*Smiles happily at everyone*

Did you remember what i said about the M-rating? So, yeah. Anyway, I'm afraid the focus isn't on the smut in this fic, so even if smut just happened; it won't escalate into an epic sex-adventure, like it seems many fics do. The tone of the whole thing will stay rather like it has been so far, but with some progress, obviously :D

I own nothing you recognise.

-o-

What have I ever done to deserve this, Severus thought as he gazed at the woman wrapped around him. The naked woman wrapped around him.

She was trailing her fingers softly around on his chest, and the sensation gave him goosebumps. He was rather pleased that she didn't trail the lines of his scars. His scars didn't seem to affect her in any way.

Severus Snape was indeed in love, ridiculous or not.

He sighed in content as he lay there, trailing his fingers softly on her back. He didn't even realise he had stopped on one spot when she spoke.

"Battle of Hogwarts. Death Eater. Not completely sure who."

It took him a second to understand what she was talking about, but then he realised. It was a scar.

He felt completely ridiculous. "I'm sorry, I didn't-"

She patted him on the chest. "I don't mind the slightest. I fought in a war, and it's bound to leave scars. Both mentally and physically. Move your hand up and to the left." He did, and found the spot. "Jumping out of Batilda Bagshot's window. More specifically, Nagini imposing as Batilda Bagshot."

She seemed completely at ease, so he moved his hand again, finding another scar.

"Crucio, Bellatrix Lestrange."

"Blowing up the roof of Luna's home."

"Death Eater."

She chuckled as he found the next one. "Falling off the swing when I was six."

"Being thrashed around by the Whomping Willow."

He continued like this for a while, and finally he sighed and wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him, kissing her softly. This ignited a spark in them both, and they made love again, taking their time this time, exploring each other's bodies, leaving them both breathless.

-o-

"I was thinking.."

Severus kissed the top of her head. "Yes?"

She hesitated. "I know you are rather busy these days, but I was thinking..I could spend some nights here."

She sounded so uncertain, so Severus pulled her closer and nuzzled her hair. "I would like that, Hermione."

She sighed happily and wrapped her arms around him.

-o-

"I'm famished."

Severus chuckled. "As am I."

"Let's get up, then? I would love nothing more than to just stay like this forever, but then I realised we have all the time in the world to do this. And I really need to eat."

Severus rather liked the idea that they had all the time in the world.

He also liked how although properly dressed, Hermione's hair was a complete chaos of curls, and she looked thoroughly ravished.

And he rather loved that he was the one who had put her in such a state.

-o-

They were eating when Severus felt Minerva trying to access his floo.

"You should probably do something about your hair."

Hermione gave him a puzzled look. "What?"

He chuckled. "Minerva is trying to enter the floo, and she might actually have a stroke when she sees the state of your hair. It's rather obvious what caused it."

Hermione let out a pearly laugh as she waved her wand around her head, forcing her hair into a messy bun on her head instead.

He waved his wand to open the floo, and Minerva appeared moments later. She was smiling as she brushed off her robe. "I suspected I might find you here, Hermione." The headmistress came over, and Hermione got up to hug her. "Happy birthday, Hermione. Here."

Hermione took the present Minerva was holding out, and smiled. "Minerva, you shouldn't have."

Minerva chuckled. "Yes, I should. I wish you a good day, Hermione."

Severus had a sudden impulse. "Would you care for a cup of tea, Minerva?"

Both Minerva and Hermione gave him a surprised look, but Hermione smiled a moment later as she turned to the headmistress. "Yes, would you like a cup of tea?"

Minerva finally managed to snap out of her surprised state, and smiled as she shook her head. "Oh, how times change. Yes, I would love a cup of tea."

-o-

Severus felt rather self-conscious, because Minerva, ever the insufferable witch, was observing him as they had their tea. He was sure nothing passed her notice.

But still, he couldn't help himself. He couldn't help the gentle smiles he sent Hermione, and he couldn't help his slightly surprised, but pleased looks whenever she touched him.

Minerva was observing Hermione very closely as well, and the affectionate looks and genuine happiness most certainly did not escape the headmistress' notice.

Severus sighed as the small tiger jumped on his lap, curling up and purring happily.

He gave Minerva a dark look when she chuckled. "I'm sorry, Severus, but seeing you like this is just..lovely."

Severus rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes. I'm thrilled you think so."

He was actually rather thrilled she thought so, because he had expected at least some judgmental looks and reactions. Minerva's acceptance meant more to him than he would have thought.

Minerva left a little while later, but before she did, she gave them both a warm look. "I'm so happy for you."