A/N: A HUGE THANK YOU to all of the readers! I could not have done this without YOU! You all give me so much encouragement, not just for writing but life. Thanks so much!

*****Hermione*****

When evening came, a smiling Hermione Granger made her way to the Great Hall for supper. Still in high spirits from what happened at lunch. Part of Hermione wondered if it was a fluke, but the optimistic side dared to believe that it was because he still cared about her. It was because of this optimism that she was already planning what she would wear for Severus tomorrow morning. Although it occurred to her that she would have to go shopping in order to keep up with his demands. It also occurred to the young professor that she would have to tell Severus about the baby soon. She had held it off for too long as it was.

On her way to the Great Hall she was stopped by Headmistress McGonagall. Her former Head of House wanted to know the nature of the disagreement between her and Professor Snape the other day. It seemed word had gotten back to Minerva, including an awful lot of gossip. Hermione assured her that it was all handled and nothing to worry about, but she had the distinct feeling that Minerva wouldn't let this go.

Knots formed in her belly as she entered the Great Hall now. Approaching the Head Table she was indecisive about where to sit. The choice was between Filius and Severus. Hermione wondered which one would make her look more guilty. Avoiding Severus or sitting next to him? She decided to take a chance and parked herself next to her old lover. She pretended to be busy fixing her plate while whispering in a low voice, "I think the Headmistress is suspicious of us. Did she speak with you too?"

******Severus*****

Severus sat alone with the food he had procured, watching the double doors of the Great Hall. While he told himself not to wait for her, he could not help but look in the direction of the door every once in awhile. Severus had been lonely ever since Hermione had left him. He hated her for what she did to him. Not only did she leave him which caused great heartbreak, probably the worst thing was that she awakened something within him which he could not shake. Before she came into his life, Severus was completely content but once she left him, he always felt that something was missing. There was so much sadness within him and Severus never dealt with his emotions well. Watching the door for his love, he felt his heart beating in his chest. There was a stuffy feeling in his chest which came when she left him and expanded when she came back to Hogwarts.

Miss Granger stepped into the Great hall, her sight causing his heart to flutter. Another reason that caused him great heartache was the fact that he did not know for sure if she loved him back. She had made it clear to him that he was not enough and when she left he started to doubt whatever they had. He feared that the baby was what prompted her return and perhaps, a bit of lust. If people knew just how….sensual, they were with each other…. Merlin, it was something most people only read about. It was no wonder that he knocked her up. What was a wonder was that she kept the child and obviously meant for him to have some involvement with it. At least, he was starting to hope she did. He never once thought about fatherhood after everything he'd been through but now…..

Severus straightened his robe as the female approached and sat down beside him. He noted that she seemed to hesitate choosing between him and Filius, which caused a ping of jealousy within him. He gave her a stern nod, his gaze never meeting hers as he focused on his food. Her question came, which caused him to pause. "Yes, she has spoken with me as well." He said calmly, following his words by taking a spoonful of soup into his mouth. Once he drank it, he continued in the same tone. "I suppose we could have been more careful." His eyes darted towards her, catching a glimpse of hers before the stuffed anxiety caught up with him. He hated love.

*****Hermione******

She supposed she should not have expected a warm greeting when she sat down. But the fact that Severus seemed dead set against so much as looking her way, devastated her. Maybe she was a fool for thinking one day could change a year's worth of pain. Except, she hoped it would. Hermione thought all he needed was to be reminded of what they shared.

But it seems it wasn't enough. Yet.

She wasn't giving up. She loved him too much. Still, Hermione wished there was some way she could know what he was feeling. But he would never tell her outright. Damn it, why did she leave?! Hermione stabbed at her food, regret causing her stomach to roll and make her nauseous. At this rate she would never get Severus back. Especially with Minerva lurking in the shadows. She turned to him, not caring who saw as she observed him with a sorrowful countenance. "Who could blame us? We are dealing with an emotional situation. But yes, we'll have to be careful. I...well, I didn't come back just to lose you to a nosy Headmistress." There was more She wanted to say, but she couldn't. Not there. But her heart was telling her to hold onto him. That eventually he would come around. At least, she prayed he would.

*****Severus******

Severus took another spoonful of soup, avoiding to gaze in her eyes. She was the only woman that seemed to stare right into his soul. "I am still not exactly sure why you came back at all." He snapped, moving his soup around with his spoon. He looked up to meet her gaze for a few seconds, the hurt definitely apparent behind the wall of sternness he was trying to project. His gaze returned to his soup, giving him pause. "Don't forget to come tomorrow." He said quietly before getting up. He had to get out of there before the need to kiss her sorrow away became too strong. Looking at her was almost painful and he felt like he could not breathe. Why did she do this to him?

Severus stormed out of the Hall, not even finishing his soup. He had to get out of there, unable to cope with the feelings she made him feel. He took a few unpredictable turns, hoping that if she would follow him, she would lose him in the stony corridors. Then he headed back to his room, set on doing some work to keep his mind off of her. It truly felt like the only way he could escape this thumping need in his chest. It was so easy to give in to her advances, but that would only mean she could leave him again and make him hurt even more. Who said that he would be enough now?

Severus stepped into his room and cast a quick spell to turn on the fireplace. He grabbed a handful of books and started to read them on his desk. It was difficult to concentrate, his mind wanting to do nothing else but sleep and retreat. He dreaded the fact that Hermione might visit him now. Would he have the strength to say no to her? Severus had always had difficulties with telling her no. She was his little girl and he wanted to do everything for her. If she was not to come, at least he would see her tomorrow with newfound resistance.

******Hermione*******

His words hurt a lot more than Hermione could accurately describe. Her heart hurt, not because he hated her so much- albeit, his hatred tore her apart, but what was far more devastating was the fact that Severus's heart was hurt. And it was all her fault. She should not have let fear get in her way. Where was her Gryffindor boldness? Her tenacity? Why did she run from her feelings instead of face them? Face him?

Hermione sat at the table stunned. Part of her wished to run after him, but with Minerva watching, and whoever else, she didn't think it was safe. But she did need to see him. Tonight. She didn't want to end the day on this note. Sighing, she sagged in her chair, proceeding to eat the rest of her meatloaf and mash. Her amber eyes noticed his nearly untouched soup and frowned. Regardless of what they were going through she knew he needed to eat. It wasn't good for him to miss meals, sure he was fit, but rather lean. Almost too lean.

With that in mind, Hermione finished her dinner and then summoned an elf. With the elf's help she packaged the soup and some bread to bring to Severus. She knew she was the last person he likely wanted to see, but she didn't care. She could be just as stubborn as he was. She cast a charm to keep the contents warm and then made her way down to the dungeons. Taking the same pathway she took in the morning to avoid other students and staff. Before too long she was knocking on his door, cradling her peace offering in one arm. "Professor Snape...Severus, please open up, it's me. It's Hermione," she called out, butterflies in her belly as she waited. "I uh, well I have something for you. Please open the door."

******Severus******

Severus was jared when he heard a knock on the door. His gaze shifted towards the door as his eyes narrowed. Who would disturb him this late? His question was answered almost immediately, when Hermione's voice came muffled through the door. Severus let out a long sigh, the pain returning to his chest. He was too weak. He just wanted to hold her again just like he did before. Severus stood from his chair and walked over to the door, opening it to find out just what Hermione had for him. Seeing the soup she carried, Severus fought a smile. The mere act that she was taking care of him warmed his heart. "Hermione..." He said softly, unable to convey the emotion he felt.

He took a look into either side of the corridor to make sure that nobody was watching, before leading her inside and closing the door behind her. He locked it almost immediately and took the soup from her grasp, letting it sit on the desk. "What are you doing here?" He asked sternly. However Severus did not let her answer, taking long and purposeful strides towards her. Without much time to think, he did what his heart wanted. Severus grabbed hold of the relatively small female, lifting her off the ground so she may wrap her legs around him.

Without hesitation, his lips crashed into hers, intertwining and merging with her. A grunt followed into her lips, telling her just how primal the need for her was for him. She was not just someone Severus wanted; No, he needed her. From the force of Severus's strong muscled body, Hermione was pressed against the door behind her, propped up between the wood and Severus's body. The kiss never parted while his hands pinned her against the wall.

******Hermione*******

The way he said her name...

It was enough to bring back her hope. Her heart warming and beating uncontrollably faster in her chest. She let him pull her inside, wordlessly giving up the soup. She had been prepared for him to ask why she had came and was prepared to answer. What she was not prepared for was to have his lips crushing hers. The sting of his kiss making her gasp automatically, and his tongue plunged into her mouth. Her legs wrapped around his waist with such familiarity and she arched into his hard body as he pinned her against the wooden door.

Hermione did not question his actions at all. She needed this just as much as he did. She moaned into the embrace, her hands fisting in his hair and cradling his neck. Her legs locking this dark wizard in her arms. She ground against him, feeling the desire for him awaken and flare brightly at his kiss. Only the need for oxygen made her pull away, resting her forehead against his as she panted heavily.

She did not speak. Afraid her voice would break the spell, but she did lean back to search his face for answers. What was he feeling? Did this mean what she hoped it meant? Or was it merely his need for sex? She moved a hand to cup his cheek, this time boldly tracing his lip with her thumb, a gentle smile on her face. "Let me love you, Severus." Her heart pleaded as she leaned forward for another kiss, wary of rejection.

*******Severus******

The way her thumb brushed against his lips, tracing it while giving him a look at her incredible smile made his heart soft. Severus felt the stuffy pain in his chest all but disappear. For that moment everything seemed right in the world. As she kissed him again, Severus pulled her from the wall to carry her over to his bed. He rested her body down on the bed, not wanting to break their kiss for one second. Only when he had to come up for air did he raise up. "Take off your clothes." He started to undress his robes, peeling of layers of fabric while admiring the woman lying underneath him.

He watched her peel of her clothing, giving him the view of her figure that he missed so much. His little girl never failed to make him count his blessings. He could still remember their first day together. The way she had seduced him was still fresh on his mind. Hermione was always going to be desirable for him, but this desire became so much more. He needed her. Having disrobed, Severus stood bare with his hardening cock. Now he did not wish to take her roughly like they usually did. He wanted to make love to his woman, to feel her and her passion through their actions.

Severus placed his hands on her legs, spreading them for him as he positioned his cock against her tight little pussy. Without hesitation, his tip parted her lips, being thrust into her with minimal resistance. They fit together as if they were made for each other. The lean man embraced his naked counterpart, pressing his lips back against her. As soft moans escaped his lips, Severus thrust into Hermione. He loved the love that radiated around the act, being so close to her during their act. Severus just wanted to be held by her, for he was mentally tired and exhausted. Having her back in his life was taxing him for his heart pinged every time thoughts of her entered his mind.

******Hermione******

It was as if he read her mind, Hermione mused, as Severus carried her into his bedroom. The plushness of his duvet on her back made her sigh into his kiss. As he told her to take off her clothes, she couldn't escape the feeling that she had come home. She bit her lip as she disrobed, admiring his physique. Proud that she could still inspire such a hearty erection.

She welcomed him with open arms, groaning as they joined together for the first time in a long time. He felt utterly perfect. The kind of perfect that not only felt good, but felt right. Like they were made for each other. She cradled his body with one arm. The other reached for his hand, threading their fingers together. She kissed their joined hands, looking to him as she did. Her hips rocked in time with his. Unhurried, only seeking to please.

Hermione hoped he could feel it. Her love. It's what made this so incredible. So satisfying. It wasn't just amazing sex. It was making love. As her pussy enveloped his cock and squeezed him tight she was expressing her deepest and purest desires and emotions. "Severus..." She let out in a whispering moan, cupping his face and bringing his mouth to her to enjoy the dance of their tongues once more.

******Severus******

Severus was thrusting into her, finding a good, rhythm together with his lover. He loved how their fingers intertwined, feeling so loved and cared about. The bed underneath rocked in and creaked with every thrust into her hole. He had missed this. Fucking her was great, but being in her arms and feeling her love was even better. Severus never felt this loved in his entire love, Hermione's unconditional love felt like a blanket on a cold winter night.

Severus rhythmic thrusting began to quicken when he felt his orgasm approaching. He placed his arms under hers to get more leverage as he began to grunt through the pleasure. "Hermione..." He moaned into her ear, his entire body tingling like a million fireworks were going off. Severus bit his lips as his cock exploded into her. His entire body tensed up, as he continued to thrust into her, wanting to make his woman feel just as good as he felt.

Only when she was satisfied did his muscles relax. His entire body deflated as he collapsed on top of her. He pressed his lips against her neck, grazing it as he tried to recover from the ordeal. His breathing was still a little quickened, but he was slowly starting to be able to concentrate again. "You stay here today." He said softly, not wanting to let her go. Hermione was the only woman that could fill that hole within him.