A / N : Thanks to everyone that has put this on their alert and favourite lists and also to those that have reviewed. The wait wasn't so long for this one and I hope it won't be for the next one which I have already started to write. I hope you enjoy this chapter. And just as a WARNING this chapter IS a M rated chapter.

I'd like to dedicate this chapter to dearest and loyal friend L . I hope you enjoy this chapter chick!

Chapter Ten: Fifth Year Summer Holiday

Hermione was already at McGonagall manor when Severus arrived, having been delayed by Albus by more than half an hour. She was curled up on the sofa in front of the roaring fire, her nose in a muggle fiction book, one of the new ones she had found in her mothers collection. Her eyes moved rapidly over the page and Severus stood and watched her as she read, completely immersed in the novel. Hermione sensed someone behind her and quickly brought herself out of her novel.

"Hello my darling," Severus whispered.

"Severus!" Hermione all but flew out of the chair and into Severus' arms.

Severus held her close and Hermione rested her head on his chest. After a few minutes, she looked up and smiled. He smiled back before placing a gentle kiss on her lips. Hermione deepened it and it soon became heated. When they broke apart for air, Severus was frustrated and Hermione was hot and bothered. There was this feeling in her lower stomach that she had the urge to get rid of. She knew when she needed to sate herself and this was one of those time, only, she wished that the strong man holding her could do it instead. After taking a few deep breaths, Hermione and Severus sat down on the sofa. Hermione was curled into his side and Severus had one arm around her waist while his free hand entwined with hers.

"Why are you here?"

"Your mother asked for me to spend the summer here with you both."

"Why didn't she tell me? Why didn't you tell me?"

"She wanted it to be a surprise and she asked me not to tell you."

"Well it was a surprise." Hermione pecked his lips. "A very welcome surprise."

Severus smirked at her. "I'm glad."

They sat like that in silence, exchanging kisses and caresses until Minerva came to show Severus to his room.

"But Mom!"

"No buts, if you pair continue to behave for two weeks, and then you may go back to the original plan."

Hermione rolled her eyes but nodded. She could but hope that he was in the room next to hers.

~0~0~

The next morning came around quickly. Hermione hadn't slept much that night and wasn't feeling too well. Severus was the last one to go down to the kitchen/dining room as both Minerva and Hermione awoke with the sun. Hermione was sat at the table nursing a strong cup of tea; her breakfast was untouched in front of her. Minerva was sat next to her, her empty plate was in the middle of the table and her hands were wrapped around a steaming mug of tea. Severus sat on the other side of Hermione and reached for on of her hands, which Hermione gladly gave to him. He made soothing circles on her hand while waiting for his food to be brought in by the house elves.

"Darling," Severus whispered. "Are you okay?"

Hermione nodded. "Just tired; didn't sleep too well last night is all."

Severus squeezed her hand before letting go gently to eat his breakfast. Hermione looked at the two of them and smiled.

"What do you two want to do today?"

Hermione shrugged. "Was thinking of doing some writing."

"I was hoping Hermione would help me brew your potion today, but I don't want her to feel more unwell."

Minerva nodded. "Mind if I join you in the library today Hermione?"

She shook her head, stood and went for the library.

"How is she Minerva?"

"She's not very well. I don't think she got any sleep last night. She was down here before me and I wake up with the sun. Have done for as long as I can remember."

Severus nodded. "I'll make some headache and dreamless sleep potions as well today just in case she needs them."

Minerva nodded. "She'll appreciate that."

Severus nodded. "I'm going to go and see her before I head downstairs."

Minerva nodded. "I'll clean up in here; give you some time alone with her."

Severus nodded and headed for the library. Hermione turned and smiled at Severus when she felt him stand behind her.

"Hello love."

"Hello Darling, are you okay?"

Hermione nodded. "Didn't sleep very well."

Severus placed his hands on her shoulders and started to make soothing circles. Hermione leaned her head back and closed her eyes. Severus placed a kiss to her forehead and she smiled.

"What are going to do today?"

"I'm going to brew your mother's potion and some dreamless sleep and headache potions for you."

Hermione smiled. "Thank you."

"When I'm done do you want me to come and lay with you while you have a nap?"

"Please." Hermione sighed. "I really don't feel well."

Severus sat next to her and brought her into his arms. Hermione rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. Severus kissed her crown and they stayed like that until Minerva came in. Severus and Hermione stood and Hermione gave him a hug.

"What time will you be finished?"

"About two."

"Okay. Come and get me?"

"Of course." Severus brushed their lips together briefly before kissing her forehead and heading down to the potions lab.

Hermione grabbed her muggle folder, paper and pen and curled up in the corner of the sofa that was next to the blazing fire and lost herself in her own little world.

Minerva sat at the desk that Hermione and Severus had been at when she had come in after cleaning up in the dining room and kitchen. She was marking some of the worst essays she had read in a long time and couldn't wait to get to her daughter's. She sighed. The quicker she got through this, the quicker she could spend as much time as possible with her daughter. She knew that they hadn't spent as much time together recently and she was hoping to change that, even with Severus about.

~0~0~

At 2 o'clock as promised, Severus arrived at the library to spend the afternoon with Hermione. He went up to Minerva and handed her, her potion.

"Thank you, Severus."

"Not a problem." He took a breath. "Would you mind if I took Hermione to her room to get a nap?"

"You want to stay with her." It was more a statement than a question.

Severus nodded. "She didn't sleep last night Minerva. She's only going to make herself more unwell if she doesn't get any sleep."

Minerva nodded. "I want you both down for dinner at half five."

Severus nodded and went and sat next to Hermione who was still curled up in the same position on the sofa that she sat herself in when Severus had left to brew.

Hermione turned to him and smiled. "Have you finished?"

"I have. Are you ready for your nap?"

Hermione nodded. "Let me finish this sentence." She turned back to her paper and finished what she was writing before placing it all back into her folder and holding it to her chest when she stood up. "I'm ready."

"Come on then." Severus too stood and reached for her hand and she gave it, entwining their fingers.

Hermione looked over at her mother who was watching the exchange and smiled.

"Sleep well Kitten."

"I'll try mom."

Minerva nodded and turned back to her work as the pair walked out and up to Hermione's bedroom. Once there, Hermione changed into a pair of her silk pyjamas and snuggled under the quilt. Severus shred his clothing and in just his boxers, he joined her under the sheets and spooned up behind her. Hermione sighed and turned over, smiling at him. He smiled back and brushed their lips together. Hermione deepened the kiss and Severus rolled on top of her. They continued to passionately kiss until Hermione's hands started to wonder over Severus' lower body. Severus rolled back onto his back and Hermione snuggled into his side.

"I wish I was seventeen."

"Me too Darling, me too." Severus pressed a kiss to her crown before closing his eyes.

If Minerva were to look in on them she would see two people deeply in love entwined with each other as they peacefully slept.

~0~0~

The days leading up to Hermione's birthday went by quickly. After the first week, Minerva had allowed Severus to stay with Hermione in her bedroom and since then, she had been sleeping without a problem. Every day she would help Severus brew, help her mother out with things around the house or simply spend time with her and for an hour before bed, she would either read or write. Severus was happy that he was spending time with Hermione, but he was getting worried that he hadn't been called to the Dark Lord's side since the beginning of the previous school year. He had already spoken to Albus whom told him not to worry about it and enjoy the time he was able to spend with Hermione. This only worried him more and he had sent a letter to Lucius (who was also a spy for the order of phoenix) requesting a meeting with him to find out what the hell was going on as the bumbling old man was refusing to tell him something. He was brought out of his current depressing thoughts by Hermione who had sat herself next to him on the sofa in the library.

"Are you okay, Sev? You've been quite these past few days."

"I'm fine darling, just been thinking."

"Want to share?"

"Not until I have all the facts."

Hermione nodded. "Want to hold me then? Mom's gone to Hogwarts for the day."

Severus nodded and brought her into his arms. He pressed a kiss to her crown and she sighed contently. She loved it when they would pass the day just holding each other.

"Anything you want to do today?"

Hermione shook her head. "I was hoping we could waste the day away doing nothing."

"Sounds like a plan."

Hermione smiled and closed the gap between them, bringing their lips together in a passionate kiss. They jumped apart when someone in the fireplace cleared their throat.

"Sorry if I'm interrupting Severus, what is it that your letter said was so urgent?"

Severus looked at Hermione trying to decide if she should stay or not, but in the end decided that she was going to find out sooner or later and he'd rather her find out from the horses mouth, so to speak. He tightened his hold on Hermione and turned his attention to Lucius.

"I have not been called for just under a year and I need to know why. I'm starting to get worried."

"Have you spoken to Dumbledore?"

"He's hiding something. I was hoping you would be able to tell me what."

"I do know what he is hiding dear friend, but I cannot tell you."

Severus looked at Hermione who nodded and left the room to make coffee for him. "I love Hermione and if I'm on edge all the time I cannot protect her. I cannot lose her Lucius, she is what I live for."

"I understand dear friend, but I cannot say a word."

"Lucius, please, I need to know what the hell is going on!" he raised his voice and was thankful that Minerva was at Hogwarts.

Lucius sighed and gave in. "Just for the record, I tell you this with protest."

"Noted."

"Dumbledore had me report that you are still loyal to the Dark Lord, but are exploring a way in which you can get closer to Potter and at the same time gain yourself an hire."

"Is that it?"

Lucius nodded. "He said he will send messages for you through me and will not call upon you again."

Severus nodded. "Can you see that that happens please, Lucius."

"I shall." Lucius' head disappeared from the flames and he turned to see Hermione stood there holding two steaming mugs and looking as white as a ghost.

Severus brought her down next to him and after placing the mugs of the table in front of them, he brought her in his arms and held her tight. "Are you okay?"

She nodded. "That wasn't true, what he just said was it?"

"Merlin no, Hermione. I love you with all my heart. My best guess would be that your mother didn't want you to be going out with a death eater so got Albus to take me out of the Dark Lord's circle altogether."

Hermione nodded. "Does that mean you don't have to go to raid and stuff like that?"

Severus nodded. "As you heard I will still have to do the occasional bit of work for him, but nothing that will harm you or me."

"Promise."

"Promise." He closed the gap between them and brought Hermione into a heated yet reassuring kiss.

After breaking apart, they slowly drank their hot drinks and spent the rest of the day holding each other. They would share the odd kiss and loving caress every now and then, but neither wanted to frustrate the other. Something that was getting ever easier and both looked forward to the following day, when Hermione would officially be seventeen, thanks to her use of the time turner in her third year.

Minerva arrived home late that night and after sending everything she had with her up to her room, she headed to the library to get herself a new book for the evening. She smiled when she walked in as Hermione was lovingly entwined in Severus' arms. A book was floating in front of Severus and his eyes were moving quickly across the page.

"Good evening, Severus."

"Welcome back Minerva. How was your day."

"Busy. Yours?"

"Relaxing for the most part; did you know that I am no longer going to be called in front of the Dark Lord."

Minerva nodded. "I was informed today when Lucius paid a visit to Albus after talking to you. Does Hermione know?"

Severus nodded. "I'll take her to bed now, she'll want to be up as early as possible tomorrow."

Minerva nodded. "I'll see you in the morning Severus. Make sure she doesn't come out of your room until at least nine."

"I shall. Have a good evening Minerva."

"You too."

Severus scooped Hermione into his arms and held her to him as he headed for their bedroom. Minerva stayed in the library for another five minutes before heading off to her own bedroom for the evening, knowing full well that she would up early in the morning to organise Hermione's presents.

~0~0~

The next day Hermione awoke at half past nine, much later than what she thought she would and she snuggled close to Severus. She was now officially seventeen and they could now let their relationship develop into lovers and perhaps later in life to husband and wife. Hermione was brought out of her thoughts by Severus who had brought her into a passionate kiss.

"Good morning my darling."

"Good morning." Hermione closed the small gap between them once more and they poured all their love for the other into the kiss. When they eventually broke off for oxygen, Hermione rested her head on Severus' chest.

"Happy birthday my love," he whispered softly in her ear.

"Thank you my dear," she whispered back and pecked his lips. "I suppose we'd better get out of bed and go and find my mother and any one else who has decided to turn up for the day."

"Others?"

She nodded. "You've not been here for my other birthdays, but many of the professors come over and even Mrs Dumbledore shows at some point during the day."

Severus nodded. "I guess I can live with everyone knowing."

"You'll have to Severus, 'cause I am not acting as if I hate you when I could be snuggled up to your side opening presents."

Severus nodded and they both headed down to the dining room where they could smell breakfast.

"Happy birthday Kitten," Minerva said has she brought her into a tight embrace.

"Thank Mom," Hermione said back as she returned the embrace just as tightly as her mother.

"Have something to eat and then go through to the living room."

"Is anyone here yet?"

Minerva shook her head. "It's just going to be the three of us today. Albus pulled an emergency meeting with the order and is doing something at the ministry. Everyone came over earlier to leave their gifts. They said to say that they'll be over in a couple of days."

"But Rolanda's always here on my birthday."

"I know dear, but it wouldn't surprise me if she came over later today."

"Did she bring my gift?"

"No."

Hermione smiled widely. "She'll be here later then."

Minerva just smiled. "How're you this morning Severus?"

"Happy to be with Hermione on her birthday, finally."

"Just so you know, I don't want to be finding you two in any compromising positions. Got that?"

They both nodded.

"Mom, you do know that you can't stop me now, right?"

"I do. And that was my only warning. You have a head on your shoulders and I trust you both to be safe and that you won't get pregnant before you're old enough and out of Hogwarts."

"Yes Ma'am." They coursed.

Minerva chuckled and the three enjoyed their breakfast before heading over to the living room. Severus sat in her arm chair and Severus sat on the sofa. Hermione stood for a moment before grabbing her mother's hand and dragging her to sit on the other end of the sofa and Hermione sat in the middle. She smiled at them both and Severus moved closer so that she was wedge between her mother and lover, just how she wanted to be.

"Who's do you want to open first?"

"Same order as every year please. Dumbledore, Hagrid, Sprout, Flitwick, Rolanda, Dad, Mom and Severus."

Minerva nodded. "I should stop asking that, shouldn't I?"

"No. I might change the order one year."

Minerva chuckled and summoned to brightly wrapped gifts. They landed in Hermione's lap and she rested her hands on them.

"Why do you have an order Hermione?"

"It's the order I received my gifts on my first birthday here. Now I open them in that order, of course, unless Rolanda arrives before I've opened the ones before her, then she'll be last this year, but I doubt she'll stand for that though."

Severus nodded and motioned for her to go one. She ripped the paper from the smallest package and smiled when she saw it was a new writing journal from Natasha. She ran her hand over the embroidery cover and sent it to sit on one of the table in the room. She didn't hesitate in ripping the paper off the next one as she knew what lay beneath; she sighed, the same as every year, a big tin of biscuits. She sent it to sit on the same table as the journal. The wrapping paper was instantly folding itself and disappearing to the kitchen where the house-elves would deal with it. The gift from Hagrid was as unusual as ever; an animated book of magical monsters. Hermione sighed and moved on after sending the book to the table. Sprout had given her a new set of quills and inks, all the quills were a different feather. Flitwick gave her a never ending journal, one were she could keep everything in one place and access easily. He also gave her a special box/bag for all of her journals and writing equipment. She made a mental note to put everything in it later and see what charm(s) he had put on it for her. She heard a knocking at the door and went and answered it.

"Rolanda!" Hermione threw herself in her arms and Ro spun her around.

"Happy birthday sweetie!"

"You're just in time. You're next."

"Good. I wouldn't stand being last."

Hermione laughed and led her from the foyer to the living room. Every one moved over a seat so now Hermione was sat between Severus and Rolanda and Minerva was sat on the end next to her best friend who held her hand.

"This is for you." With a flourish, she pulled a package out of her pocket and handed it to her. "Sorry I didn't have it wrapped."

Hermione smiled at her and starred at the package. Ro usually brought her the most wonderful gifts, topped only by her mother. She took a deep, calming breath before opening the box. She gasped at the piece of jewellery inside. It was a beautiful golden necklace with her name and Severus' attached. There was a symbol between the names and Hermione pointed at it.

"What does that mean, Ro?"

"Everlasting love."

"I thought I'd get you something you could wear around school. It's charm to never break, get damage and it won't be affected by water so you won't ever have to take it off."

Hermione smiled. "Thank you Ro. I don't what to say."

"You're welcome sweetie; anything to see you smile."

Hermione smiled wider and hugged Ro. "Thank you," she whispered again.

Ro hugged her back and smiled when Hermione sat back in her space properly.

"Come on girls, I want to see my daughter open my gift."

"Hello Daddy."

"Happy birthday baby girl."

Hermione smiled and held the small package that Minerva had levitated in her hands. She caressed the lid. Everything that her father had left her for her birthdays had been special and she knew that this one would be no different. She opened the lid slowly and smiled when she saw what was inside.

"How can you leave this to me? Mom should have it."

"Your mother has something else. I wanted you to have it so that you know I'm always with you."

Hermione nodded and held the ring in her hand. A gold chain was also in the box. She looked at her mother who had tears in her eyes. Minerva stood and went out into the garden. Hermione quickly followed with her father's gift still in her hands.

"Mom, what's wrong?"

"It's hard seeing his wedding ring."

Hermione opened her hand. She attached the ring to the chain and looked up at her mother. "Could you put it on for me please?"

Minerva nodded and hung the necklace securely around her neck.

"Take good care of it."

"I promise Mom."

Minerva turned her daughter around and brought her into a hug. "You're father is so proud of you."

Hermione nodded. "What have you got to remind you of Dad?"

"I'm not sure Kitten. But I'm pretty sure I'll find out tonight."

"Why tonight?"

"I'm not sure, but I want you to stay with Severus in your room after dinner tonight, okay?" Hermione nodded and smiled at her mother. "Good. Now, let's go and open my gift." Minerva smiled, held her daughter's hand and they headed back into the warmth of the manor.

Hermione went through the same process with her mother's gift as she had done with the previous two. This small box held a ring, one that was identical to one that her mother always wore.

"That ring will let us know what the other is feeling. I have one for Severus that is also connecting. You father has one also. Even though he is just a portrait, the ring still works."

Hermione nodded and slipped it on to her fore finger on her right hand, same as her mothers and fathers.

"Thank you," she whispered to her mother and hugged her. She then turned to Severus. "Do you want me to open your now or later when we're alone?"

"You can open that one now, I have another one upstairs for later."

"Okay. Severus held it out to her and she looked into his eyes as she gently took it from him. It was no bigger that the box her mother had just given her. She opened it slowly and gasped at what she saw. It was a simple silver ring with a ruby on top. Engraved on the inside were the words 'I am with you always'. She immediately noticed it was a promise ring. She passed over to Severus who slipped it on to her left ring finger. He smiled and brushed their lips together briefly before Hermione snuggled into his side.

"Thank you, all of you."

"It's no problem dear," the three chorused.

"I better get going now, Albus will wonder where I am."

"Give everyone my thanks for me, please."

"I shall. You have a good day, sweetie."

"I will. Be careful Ro."

"Don't worry; you'll get me back in one piece."

Hermione nodded and hugged her. Rolanda turned and hugged Minerva.

"If you need me, you floo."

"I know Ro and I will if I need you."

"Good."

"Bye Ro!"

"Bye sweetie! Bye Min! Cya Sevvy!"

Severus groaned and went back inside as the two women watched as their friend headed to the gates and apperated out. When Rolanda had gone, Minerva and Hermione turned and headed back to the living room where Severus was. Hermione hugged her mother and then Severus.

"Thank you both for today."

"You're welcome Kitten." Minerva kissed her cheek. "I'm going to go and do some research."

Hermione nodded. "What's about Mom?"

"Nothing very interesting, just a new theory that was posed to me and I want to check it out before the article gets published.

Hermione nodded and hugged her mother again. "Enjoy your evening with Dad."

"I will Kitten, I will."

They smiled at each other before Minerva turned on her heel and headed to her bedroom. Hermione watched her father follow quickly from his second portrait to her mother's small one that she carried with her. Hermione felt Severus wrap his arms around her waist from behind and she relaxed back into him.

"I wish Dad was still here, and then mother wouldn't get so down on my birthday and other major events. I worry about her."

Hermione watched her father leave his big portrait over the mantel and go presumably to her mothers smaller frame. Hermione sighed and Severus wrapped his arms around her from behind. She relaxed into him and closed her eyes briefly.

"I do too, Darling." They stood like that for a few minutes in silence before Severus asked, "What would you like to do now?"

"I'm not sure. I was thinking of taking a walk around the grounds, but the weather doesn't look too inviting at the moment."

"How about we go and sit in our room and you can write and I can read or we can talk."

"I'd like to have a nap, if you'll hold me, that is."

"Of course." Severus pressed a kiss to her crown and lifted her up into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder as he carried her up the stairs to their bedroom. He gently put her in the middle of the bed and starred down at her.

"You better stop looking at me like that Severus, or mother is not going to be happy with the noise level."

Severus nodded and lay down beside her. She rested her head on his chest and he wrapped her in his arms. He made soothing circles on her back while the other hand trailed down her side. Hermione smiled and made patterns with her finger tips on his stomach, she would sometimes dip a little too low and Severus would bring her hand back up before continuing his own caresses. Eventually, both fell asleep, neither noticed that Alan had taken residence in Hermione's miniature frame. He was smiling to himself, happy that Hermione had found herself a good man that listened to what she wanted and didn't treat like dirt.

~0~0~

Finally, a week before the return to Hogwarts Severus plucked up the courage to give Hermione her second birthday gift. He was going to give it to her while they were banished to their room for the evening, but Hermione had slept through the whole evening, missing dinner. Severus held the box lovingly in his hand and waited for his love to walk into the library. Just as he was thinking that she wasn't going to come down any time soon, she walked through the door.

"Good morning Sev."

"Good morning my darling, how are you feeling today?"

"A little cold, but nothing I can't deal with."

Severus nodded and Hermione sat next to him on the sofa. She leaned against his side and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Are you okay?"

Severus nodded and looked at the box in his hands for a few moments before handing it over. Hermione looked at Severus before carefully opening the box. A magnificent hand crafted silver hand mirror lay within a bed of silk. She ran her finger tips over it lightly before taking it from the box. She looked it over gently and with a loving gaze. Severus smiled when he noticed how much she like the small mirror.

"It's a two way mirror so that we can speak to each other face to face if one of us can't be with the other."

Hermione nodded. "Are we still going to use the communication books?"

"We shall as we are much less likely to get caught writing in a book than speaking to a mirror."

Hermione nodded. "You have the other one?"

It was an obvious question, but he nodded. "It is in my bedside table here and I always carry it with me along with my communication book just in case you ever need me."

Hermione smiled widely and once the mirror was safely back in its silk bed, she sat herself on Severus' lap and snuggled as close to him as possible.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"You're welcome," he whispered back before closing the gap between them.

Minerva walked in a few moments later and caught them breaking apart and resting their foreheads together. She smiled and went and sat in the seat next to them. Over the summer she had gotten used to seeing her daughter like this with Severus and with her now being of age, she didn't have to worry so much, but it still unnerved her that anything could happen between them. She didn't want her daughter to get hurt and she had already spoken to Severus about that and he seemed to understand and have his own protectiveness towards Hermione which is what she needed. Hermione turned her head and smiled at her mother.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, Kitten, how are feeling?"

"Good. Not so cold any more."

"I bet."

Everyone chuckled at that comment. Minerva noticed the box and Hermione picked it up lovingly before gently handing it to her mother. Minerva opened it and gazed at the wonderful piece of work.

"I have the other one, Minerva."

"This will come in handy to you both. Alan and I had a pair and we used to use them all the time. When I could sneak down to his rooms before our relationship became public knowledge, I used to call him on it and we would talk until I fell asleep. It felt like he was in the room with me."

Hermione nodded and smiled up at Severus who looked lost in his thoughts.

"Doing anything today, Mom?"

"I'm going to go and stay with Natasha for a few days. Albus has gone off on one of his trips again."

"Okay."

"Remember the rules?"

"Don't go outside the grounds. Do not reply to any letter that may or may not come and do not use the floo unless it is for an emergency. Keep it locked so only you can come through and last but not least, don't free the house-elf."

"Got it in one, Kitten."

Hermione nodded and slid off Severus' lap and sat next to her mother.

"Say it."

"I promise to come back. I promise I'll be safe."

Hermione nodded and hugged her tight. "See you in few days Mom."

"You shall indeed. When I know when I'm coming back, I'll send your father with a message and if you went to send a message to me, send Alan, okay?"

"Okay."

Minerva stood and pressed a kiss to her daughter's forehead before standing in front of Severus. "Look after her."

"I promise Minerva."

Finally, Minerva nodded and walked out of the library, headed for the Dumbledore Mansion. Hermione slumped back into Severus and he held her close and whispered comfortingly into her ear. She was worried about her mother and he could tell. Suddenly, he had an idea.

"You stay here until I come and get you, okay?"

Hermione nodded and picked up her current book. "What are you doing?"

"You'll see."

Hermione just nodded and watched him briskly walk out of the room, before turning to her heavy tome.

~0~0~

Later that day, Severus walked back into the library to find Hermione curled up fast asleep on the sofa in front of the fire. She hadn't been well and she was still recovering. Silently, he walked over to her and crouched down. He placed a gently kiss to her lips and she sleepily responded.

"Time to wake up, darling."

Slowly, Hermione sat up and smiled. Severus brought her into his arms and she closed the gap between them. The kiss was heated and passionate. When the need for oxygen forced them apart, Severus smirked.

"Later," he whispered.

Hermione smiled nervously but eagerly and nodded shyly. Severus smiled at her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders and she wrapped an arm around his waist as he led her to the dining room where the usually table for six was now a table for two. A single candle and a single rose stood in the middle and two plates of food sat in front of the chairs. Hermione smiled and before she sat in her seat, which Severus had pulled out for her, she kissed him gently on the lips. He smiled and kissed back before pushing her chair in and taking his own seat. Hermione took a bite of her food and smiled in delight at the taste.

"Did you make this?"

Severus nodded. "The muggle way."

"It's lovely, thank you."

"Anything for you my darling. I just thought this would cheer you up."

Hermione smiled. "It has."

The rest of the meal was as romantic as possible. They whispered as they talked and when they were finished eating and were waiting for their dessert to be brought through from the kitchen by the house-elf, their fingers were entwined and Severus rubbed circles on the inside of her wrist.

Almost three hours later, and they had finished their meal and were sat in the living room enjoying the warmth of the fire. The weather had taken a turn for the worst and a thunderstorm had taken over the grounds. Hermione was sat on Severus' lap and smirked as she remembered his whispered promise of 'later'. Today had been fantastic and she was no longer as worried about her mother as she had been. Smiling, Hermione brought Severus into a heated kiss and he eagerly responded. Slowly, hands started to wonder and caress the other. Severus broke apart when he slipped his hand up Hermione's shirt and felt her stiffen.

"Don't stop Sev."

"Why don't we go up to our room and continue this, you may be comfier."

Hermione nodded and Severus picked her up and easily carried her to their bedroom. He placed her on the middle of the bed and lay next to her. Hermione looked at him and smiled. He rested a hand on her stomach under her shirt and she shivered and smiled a little wider.

"Are you sure, Hermione."

"Yes Severus. I'm more than ready for this."

Severus smiled and kiss her passionately. He caressed her stomach, his hand slowly moving up to her breast. She gasped when his thumb brushed against her nipple. His other hand joined in the caresses and soon Hermione was trying to take Severus' T- shirt off so she could have better access to what she knew to be a wonderful body. He obliged her and she smiled. While she was running her hands over his chest, stomach and back, Severus started to unbutton her shirt. Eventually, both were divested of their clothes and left only in their underwear. Severus starred at Hermione's nearly naked body and smiled

"You're beautiful," he whispered. He had seen her like this before, but felt the need to tell her of the fact that he had yet to air.

Hermione blushed and pulled him down on top of her. Her mind was slightly foggy but she didn't care, she felt so happy and pleased, that all she wanted was to be one with her Severus. In a matter of gentle minutes, both were naked and Severus was atop Hermione.

"Are you sure darling?"

Hermione nodded. "Spell," she whispered.

Severus complied and put his wand back on the bedside table. He brought Hermione into a kiss and entwined one of his hands with hers while he held his weight off her with the other. Ever so slowly and gently he pushed into her. She broke away from the kiss and gasped in pain. Severus kept whispering his love and apologies until he was immersed to the hilt. He stopped and kissed her.

"Are you okay darling?"

Hermione shook her head. "It hurts."

"I know love, it'll stop shortly, I promise." He kissed away her tears. "Just tell me when you're ready."

Hermione nodded and took a few deep breaths. She sighed when she had calmed herself down. "I'm ready," she whispered.

Severus brought her into a passionate kiss and slowly started to moved. Hermione gasped as it hurt, but she pushed the pain to the back of her mind and she started to make noises of pleasure as she lost herself in Severus. Hermione's moans and sighs were urging Severus on and he knew he was close to his orgasm, but he wanted to bring Hermione to one, she that she understood how enjoyable making love was. Slowly, he lowered the hand that was entwined with Hermione's at the beginning and gently 'played' with her clit. He felt her walls tighten and heard her scream his name. He followed her over the edge immediately. When they had both come down from their high, Severus slipped out of her and lay to the side. Hermione winced at the twinge of Severus leaving her and she curled up into his side. He held her close and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Are you okay, darling?"

Hermione nodded. "A little sore."

"Stay here a minute." Severus stood and disappeared into the bathroom and reappeared a moment later with a tub in his hand. "Lie down and open your legs, love."

Hermione did as she was told and she gasped when he started to rub the cold cream into her cleanly shaven mound. Five minutes later and Hermione was back in Severus arms and feeling better than ever.

"We should do that more often," she whispered, feeling like she was on top of the world.

Severus agreed. "We shall if that is what you want."

Hermione nodded. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Slowly, they both drifted off the sleep, both exhausted but incredibly happy.

The next day, Hermione received a message from her mother via her father saying that they were to go to Hogwarts two days before the start of term as she would not be returning to the manor before the start of the school year. Hermione was worried about her mother, but also happy that she would be able to spend the rest of the holiday alone with Severus.

To Be Continued ...