Severus sighed as he re-read the entry for his last birthday. All things considered it had been a successful twelve months.
He had achieved his major aim of out living the dark lord, partially thanks to the Insufferable Know-It-All and her time turner, He was still Head Master of Hogwarts, but, the greatest surprise of the last three months had been that Hermione returned his affection.
He was disturbed from his thoughts by a soft kiss on his right cheek, turning he was greeted by Hermione's warm smile and welcome embrace.
"Happy Birthday Severus, ready for dessert" purred HIS Lioness.
Pondering his response, Severus looked at Hermione and without a word scooped her up like a rag doll.
"I have a better idea" he growled
Severus carried Hermione towards his bedroom, kicking the door open with his foot nearly dropping Hermione when he looked into the room.
"But...how...when...wh..." Severus stumbled.
The room was gently lit with candle light and the bed was littered with rose petals and had green and silver silk sheets on.
"I had a little help from a friend" she purred in his ear sending warmth down his spine.
How very Slytherin of you" purred Severus
"Stop it Severus, that tickles" giggled Hermione.
"What made you do this; I mean no-one has ever done anything this romantic for me"
"I wanted to do something special for you" she stumbled "after all it is your birthday today I wanted to show you how much you mean to me, how much I ..." she stopped herself...was it too soon?
"How much you what?" questioned Severus looking into Hermione's eyes and raising one eyebrow with a smirk on his face.
"How much I...your going to make me say it first aren't you?...I love you " Hermione whispered.