling of routine with Hogsland, because Hogsland government just enjoys breaking with tradition and Theo loves seeing Kingsley flustered. Blaise regularly laughs in the face of MoM toadies saying 'It just isn't done!'

- Minerva and Flitwick realize the need to hire secretaries. They hire goblins to scare off the faint-hearted and cut down on frivolous requests. Flitwick slowly moves into research and Minerva takes on an apprentice so she can travel and speak at conferences. Her apprentice will then publish a memoir of her mentor's life with the draft title 'Shit McGonagall Dealt With'.