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Chapter 7

Hermione blinked her eyes open to the sound of thunder. She tried to stand up, only to find that she was apparently in the middle of an earthquake as the floor was diving left and right away from her stockinged feet. Someone was shouting her name at her, and shooing her apparently. Was this a dream? She blinked against the blinding light—what was happening?—and stumbled over to the front door, because she recalled that during an earthquake one should stand in a doorframe. She opened her door and came face to face with Severus.

Severus had gotten up the next morning a bit bleary-eyed. His head was pounding, and it felt like there was a dead rabbit in his mouth. He stumbled over to the small cupboard where he kept his food and some of the medicinal potions he had purchased in Abbotslea.

Once he downed a hangover potion, he grabbed clothes and towel and headed to the bathroom to clean up. As he passed Hermione's door on the way back to his room, he wondered how she felt this morning.

He put a rasher of bacon into the frying pan to cook and as he was picking up the glasses they had drunk from the night before, he noticed Hermione's shoes under the table. Putting a stasis charm on his breakfast, he picked up the shoes, grabbed an extra vial of hangover potion, and headed across the hall to her room.

He pounded on her door and in a minute, heard some stumbling from within. The door cracked open, and he saw a bleary, brown eyeball peek out, and then the door opened wider. One hand was in his pocket, the other was holding her pumps out for her. She clutched the doorframe for support and tried to focus on his imposing figure. "What happened?" she asked, tongue feeling dry and tasting foul.

"You attempted to use alcohol to erase the memories of your wrongdoings, and the taste of Mr. Tiny-Dick's tongue from your own. Apparently, successfully." He smirked. "You left your shoes on my table. I don't recall the details of how they arrived there."

Severus stepped past her into her apartment and helped her to close the door. "Come on and sit down, I've got a hangover cure potion for you once you're sitting. It's done wonders for me."

Hermione allowed herself to be led to a sturdy perch, focusing on the odd thought that he was touching her, and gently, with care for her arm. Her great brain was overworked at the moment, and it decided to stop working on operating her lungs as it attempted to unravel this new mystery. She choked and gasped, as a pink potion, as thick as Pepto Bismol went down her throat, but then her mind cleared and her aches vanished.

"I was about to eat breakfast in my room. Would you like to join me?"

"Sure."

The pair made their way to Severus' room the air between them was stilted and polite. Severus quickly made another plate of eggs and toast and placing it on the table across from his own plate, he motioned for Hermione to sit.

"Listen, Severus, about last night. I am sorry I got a bit, um…"

"It's all right. You are under a lot of stress between your job and returning your parents memories."

"I know, but that's no excuse." She looked at her plate and pushed her eggs around. "I am sorry I didn't listen to you about Drake. I'm sorry I acted like a schoolgirl when you tried to tell me otherwise."

"It's all right, Hermione," Severus assured her. Silence fell as they finished their food.

"What are you going to do today?" Hermione asked.

"I need to do my laundry," Severus replied, "and get a few groceries. I have some books to return to the library as well."

"Oh," Hermione's eyes brightened and she smiled. "I haven't been to the library in ages. When you go, would you mind if I tagged along?"

"No. I will do my laundry first and then go, say in about two hours?"

"That's fine. I need to write some letters and clean my room."

"I shall knock when I am ready to go."

Two hours later, Severus knocked on Hermione's door. She was slipping into her cardigan as she opened it. "Ready?"

"Of course." Hermione grabbed her books and they left. It was a nice afternoon the library was not far, so they walked rather than Apparated. After a few hours in the library, the couple left, newly chosen books in hand.

Hermione followed Severus into his apartment, unthinkingly, nose already buried in the third chapter of her book. She settled beside him onto the couch they usually shared when she visited. She read a few lines, and then glanced up at Severus. Her eyes continued dancing between his face and the pages, but her mind stayed focused on the small detail that had riveted her attention this morning.

Hermione's stomach growled and she looked at Severus sheepishly. "It's such a nice day, why don't we take our books, get something for lunch and head to the park?" she suggested.

"I'd like that."

The couple headed to the Gladstone Park, stopping along the way to buy some sandwiches, crisps, and drinks. Once at the park, they found a semi-secluded bench and sat down with their lunch. As they ate, they talked about Monica and Wendell, acutely avoiding the topic of their memories.

It was after a lull in the conversation, as they finished their lemon squash, that Hermione asked, "Severus, do you think you'll ever go back to England?"

Severus was thoughtful. "I don't know. What would there be there for me? I certainly don't want to teach again. I've no idea what's become of my house. I imagine the Ministry took what's left."

Hermione finished her sip of drink. "Actually, Minerva had the Hogwarts elves move your belongings to the castle after the war. You were smart to leave your memories for her to find. I told you, you are considered a hero to the Light."

Severus shifted uncomfortably and changed the focus of discussion to Hermione's future plans. "What are your future plans?" He reached over and flicked Hermione's nose.

"Ow!" She slapped him. "Well, my job at the dentistry will continue. I forgot to tell you last night given my disastrous date. Susan decided not to return to the clinic so Monica and Wen offered me a permanent job!"

"Congratulations."

"Severus, have you thought of going to a trade school or something?" Severus raised his eyebrow in question. "I've done some research while at the clinic. Since you are a day laborer, you could qualify for a scholarship to one of the trade schools. You could get a certification in something to find a permanent job."

"It's a thought. I'd have to fabricate some paperwork from a Muggle prep school."

"Well, I am sure someone at the British Ministry owes you a favor."

"Perhaps. I'll think about it."

Hermione smiled. "Good."

They fell silent and picked up their books to read. Reading together is something they had done often. Severus couldn't settle to read though. Last night rested heavily on his mind. He wanted to move into a more intimate relationship with Hermione.

She looked very pretty today in the sunshine. Her hair was pulled back, but a stubborn curl would fall to her face, and she would push it back behind her ear. When it fell again, Severus reach out and tucked it behind her ear for her. But instead of pulling his hand away, he traced her cheek to her chin. Hermione looked at him, her eyes somewhat surprised. She smiled and turned her head back to her book.

Severus knew if he gave into to his desire, the kiss would ruin absolutely everything, but he couldn't seem to help himself. He moved closer and pulled her face gently toward him. He looked into her eyes and leaned forward. Their lips touched, and he pressed his firmly against hers. After a moment, he pulled away. His heart broke when Hermione immediately got up and walked away.

Hermione needed to compose herself. She didn't want to appear like a hormonal teenager in from of him, but she was dancing with joy inside. Finally, FINALLY, he had kissed her! She took a deep breath and turned around, but Severus had disappeared. She looked frantically around and saw him walking quickly away.

"SEVERUS!" She hollered and ran toward him. "Where are you going?" She grabbed his sleeve and turned him toward her, not letting go.

"I'm sorry Hermione, I shouldn't have done that."

"Oh, yes you should have!"

"But you seemed to be upset."

"No, I am not upset, you stupid man. I just didn't want you to see me reacting like an idiot teenager! I have wanted you to kiss me for so long! Please don't go, please?"

Severus stood there. Hermione moved closer, and put her free hand up to catch the back of his head and pulled him closer. "Please, kiss me again."

And he did.

They stood in the warm sunshine kissing each other completely obvious to others around them. Their whole world was right in the three-foot square section of ground their bodies occupied right then. When an escaped ball from a child's game of football hit them, they finally broke apart.

"Sorry mates!" The kid cheerily said. Hermione and Severus just smiled and walked away, arm in arm.

Hermione shifted her dress for the third time. "Alright, one last time. I concentrate on when I tossed up all over Aunty Della's shoes, focusing on the memory while performing the joint spell. And you'll keep them distracted?"

"I've got a plethora of anecdotes to amuse them with." Severus reached an arm around her shoulders and squeezed. "It'll be fine, Hermione." He pressed his lips to her temple and pulled away, fingers trailing down her arm as they heard heeled footsteps approaching the door.

Monica pulled the door open and paused, glancing between the two who seemed to realize how close they were standing and moved apart quickly. Monica smiled and gestured within as she welcomed them. "Ah, Hermione, how are you, dear? And, Stephen, did you finish up that job over at the bank on Third Street? Their landscaping looked lovely when I drove past this morning."

Dinner was going smoothly, although Hermione was a little quieter than usual. "Are you all right, Hermione?" Monica asked.

"Yes, my stomach is just a bit off tonight." Severus squeezed her thigh reassuringly under the table. Hermione began repeating the spell in her head, focusing on the lurid dress and staring at Monica as she subtly traced the spell.

Severus watched as Hermione muttered beneath her breath. He turned his head to watch for any sign of recognition in the older couple's eyes. Wendell glanced between the couple and gave a small nod to Monica.

"So, Stephen," she began, "are you seeing anyone at the moment?" Her eyes danced to Hermione.

Severus was momentarily distracted. "Um, sort of, I guess," he stuttered.

Monica beamed over at him. "Well, tell us about her! Who is she, how'd you meet, have you kissed her yet?"

Hermione glanced up at Severus, eyes watery. She spoke, "Yeah, I'm not feeling myself. I'm so sorry, Monica, Wendell. I just need to go..." And with that Hermione jumped up and ran out of the room, slamming the door behind her as she left the house.

Severus excused himself quickly and went after Hermione. He found her just outside on the pavement, trembling from head to toe. Their last hope, their last attempt to retrieve her parents' memories had failed. Severus pulled her closer to him and Apparated them directly into his room.

When they landed, Hermione clung to him and broke down. Severus stroked her hair and crooned, "Oh my Hermione, shush, don't cry. It's all right. I'm here."

Through her heaving sobs, she spoke, "But it was my last chance to get my parents back. I want my mum!" She stamped her foot while in his embrace. "I want to talk to my mum about all the silly things I did when I was little, I want to have her help me with my wedding day. I want to watch my husband lay my first child in my father's arms."

Severus rocked her, whispering, "I know," over and over, punctuating the words with kisses. "Hermione, it's alright. You can still tell her these things, and then share them with her. You can still have her help you buy your dress, and you can still let him hold your child. You kept them alive, Hermione."

He pulled away, holding her face in his hands and wiping tears from her eyes, "You saved them Hermione. Even if you cannot bring them back, they are still your parents; although they are Monica and Wendell, they want love you, and they want to be involved in your life."

He stepped back, but did not let her go. He lifted a hand to her chin and pulled her face upward. "Hermione, I am here. I will never let you go. I will always be here for you, love."

Hermione sniffled and rubbed her hand across her face. Her lip trembled, but she wasn't crying. She stepped up onto her toes and kissed him. "Thank you." She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him again.

He pulled her closer to him as their kiss continued, wrapping his arms around her again, one hand moving up her back to cradle her head. He tilted her head slightly to take advantage of her sweet lips and flicked his tongue along the bottom one. She opened readily to him. After few moments, when breathing seemed important, they parted and looked at each other again.

Hermione licked her lips and smiled up at him. She kicked her shoes off and moved her hands to the top of her zipper on her dress. "Severus, if you want this to stop, you should say so now." She leaned forward, trailing her lips along his neck.

Severus said nothing, but began to work her dress off and dropped it to the floor. He led her to the bed and sat her down. Kneeling, he removed her stockings and then pulled off his own boots. Hermione scooted farther onto the bed and lay down. Severus, quickly laying next to her, pulled her close. "I love you, Hermione. I want you to know that now so that you know tonight was not only about giving you want you need, but giving you what I wanted to."

Hermione nodded and pulled his head down for a kiss. "I want this very much, too. Have for a while." She helped him pull his shirt up and over his head.

Once he was divested of his shirt, he leaned back in to kiss her. His tongue teased her lips before moving down to trace her jawbone, moving down her neck. He kissed her neck, just above her collarbone and felt her body tighten in response. He chuckled darkly, continuing to kiss and suck the creamy, soft skin that smelled like the jasmine soap she usually used.

His hands were not stationary while his lips worked her skin. His fingers lightly traced her shoulder and arm moving to just enough to tease her, so that she would want more. His hips ground subconsciously against her thigh as he tickled the soft skin of her belly. He moved his hand around to her back to unhook her bra and pulled it away.

Hermione arched up into him, rolling her body along his. His touches and kisses were teasing promises along the edge of her mind, but she wanted more. Her hips danced along his, as his hands tossed her bra into some forgotten corner.

Severus pulled away to look at the woman below him. Her eyes were glassy with lust and her breathing was shallow and quick. He watched as she licked her lips. She moved a hand up to caress his face and he leaned in to it. Giving her another deep kiss, he moved down and gazed at her breasts. They were moderately sized with dusky pink areolae and prominent nipples just begging for attention. Severus took a finger and with his fingernail, very lightly traced the skin of the fullest part of one breast. Hermione moaned with pleasure. Once his finger reached the edge of her areola he traced it, moving in concentric circles until he circled the nipple. He lightly pinched and tweaked it until it was rigid and moved his mouth to it, Hermione breathless in anticipation. He flicked his tongue over it and then moved away with a smirk on his face. He repeated the teasing of her breast and nipple until Hermione issued a warning if he "didn't bloody stop teasing" and so finally wrapped his mouth around her reddened bud and sucked.

Hermione cried out when he finally quit his bloody teasing and dug her fingers through his hair, pulling his mouth more fully onto her breast. "Yes, just there," she said, fingers tightening on his scalp. She moved one of her hands down across his back, digging her nails in any time his tongue swept over the head of her nipple, or his teeth grazed along the tender flesh. Her hand found the waist of his trousers and slipped under the material. She rubbed along his buttock and traced along his hip; he rolled up a bit to let her hand come around to the front where she rubbed across his stomach, skipping over the place he directly wanted her touch.

"Talk about bloody teasing," he chuckled and his own hand moved to her waistband.

She laughed up at him and pulled his mouth up to hers for a quick kiss before she squirmed underneath him and moved his head to the breast he hadn't kissed yet. "Turnabout's fair play. Now get on with it."

Things got very involved after that. Severus took full command and with a wave of his wand, both were completely nude. He moved over her and settled into the cradle of her hips between her legs. He nipped and sucked a moment or two longer at her breasts before kissing his way down the her belly, reveling in the soft warmth and smell of her skin. He scooted back in order to see her pussy and ran his fingers through the downy hair that framed it.

Hermione ran her fingers down his arms and murmured, "Yessss." Severus wasted no further time before leaning down to run his tongue along the cleft of her folds. Hermione bucked in pleasure, and Severus placed his hands on her hips to hold her down. He ran his tongue from her opening up to her clit, sucked it into his mouth, his tongue flicking the tip.

Hermione gripped the sheets as his tongue teased her sensitive folds, hips trying to buck against his stronger hands. "Please," she begged, not fully certain of what she was begging for.

"What, Hermione, what do you want me to do?"

"I want... I want... More, please. More." She moaned thrusting weakly against his grip.

He moved one of his hands lower, one finger slipping in between her folds. "Is this what you wanted?"

"Merlin, yes! Please, more." She moved against his hand, getting a stronger thrust, but still unable to move against him fully.

He smirked and pulled the finger away. "Tell me what you want, then." As he spoke, he moved upward and into position, his cock just at her opening. "Is this what you want?"

Hermione nodded frantically, "Yes. I want you...all of you."

Severus looked directly at her, "If I take this last step, Hermione, you will be mine forever. Are you sure you want all of me?"

Hermione placed both hands on Severus' face and pulled him to just an inch of her own. "I choose forever," she breathed against his lips.

Severus thrust slowly forward. When he was deeply seated, he kissed her again and then began to move within her. He could feel her muscles fluttering around his cock, and he had to concentrate so as not to end this too soon.

Hermione kissed him, and as he was pulling back, she rolled them over, straddling her legs on either side of his hips. "That's what I want." She rolled her hips along his, moaning, and laid herself flat along him, her nipples kissing along his. Hermione moved up and kissed him, tracing her hands along his arms and pinning them above his head. She began to move herself slowly up and down along his length, teasing the both of them, stomach muscles tensing and clenching with each movement.

Severus' head was spinning. This little witch was taking command of his heart, soul, and now his body, and he was more than willing to let her. Of all the torture he ever experienced, this was the sweetest. After a few minutes of Hermione's movements, he began to add his own, thrusting his hips upwards as Hermione moved down. She moaned in delight as the extra motion increased the movement over her G-spot.

Her hands moved down from his wrists, coming to support her body across his chest as they moved in tandem. His hands, now free, moved down along her ribcage.

Hermione quickly sat straight up, and Severus brought one hand to guide her hips, and the other he slipped between them to rub her clit. "Oh yes, so close...so close," she moaned. Severus increased his thrust in response.

Hermione moved against him, seeking out her release, and looked down at his dark eyes, focusing on them.

"Hermione, I won't," Severus panted, "last much longer. You're too sweet. Gods, I love you."

Hermione nodded at him, beyond words, and climaxed over him, arms collapsing under her as she lay across him. She continued to move, pushing downward as his hands guided her hips. It only took a few more strokes before he came, grunting in satisfaction with each spasm.

When he was done, his arms dropped helplessly on either side of his body. Hermione slid off, but cuddled into his side. Both lay panting for a moment, idly stroking each other as they regained their wits and strength.