Severus took a steady step forward.
His smoldering black eyes were drawn to the once believe rarity of beauty and the unattainable emblem that stood before him. He moved around her in deep concentration, admiring the flawless glow that surrounded her. The feeling of it was indescribable, knowing it was so much more than he could believe. The Potion's Master suddenly stopped and caught her by the waist.
She gasped.
"Breathe," he reminded her. He rested his hands on her shoulders. When all seemed impossible, Hermione let the walls over her distrust down.
It destroyed him that he was the cause of such distrust.
The man that had touched and defiled her during their first coupling was now bestowing the tender touches that she deserved. The marred skin, the fresh wounds of his sacrifice still shined longingly on his body, as well as her own.
"Severus," she pleaded and his heart finally gave out.
"Tell me what you want."
"I want you," she breathed, her breasts bouncing slightly at the exertion of keeping still. "I'm about to catch on fire."
"Then let me quench you," he dipped his head to the side, just as she tilted hers, and kissed her.