I need to give a shout out to the kind and adventurous souls who have stuck with this tale as well as the others. An extra "hug" goes to the-amazing-color-brown who never fails to amaze me with her enthusiastic reviews! This chapter is dedicated to you.

You too Megan!

Bob, you know who you are and how much I appreciate your efforts.

Chapter 14- Fluffy lemony goodness

Hermione adjusted her clothes for the tenth time, flicked some imaginary dust from her skirt and fussed over her hair, again.

Why in the world am I so nervous? It's just Severus, he doesn't make me nervous. Her analytical mind was failing her, leaving her to wade through her emotions.

Wesley was thrilled to be staying with his grandparents for the weekend, and Ginny was ecstatic over Hermione's date, driving her crazy about the mystery man. At 7:45, Hermione put on her new cloak and waited in the living room. At just before eight, the wards signaled that someone was at the front door. She went to the door and saw Severus there. He was in a formal cloak, hair tied back and something else had changed with him too. He had apparently started to grow a mustache and goatee. His cologne smelled heavenly.

"How are you this evening Hermione?" he asked.

His voice seemed to purr as her name rolled of his tongue.

"Very good," Hermione said staring at him. "I mean, I'm doing very good."

She wanted to kick herself over her verbal tongue tie.

"I see you have your cloak on, ready to go?" he asked, offering an arm.

She smiled and took it. They disappeared with a pop. A minute later, they were in the south end of Diagon Alley, a part Hermione rarely visited. Although Diagon Alley was more than an alley, more like a small town, she usually visited the main street of it. They chatted and strolled to a restaurant named "Gryffin Heart".

Severus opened the door for her to enter. An attendant waited for the couple to enter, then took their cloaks. Severus' breath hitched when Hermione removed her cloak. She looked absolutely beautiful. As the waiter led them to a table, he noticed that for the first time he could remember, Hermione had her hair down. She always had her hair in a bun or ponytail. Her hair seemed to be an entity of its own. No longer bushy and wild, it fell in smooth, highlighted waves to her waist. The waiter held a chair for Hermione, who hooked her cane over the back of the chair and took a seat. She gave him a polite 'thank you' as Severus took his own seat. The waiter waved his hand over the table and two menus appeared.

"We at Griffyn Heart thank you for coming this evening. We strive to ensure the finest dining experience in Britian. Would you care for some wine or an appetizer while you make your menu selections?" the waiter asked with a slight French accent.

Hermione scanned the menu items. "I'll have a glass of your house red and a bowl of French onion soup," Hermione said.

The waiter looked at Severus. "The same," he said.

The waiter left and the couple looked over the menu. Hermione first noticed that no prices were listed, which told her that if you had to wonder about the price, you didn't need to be there. Secondly, she was glad she learned French, as most of the menu was in French. She felt eyes on her and looked over the top of her menu to find Severus staring at her.

"Is something the matter Severus?" she asked.

She had an urge to look behind her, just to make sure he wasn't looking behind her.

"Has anyone ever told you that your eyes are the color of honey?" Severus asked.

"Yes," she said. "I get them from my dad."

"They are beautiful," Severus said.

She blushed slightly. The waiter returned with the wine and appetizers. Hermione placed her napkin in her lap and looked to the waiter.

"Are you ready to order?" the waiter asked.

"Yes. I'll have the Poulet a la provencale et Riz de Camarque," Hermione told the waiter. Once again, Severus was pleasantly surprised with Hermione. She spoke flawless French.

"Very good madame. Monsieur?" Severus ordered a fish dish with cauliflower au gratin.

"Your dinner shall be ready shortly," the waiter said and left.

Severus loved how Hermione's lips seemed to caress the soup spoon when she brought it to her lips. He thought it unbelievably sexy when she looked at him, took a sip of wine then licked her lips. His gaze traveled down her neck to where he saw the rise of her breasts. He glanced up to see Hermione looking straight into his eyes.

"Hermione," he started then stopped.

"Yes?" she asked softly.

"In case I don't tell you tonight, you look stunning," Severus said.

"Thank you Severus," Hermione said.

He loved the way his name rolled off her tongue. The waiter arrived with the meal and the couple chatted amiably through the meal.

"Would you care for dessert?" Severus asked when the main course was done.

"Yes, preferably something raspberry and dripping with chocolate," Hermione suggested.

Severus ordered two raspberry and cinnamon tarts with a chocolate and almond glaze. Hermione moaned when she tasted hers. Her soft moan elicited an aroused shudder to travel down his spine. In some cultures, a good dinner was considered a seduction. In this case, Hermione had succeeded.

Does she have any idea what she is doing to me? Severus thought.

Hermione's P.O.V., during dinner

Does he have any idea what he's doing to me? Hermione thought.

All she could see was his lips on his wine glass. The redness of his lips contrasted with the ivory of his skin.

And let's not forget those eyes. A girl could get lost in those orbs and never come out! she mused.

With his hair pulled back, she felt like she wanted to reach out and trace a path from the edges of his ears down his neck with her fingertips. Some time ago she had realized that this part of a man's body was turn on for her and she didn't know why. Travis liked when she did it. But would someone else?

Hold on! Am I thinking about doing that to Severus? she thought and looked at her wine glass. How much wine have I had?

"Is something the matter?" Severus asked when he saw her look at her glass.

"No, everything is fine," Hermione said with a smile.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Severus asked.

"Immensely," she answered truthfully.

The dinner and wine was delicious and she liked the way she was feeling. It had been too long since she had felt this way about a man.

End of Hermione's p.o.v.

Severus signed the bill when it came. He added a generous tip and assisted Hermione to her feet. She hesitated slightly and leaned on him briefly.

"Are you alright?" Severus asked with concern.

"My knee gets stiff when I sit still for long periods of time," Hermione explained.

"Would a walk help?' Severus offered.

"Yes, a brief one," Hermione replied.

Severus placed her cloak on her shoulders at the door, then his own and they left the restaurant. Severus fell in step with the soft tap of her cane on the cobblestone pavement. They strolled back to the Diagon Alley proper and Severus bought her a rose from a street vendor. Hermione stumbled a bit on a cobblestone.

"Hermione-" Severus started.

"No, it's not the wine. It's my shoes. They are new thus make my feet hurt," Hermione stated.

She waved her wand at her shoes to transfigure them from three inch heels to one inch.

"That's better," she said. Severus chuckled.

"I broke one of my rules this evening," Hermione said. She took a seat on a bench in front of a shop.

"And what rule is that?" Severus asked.

"I sacrificed comfort for fashion," Hermione said with a laugh. "All for you."

"Why?' he asked.

"I wanted to look nice for you," Hermione said.

"Hermione, you look beautiful no matter what you wear," Severus said.

"What, would you have me wear trainers?' Hermione teased.

"For pizza, yes. For elegant dinners, no," Severus said. "Would you like to return to your home?"

"Only if you come with me, it's still early," Hermione said. "Honestly, I need a potion for my knee."

"Are you in pain?' Severus asked concerned.

"A bit, but I'm used to it."

"Say no more, we leave now."

He put an arm around her shoulders, popped into her living room and removed their cloaks.

"Take a seat on the sofa. I will retrieve your potion," Severus said. "Where is it?"

"In my bedroom on my vanity, the blue potion. Would you also grab the cream colored salve as well? Last room on the left."

Severus went into her bedroom and stood in front of her vanity. There were several potions there, labeled "SLEEP", "STOMACH", "HEADACHE" and a blue one labeled "KNEE." He took it and a jar of cream colored salve and went back into the living room.

Hermione drank the blue potion and sighed. She opened the cream and put some on her leg. Severus put a hand on top of hers.

"May I?" he asked.

Hermione nodded. Severus spread the cream around her knee then slowly massaged it in. Severus noted that his fingers tingled a bit.

"What is this?" he asked looking at and sniffing the jar.

"A muscle relaxant of my own making," Hermione answered.

She lit some matches and started a fire in the fireplace.

"It would be easier to use magic to light that, and less chance of injury," Severus offered.

"I know, but I don't use magic for everything, some things I prefer to do on my own," Hermione said softly. "With my own hands."

If that wasn't suggestive, I don't know what is! Hermione thought.

"What things?" Severus asked gently.

Hermione sat back down next to him on the sofa. "Cooking, cleaning..." she started then raised her hands to his ears. She placed her fingertips on the tips of his ears. "Things like this." She ran her fingertips around his ears then slowly down to where his neck met his shoulders. Severus shivered and felt a jolt that went straight to his groin.

"You're good with your hands, what else can you do?" Severus whispered.

We went from suggestion straight to invite! Hermione thought.

She said nothing, but licked her lips, ran her hands through her hair and put her hands on his chest. She moved her slightly shaking hands to the top button of his shirt. Severus put his hands over hers.

"Hermione, are you frightened?"

"No."

"What do you want?" Severus asked gently.

Hermione took a deep breath, gathered up her lust-filled courage and dove in. Hermione gently pushed him back against the back of the sofa and kissed him softly but with demand. It was a kiss of longing, longing for what she had denied for herself for far too long. She sucked on his bottom lip and slowly ran a hand up his thigh. Hearing a sigh from Severus, she felt braver.

He suddenly admired Gryffindor courage.

She started placing soft kisses on his earlobes then down his neck while unbuttoning his shirt. Severus, encouraged by this, ran his hands up her sides and on the back of her neck, pulling her closer. He moaned softly at the feel of her against him. He closed his eyes, savoring the feel of her soft lips on his neck.

Gods, she feels exquisite!

Hermione got to the last button of his blouse and impatiently tugged his shirt from his pants, opening his shirt to reveal his chest. She licked her lips when she gazed on his lean muscled chest and flat, toned stomach. She ran her fingertips over the smooth skin of his chest. She shivered. Severus chuckled when he heard Hermione's impatient grunt when she tugged his shirt out from his pants. He couldn't help but smile when she looked at his chest and licked her lips.

Like a hunter about to leap on its prey! Severus thought.

He moaned softly when she ran her fingertips around his chest, shivered and gripped the sofa when her hands moved down his stomach. The sound of his moans, the feel of him and the look on his face had her feeling quite aroused and she felt a dampness and heat between her legs.

"May I?" Severus whispered when he fingered the top button on her blouse.

She nodded and Severus deftly unbuttoned her shirt and slid the smooth material of her shoulders, ensuring that his fingertips brushed against her bare shoulders when doing so. He looked back to her eyes and saw them darkened with desire. He returned a favor and ran his fingertips over her breasts then around her back, removing her bra. This action caused her to swiftly hike up her skirt and straddle him. She again covered his mouth with hers, he pulled her against him and the contact of her breasts on his chest made them both moan. Hermione wasn't sure how much longer she could take all the touching. It was fabulous, but she needed more. She told Severus this as best she could in her current state. She quit thinking around button number three on his shirt.

"Need more," Hermione gasped as Severus was kissing her breasts.

"I see," Severus muttered.

He quickly unzipped the back of her skirt and in one move swept her under him and slid her skirt off; leaving her with only her black silky, lace bikini-style knickers and garters.

"Beautiful woman," Severus said propping up on one elbow, kissing her neck and moving the other hand slowly down and pressed on her throbbing mound. She shuddered and raked her fingernails across his chest. When he massaged her folds, she moaned and lightly bucked against him.

This lady has been too long without a man's touch. Severus thought.

She gasped when he inserted a finger, deeper until he hit the special spot. He knew by the way she arched her back, pressed against him and moaned. He continued suckling on her neck and breasts while pleasuring her with his fingers. He pressed on her clit with his thumb and she surprised him when she arched her back, bucked and cried out. She was breathing heavily, had her eyes closed then opened them when Severus removed his hand and ran both them through her hair and kissed her again. He was constantly aware of the almost painful, rock hard bulge in his trousers and glanced down at it.

"Sorry," she whispered and moved her hands to the clasp on his pants.

Severus wasted no time in sliding the trousers off and was clad in his silk boxers. His erection looked as if it would burst through them. Hermione slid a hand under the waistband and circled the tip of his cock with her fingertips. He gasped when she squeezed and stroked him.

Sweet merciful heavens! She is good with those hands!

Severus noticed that the usual talkative, articulate Hermione didn't say much during the whole process. He didn't care in the least. Her incoherent mumbling, whispers, moans and gasps were enough. He loved this side of her, the one where she lost herself and gave over to him. He leaned forward on his elbows and she opened her legs. He looked into her eyes, she nodded, said "please" and he thrust into her. She cried out and arched her back. He groaned at how very tight she was.

"Ohmygod," she cried out.

Being on the sofa had an advantage. He could get good leverage and go at an angle that would be sure to please her. Her eyes were closed; she was raising her hips to meet his and was enjoying the sensation of his thrusts. He wanted to make this good for her, so he looked down at his cock and focused on the feeling of withdrawing then thrusting in at a constant pace. She was moaning and writhing under him. She started gasping and breathing heavily and came with a shout and happy pleas of "yes,yes!"

"More, harder," she gasped and Severus obliged.

He picked himself up, put one knee on the floor, the other on the sofa and took hold of her hips. Hermione gasped and smiled at the sight and feel of this position. Severus thrust into her harder and faster than before, yearning for his own release. This was the most erotic lovemaking session he had been in, in that position, on her sofa with nothing but her garters on. He pounded into her, loving that she encouraged him to go harder and deeper. He moaned upon feeling the familiar heat pool in his lower stomach then radiate to his hips before shooting straight to his hard, throbbing cock. When he came, he shouted out, thrust harder a few more times harder to milk his release fully, causing her to come yet again, and they moaned together as their climaxes faded. Severus leaned forward exhausted and rested on her chest. They were both breathing heavily and sweating. After a few minutes, Severus raised himself up and pulled her with him. He kissed the top of her head and held her close.

Hermione sighed and said softly, "Thank you Severus. I feel like a woman again."

Severus chuckled. "It was my pleasure."

Mine too! Hermione thought.

Several minutes earlier

Ginny and Lav arrived at Hermione's front door to see how Hermione's date had fared.

"I wish I knew who it was," Ginny said.

When they got to the front door, Ginny heard what was a first a peculiar sound. She put her ear to the door then snatched it back.

"Uh, we better come back tomorrow," Ginny whispered.

"Huh?" Lav said then put her ear on the door.

They heard the sound of Hermione's orgasm. A grin spread across their faces. They tip-toed away from the door.

"Damn, they didn't even make it to the bedroom," Lav mused. Herms must have been in some serious lust! she thought.

"About time, I wonder who the lucky man is." Ginny whispered again.

"We'll find out tomorrow. If we bug her now, she will tear us to pieces!"

jmn :)