A collection of one shots, fragments and oddments that I've tidied up while struggling line by line with another of my stories. I will add to the collection when time allows, some may be expanded some not,they are not connected and do not follow on from one another in anyway. My thanks for taking the time to read them.

Title: The Perfect Kiss

Author: Tallis37

Pairing: Severus/Hermione

Rating: K

Warnings: Light and Fluffy

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Summary: What constitutes the perfect kiss?

It was a textbook perfect kiss.

It started with that intense look, gazing into her eyes searching her soul seeking out her most intimate thoughts. Then the smile, small, suggestive as if he knew exactly what she needed from him followed by the ever so casual but deliberately slow lean towards her, the feather light touch of his fingertips on her jaw, not grasping or holding but steadying. The tilt of his head so he was perfectly aligned with her; his lips dry and welcoming, parted just enough, his eyes closing a moment before making contact. His lips tenderly pressing on hers opening her to his tongue, softly seeking hers in gentle, smooth caresses. Opening his eyes he pulled back, his gaze never wavering from hers.

As he reached to embrace her she stopped him, pushing, holding, keeping him at arms length.

"No. Ron"

"But..."

"I know," she sighed. "It was the perfect kiss, too perfect, I don't need to know who taught you that technique, although I commend you on your diligent study, it isn't what I want though, what I need."

"I always hoped we'd be married, Hermione. Be happy someday, like Harry and Ginny, officially make you part of our family."

"Oh Ron!" She drew him close then, hugged him as fiercely as she had during their schooldays. "I will always be a part of your family, as you will always be a part of mine, just not in the way we originally thought."

He released her and looked carefully as if he wasn't sure who or what he would see. " I had to try one last time, just to make sure..."

She kissed him on his cheek, "I know Ron, I know. Go on home now."

She turned and walked away.

"He doesn't deserve you, you know," he called.

She paused without turning round, "We all deserve happiness Ronald, he especially, " Then she apparated away...

She went to where she knew he was waiting, always waiting, surprised to find him up, sitting in a chair beside his bed watching the nurses replace his bedding.

She had found Professor Severus Snape in St Bartholomew's a month after the fall of Voldemort. She could not ascertain how he arrived there, he probably knew but he couldn't or wouldn't talk beyond what was necessary. Often pointing at his throat and the injuries there when confronted with probing questions. She didn't know if he even knew who she was when she first arrived or what he remembered of her, yet she visited him almost everyday, month upon month. Initially she told him it was for the exceptional view of the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral there was from his room. They both were now fully aware that it was much more than that.

He was being transferred to St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries today. His entire left side was still sluggish and no longer responded to Muggle Physiotherapy and in her not so humble opinion, it was about time he was given the recognition he was due. She was determined he would receive it, that meant once and for all closing the ever revolving door on her 'relationship' with Ronald Weasley and never leaving the side of her former Professor.

"Severus."

He reached for her silently, pulling her to him dragging her down to his lap. He cocked his head, raising an eyebrow with a wordless enquiry, glancing to the clock.

"I know, I'm late. Severus, I apologise, I had to meet with an old friend, it took a little longer than anticipated."

His only response was a cracked, gravelly growl before crushing her lips with his. It was rough, clumsy, noses bumping, teeth clashing, tongues thrusting, lungs gasping but it was honest, desperate, passionate. Their Perfect Kiss.

He looked at her breathlessly, again raising that ever so expressive eyebrow.

"No Severus," She smiled, "I will not be leaving you again."

Authors Notes;

St Bartholomew's is an NHS hospital in London very near St Paul's Cathedral. I have no idea whether there is a good view of the Cathedral from any of their wards as I have never been.

I wrote this in about half an hour while battling with my LM/HG story; A Broken Man.

It's the first time I've written anything at speed, I'm more inclined to add far more detail than necessary so it was an interesting exercise one that I don't feel was entirely successful. I was still compelled to add some qualification regarding SS and HG and how the entire situation came to be...

Anyway, it's light and fluffy and gave me a break from Lucius' Dark Moods!!