A/N: I hope that I did justice with my explanations….it was tough to bring out the right sentiments…. Thanks for the reviews, they inspired me to get you guys another chapter!

For a few minutes Harry Potter simply stared at Severus Snape in disbelief. And for a few minutes Severus sat uncomfortably as he waited for his reply. And then finally the younger wizard spoke, "You know, I was convinced that there was not a single thing that you could say to make me believe that you are not still in love with my mum. But now I don't know. I just hope that you aren't lying about what you say you feel for Hermione. Then again, I don't believe you would look me in the eyes and lie. But maybe that's just the naive Gryffindor in me. Do know that regardless of me believing you or not; I will still be there to hex you if you hurt her."

"I wouldn't have it any other way. Besides, I shudder to think about what Hermione would do to me herself if I made that mistake," Severus added with a slight quirk of his lips. "Now, shall we return to our dates?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, any longer and she'll probably come to hunt us down."

That settled, both men got up and headed back to their table. The relief on Hermione's face was palpable and Severus knew that she had a million questions to ask. She had been sitting rather pensively , her eyes darting around the restaurant and her delicate hands fidgeting with an empty martini glass. She stood up immediately when they returned, her arms flinging around his neck. "Later," he whispered in her ear as he hugged her briefly, reassuring his witch and then the both of them returned to their spot in the booth.

The rest of the dinner went off without a hitch. The food was delicious, albeit a bit overpriced in his humble opinion. After it was clear that there was no real animosity between him and Potter, Hermione loosened up and began chatting animatedly with her two friends. Laughing and smiling and snuggling close to his side. He had to admit it was nice to be out in public with his witch and have her gazing at him adoringly. Severus was quite certain that he'd want this for the rest of his life. When it was time to leave he did not expect to be bombarded by paparazzi. Surely they had more interesting things to talk about than who was dating who? Apparently not. Just when Severus began to berate them, Hermione stopped dead in her tracks and pulled him close for a hot, mind-melting kiss. Stunned, he couldn't say anything when it was over except, "I guess our secret is out now."

And then his impertinent little witch looked up at him wearing a wicked smirk and said, "Good."

That evening Snape made a detour to a muggle ice cream shop, much to Hermione's delight and although they looked quite out of place in their fancy clothes, neither of them cared. And then when they finished and Severus apparated them back to the Manor, and carried her up the stairs to his master suite. "What has gotten into you tonight?" She asked, not that he wasn't normally chivalrous and romantic, but she had noticed an air about him that was different. He seemed lighter; more energized.

"I'm just happy," he confessed. "And it's all because of you."

Hermione beamed, leaning forward to plant a soft kiss on his lips. "Careful, you keep saying things like that I might think you mean it."

"I do," Severus insisted and something about the intensity she heard in his voice made her stop and really look at him.

"Severus-"

A gentle hand cupping her cheek silenced her mouth and she waited as he deposited her on his bed and sat down next to her. "Hermione, I know that you're curious about what Potter and I discussed." At her nod he continued, "Needless to say that it wasn't a pleasant discussion. He was worried about you. Worried that I would hurt you because of my feelings for his mother."

Lily.

She tensed at those words, afraid that the bliss that she'd been feeling was about to fizzle out. Please, she inwardly prayed, don't let him say what I think he's about to say…. "You love her. Of course you do. I would never ask you to-"

"I know," he cut her off, not harshly, but still firm. "And I do, love her that is. I always will. She is a large part of my past and my love for her helped shape me in a way. But I am completely and irrevocably in love with you Hermione Granger. My dazzling, brilliant and beautiful witch. I love you. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone. I love that I can be myself with you. Totally and without fear of judgment. I love that you are not ashamed of me. I love that you have given so much of yourself to me. Generously. Without reservation. And I love how you make me feel. Proud and secure. Happy. Hopeful. I'm so grateful to have you in my life."

Hermione was nearly speechless. Her eyes felt wet and sure enough a few tears fell down her cheeks. "Y-You, you said all this to Harry?"

His answering smirk was both sexy and full of love. Gently, he reached up and wiped away her tears. "Not in the same exact words no, but the sentiment was the same. I love you. Now, I know that you may not—mmmph!"

She didn't give him a chance to finish as she crashed her mouth onto his in a passionate embrace, easily straddling his lap. "Don't even think for one moment that I'm not equally in love with you Severus Snape," Hermione declared, "Did you hear me? I love you. You make me feel incredible. You're attentive. Challenging. Brilliant. Protective. Charming. Kind. So many wonderful things. And I wouldn't have you any other way."

"You really mean that?" His voice was just a whisper, and Hermione was sure she heard an echo of fear. It nearly broke her heart. But it revealed just how fragile this seemingly invincible wizard really was. And she knew she had to put an end to any doubts right then.

"Yes. I love you Severus Snape, with all of my heart. Now, make love to me my darling wizard."

He gave a deep, warm chuckle as he said, "With pleasure."