A/N: Thanks again to Corazon for beta reading this! Specially so fast!
Chapter 2
Hermione met Harry, Ron and Ginny in Diagon Alley a few days before school started to get their supplies. While the boys talked Quidditch, the girls talked privately. Hermione wanted to tell Ginny but Severus and her agreed no one should know, at least not yet. But Ginny was more perceptive than the boys.
"Hermione what's different about you?" Ginny asked.
Hermione faked ignorance, "What do you mean?"
"I don't know... but there's something. And you're not telling me... must be a big secret." Ginny concluded.
Hermione knew there was no use in flat out lying so she told very little, "When I can tell you Ginny, you'll be the first to know."
Ginny nodded and accepted this decision and they went on shopping.
......
The train ride to Hogwarts was the same as usual. Draco Malfoy made his usual visit but was easily ignored now that his father was in Azkaban for being a Death Eater. Malfoy tried to remain arrogant and cocky but was shut down with a remark from Harry and the boy left with his tail between his legs. Hermione knew Malfoy still liked Severus because he thought even though he was not a supporter of Voldemort he was loyal to Slytherins and their beliefs that Muggle-borns were mudbloods. Hermione was looking forward to their first potions class... she heard part of what Severus planned to say. They would be informed of the new way class would be taught and what would be tolerated and what not. Hermione and Severus talked about her helping Neville Longbottom, while she agreed not to help him in class like before Severus compromised that he would not be so hard on the boy and would give him more private time during class to help him.
During the Sorting and Welcoming Feast Hermione sat where she could see Severus. It was weird to be back in school now after the summer with him alone and not having to worry about keeping their relationship quiet. In Paris when they went outside they knew they would have no chance of running into her parents and the likelihood of some one from school was very slim. Having to call him Professor Snape again would be different but they both agreed it would be kind of fun having to keep their relationship quiet. Though they both couldn't wait until after she finished school when they could be openly together again.
The first potions class on Monday was quiet for the Gryffindor and Slytherin 7th years. When Hermione, Harry and Ron entered Malfoy made a drastic error.
"Better watch it mudblood some day some one will get to you," Malfoy sneered.
Hermione kept quiet and grinned before walking off ignoring the idiot. Harry and Ron were baffled but laughed at Malfoy's response he was speechless at Hermione's reaction, but quickly recovering he went to her seat and started again.
"I might just get you myself mudblood," Malfoy continued.
When Malfoy finished and went back to his own seat Severus walked in. He saw the whole interaction and was proud of Hermione, he told her not to let the little prick bother her and she was taking his advice to heart.
"Everyone sit down," his silky voice purred.
The class immediately sat down and waited quietly watching their teacher closely. Hermione hid her smile knowing that it was now time to act as if they weren't lovers.
"There are many misconceptions in this classroom that will first need to be cleared before lessons can be taught. First off let's start with Mr. Malfoy losing 30 points from Slytherin for his remarks to Ms. Granger about her parentage." Severus said.
"But sir..." Malfoy started in.
"Shut it, Malfoy I witnessed your actions. You need to learn that just because Ms. Granger and other Muggle-borns have no wizarding ancestors that it makes them less powerful in magic. Being a pureblood does not make you better, if it did you would have the highest grades in this class and Ms. Granger would have the lowest among the other Muggle-borns, but as it is clearly seen she has the highest marks of this class and every subject she takes in this school. From now on there will be no more favoring of students, if you step out of line once you will regret it immediately. Ms. Granger now that you are Head Girl you will be acquired to keep those grades but you need to learn to keep your mouth shut and hand down. There are other students who need to learn by themselves," Severus looked directly at Neville, "Mr. Longbottom move yourself to this seat right here." Severus pointed to a desk he was standing next to that had Harry and Ron. "Mr. Weasley move yourself with Longbottom."
Both boys were in shock over the seating arrangement and froze for a second, "Move!" Severus hissed and they jumped and moved quickly.
"Mr. Potter you seem to have an abundance of Gryffindor courage, give some to your fellow Gryffindor here as I am sick of this boy exploding his cauldrons."
And the class was shocked over the new Professor Snape. He was still vile and sneering as ever but fair, the Slytherins lost more points than Gryffindors did during the lesson. Neville actually completed the potion and didn't blow up his cauldron but it was also due to the fact Severus was helping the boy more one on one. When Hermione asked a question she received the answer, when she raised a hand again to answer a question he asked, she was sneered at and told to keep her hand down again.
While Hermione knew this is what was going to happen. It didn't mean she had to like how he was treating her, but she understood. He was perhaps a bit more rough with her that first day to ensure there were no suspicions would be raised because of the way he defended her against Malfoy at first.
When the class was over, the classroom emptied fast. It was the last class of the day and the 7th year Gryffindors traveled in a pack and went to the common room. After arriving and dumping their bags, Ron was the first to speak, "What just happened?"
"That couldn't have been Snape!" One of the boys chimed in.
"It was, after Voldemort has been defeated he has no reason to favor the Slytherins. He is being a real teacher now," Harry piped in.
"When he was helping me he was almost.... nice?" Neville got in.
"Something changed him though," Ron stated suspiciously.
"Ron, you just still hate him because you lost the most points today," Hermione teased.
"So what?"
"You wouldn't have lost any points if you just done your work." Harry commented.
"I was asking Hermione for help..." Ron whined.
"I'm not helping in class anymore. I'll help you study after class though, you too if you want Neville, you did great today!" Hermione encouraged.
Neville smiled at the compliment.
......
The first week of school went by before Hermione could safely venture down to the dungeons to visit Severus. Severus gave her an invisibility spell he would use during his spying years so she could come down unseen. Severus told her the password he would use for the first week during the summer so she could get into his quarters. It was past hours on Friday night, they didn't have one chance to talk to each other privately at all, and Hermione missed that and him. When she was in his bedchambers she swiftly, but quietly stripped and climbed into bed.
Severus was sleeping when he felt the shift on the bed he knew only two people who could get into his quarters and only one person who would get into his bed. He opened his eyes to see his lover with a grin.
"I've missed you," Severus spoke quietly before pulling her down to him.
"Me too," was whispered back before the kiss.
After a gratifying kiss, Severus pulled Hermione beneath him and looked at her. "How are you doing?" he was a bit worried this might be too much for her and she wouldn't want to put in the effort of keeping their relationship going.
"Better now. It's hard to be around you and not be able to talk to you, I've been so tempted in class to tell you to shut up and kiss me," Hermione smirked.
"That would cause quite reaction in class don't you think?" Severus lifted his eyebrow.
"But seeing Malfoy's reaction would be to die for," Hermione laughed.
"The minute after you are no longer officially my student, I plan on kissing you in front of everyone," Severus whispered leaning in closer.
"Is that all?" Hermione said a bit sad.
"No, then I'm going to announce to the world you are the woman I love and drag you off to some place private," Severus finished.
"Getting a real reaction out of people is by me telling the world you are the man I love," Hermione grinned before locking lips with him.
They decided to leave talking for after they feed their hunger for each other a bit. The first round at lovemaking was fast and full of passion, needing to take the edge off. The second was slow and gentle but just as intense, hours of learning each other's bodies again. The third after a little while was slow, passionate and intense again just to confirm their lover's were still by their side. Talking took place between sessions to get caught up with their lives.
When morning came around Hermione snuck back before breakfast with no one noticing she was even gone and having her own room because of being Head Girl helped also in keeping her secrets from prying housemates and friends.
......
Classes went on as usual for the students. Severus was still a bastard but the Gryffindors weren't as 'scared' of him anymore. The Slytherins were learning the true Severus and were shocked but realized that he was correct that all witches and wizards were equal no matter the heritage.
Weeks passed by and it was soon Hermione's birthday. Harry and Ron gave her their present. They both pitched in for a book they knew she would enjoy - after finding out which one from Ginny. Ginny gave her bubble bath soaps and lotions. There wasn't much else they could give her - the dinner at the Gryffindor table was livelier with them singing happy birthday to her while she flushed embarrassingly. At breakfast that morning though she received an owl with a message that Severus planned something special and told her not to eat much at dinner. So, at dinner she made it look like she ate a more than she really did, taking only a few bites of chicken, potatoes and some from the other side dish, she went to her room and waited a until she the time it said to go down to the dungeons for her birthday from Severus.
About 8 o'clock that night Hermione sneaked out with her invisibility spell on and went down to the dungeons, she had a surprise for Severus herself too. She was grateful that her birthday fell on a Saturday. She finally arrived in Severus' quarters but there was no light and when she went for her wand to cast a lighting spell she was instructed not to.
"Don't," a soft velvety whisper said.
Hermione obeyed and put her wand away.
Severus' eyes had time to adjust to the darkness and could make out Hermione's simple moves, he walked to her and guided her to the couch and he kneeled down in front of her. He took hold of her hands and brought them behind her back and pressed forward forcing her to lean back and he captured her lips in a slow sensual kiss.
He took his time in the kiss trying to convey his feelings for her and what she meant to him. He wasn't vocal in as much as he should with his feelings and tried to show her instead of telling her. When he withdrew he heard a moan of disappointment knowing she was enjoying the kiss and the sensations they were giving each other was pure joy for Severus. He pulled her back into a sitting position and with a wave of the wand two single candles were lit around the room giving the small amount of light allowing them to see each other's facial expressions.
"Hermione today is your birthday and a day as this should be celebrated because it brought your presence into the world. As for your birthday gift it is nothing I can hand you physically but something else I think you could value you more. I want to grant you three wishes within my capability and I will do anything I can for you," Severus' voice was soft and silky.
Hermione was awed at Severus' 'gift'. "Severus you don't have to do anything like that, a book would be fine you know I love to read."
"Name a book you want and I will procure it for you," Severus offered. "And it will be one of your wishes if you want."
Hermione smiled, who would ever think Severus Snape being able to love and give himself as he had done with her recently. She knew one thing she wanted immediately and only he could give it to her. "I accept. My first wish is to be able to stay with you forever."
Severus was surprised at this but accepted it, "Granted."
Hermione kissed Severus again and this time more passion was introduced. After several long minutes Severus broke the kiss again, they still had to eat dinner. He had arranged a special meal of all her favorites to be setup for them to enjoy. When he showed her the food she was happy she didn't eat much dinner. The couple enjoyed a quiet meal together. Severus was unwilling though to let her leave his side so she ended up sitting in his lap on the floor with the food spread out on the coffee table in front of them. They fed each other stealing kisses between bites of food.
The other two wishes were kept for later until she thought of what she wanted and Severus gave her no time limit.
After dinner Severus learned what his surprise was from Hermione. Hermione was able to sneak off in Diagon Alley for a little bit while with Ginny and get some lingerie, it wasn't much to what others might think as simple. The one she wore was more along of a slip that cascaded down her body to mid thigh; it was silver it appeared to the naked eye. It was sheer, leaving hints of what lay beneath the material but a hint of mystery which Severus was all too willing to discover for himself, and he did in his own sweet time.
......
October came for the couple with a bit of good news and fun. Dumbledore announced during the first week of October that on Halloween night they were to have a masquerade ball. All 4th years and above were invited. Severus was not planning on going since Dumbledore let him out of it but Hermione convinced him to as long as they were both dressed to hide their identities no one else would recognize them. Hermione told her friends she wasn't interested in going, they begged for weeks to get her to say yes but she kept saying no. Ginny had some suspicions but let them go, eventually Ginny went with Harry as friends and Ron went with his girlfriend Lavender.
The ball started at 7 pm and lasted until midnight. Hermione and Severus agreed to meet in the Great Hall at 7:30. They each knew what the other would be in costume but they had not seen each other's costume. Severus let Hermione pick a pair of Roman Gods to portray and she chose God of the Sea, Neptune and his bride Amphitrite.
Hermione entered the Great Hall and was surrounded by people of different costumes, of different creatures, but she had in mind for one God her God... Neptune. Hermione dressed as Amphitrite, in white Roman dress, her hair was up and she put on a charm to make it more of a lighter brown with blonde in it. Her mask was simple and elegant hiding her eyes and cheeks but leaving her mouth visible. As she looked around for Severus not having to spot him but having spotted Harry and Ginny dressed as Romeo and Juliet, Ginny loved old Shakespearean classics.
As Hermione looked she was barely aware of her body swaying to the music.
"Would you like to dance?" a voice whispered in her ear.
Hermione knew that voice, it was silky as ever but layered with seductive meaning. She turned around slowly to face Neptune. From the gold crown on his head to his trident, the man was the king of oceans. Severus' chest suited the old-fashioned breastplate, his mask was gold and covered his eyes and cheeks leaving his mouth open like hers. His black silky hair was tied back to the nape of his neck while the rest of him was covered in Roman robes underneath the breastplate. "Neptune, my king, it is a pleasure to see you," Hermione whispered.
"My queen dance with me," Severus held out his arms to embrace her.
Hermione stepped to him and placed her hand in his and another on his shoulder and he started to lead her around the dance floor among the other dancers. The couple was oblivious to everyone else as they danced song after song, Hermione realized that Severus was a great dancer and moved smoothly and gracefully as he did walking. She was normally an average dancer but her partner made her feel like she was floating on air.
"My love, are you enjoying yourself?" Severus whispered.
"Immensely. I didn't know you were such a good dancer," Hermione teased.
"I'm not, but dancing with you makes it seems as if I am," he replied.
Hermione laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes as they continued to dance. When she opened her eyes a little bit later she noticed several people staring at her, she looked up at Severus, "Have you noticed people staring at us?"
"Yes."
Hermione looked around and saw a few more people including some staff. Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Vector who were all huddled together talking. "Dumbledore, McGonagall and Vector seemed to be focused on us also," Hermione said a bit worriedly.
"I know, love," he softly whispered.
"Maybe we should leave?"
Severus had stopped dancing and pulled her to the side with the least amount of people staring, "I can agree to that, unless you wish to stay and dance some more?" he asked sweetly.
Hermione smiled, "The only dancing I want to do now needs to be in private and in bed." She brushed her lips against his before kissing him fully.
Severus wrapped his arms around her and held her tight giving into the kiss, after a few minutes he pulled back after hearing a clearing of a throat. He pulled back to see Dumbledore and McGonagall eyeing him.
"Neptune and Amphitrite interesting choice of costumes," Dumbledore said dressed as a big elf.
Severus changed his voice, "Thank you."
"And who are you really?" Dumbledore curiously asked.
"Professor Dumbledore the point of a masquerade ball is to hide the identities, if we told you it would ruin all the fun," Hermione changed her own voice as much as she could.
Dumbledore chuckled, "You are quite right my dear, but I usually can guess who everyone is and I have not been able to discern of your real identities."
"Then we have done an excellent job in our costume," Severus bowed to Hermione: "Excellent choices my queen."
Hermione courtesied a little, "Thank you my king."
"It is time for us to take our leave, my queen must return to her castle. Goodnight Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall," Severus said.
"Goodnight Professors," Hermione voiced and allowed Severus to guide her to the door.
After the two were out of ear shot, "Albus do you have any idea who they were?" McGonagall asked.
"No I don't, interesting pair though." Dumbledore said, "Shall we dance?"
Outside of the Great Hall Severus and Hermione checked to make sure no one was around before they put on the invisibility spell and headed down to the dungeons. Once inside Hermione started to laugh, Severus smirked. "Severus that was close."
"Yes, but it was fun," he pulled Hermione closer to him.
"Yes it was," Hermione purred into his ear.
Severus pulled Hermione to his bedroom and slammed the door shut for the night.
Chapter 2
Hermione met Harry, Ron and Ginny in Diagon Alley a few days before school started to get their supplies. While the boys talked Quidditch, the girls talked privately. Hermione wanted to tell Ginny but Severus and her agreed no one should know, at least not yet. But Ginny was more perceptive than the boys.
"Hermione what's different about you?" Ginny asked.
Hermione faked ignorance, "What do you mean?"
"I don't know... but there's something. And you're not telling me... must be a big secret." Ginny concluded.
Hermione knew there was no use in flat out lying so she told very little, "When I can tell you Ginny, you'll be the first to know."
Ginny nodded and accepted this decision and they went on shopping.
......
The train ride to Hogwarts was the same as usual. Draco Malfoy made his usual visit but was easily ignored now that his father was in Azkaban for being a Death Eater. Malfoy tried to remain arrogant and cocky but was shut down with a remark from Harry and the boy left with his tail between his legs. Hermione knew Malfoy still liked Severus because he thought even though he was not a supporter of Voldemort he was loyal to Slytherins and their beliefs that Muggle-borns were mudbloods. Hermione was looking forward to their first potions class... she heard part of what Severus planned to say. They would be informed of the new way class would be taught and what would be tolerated and what not. Hermione and Severus talked about her helping Neville Longbottom, while she agreed not to help him in class like before Severus compromised that he would not be so hard on the boy and would give him more private time during class to help him.
During the Sorting and Welcoming Feast Hermione sat where she could see Severus. It was weird to be back in school now after the summer with him alone and not having to worry about keeping their relationship quiet. In Paris when they went outside they knew they would have no chance of running into her parents and the likelihood of some one from school was very slim. Having to call him Professor Snape again would be different but they both agreed it would be kind of fun having to keep their relationship quiet. Though they both couldn't wait until after she finished school when they could be openly together again.
The first potions class on Monday was quiet for the Gryffindor and Slytherin 7th years. When Hermione, Harry and Ron entered Malfoy made a drastic error.
"Better watch it mudblood some day some one will get to you," Malfoy sneered.
Hermione kept quiet and grinned before walking off ignoring the idiot. Harry and Ron were baffled but laughed at Malfoy's response he was speechless at Hermione's reaction, but quickly recovering he went to her seat and started again.
"I might just get you myself mudblood," Malfoy continued.
When Malfoy finished and went back to his own seat Severus walked in. He saw the whole interaction and was proud of Hermione, he told her not to let the little prick bother her and she was taking his advice to heart.
"Everyone sit down," his silky voice purred.
The class immediately sat down and waited quietly watching their teacher closely. Hermione hid her smile knowing that it was now time to act as if they weren't lovers.
"There are many misconceptions in this classroom that will first need to be cleared before lessons can be taught. First off let's start with Mr. Malfoy losing 30 points from Slytherin for his remarks to Ms. Granger about her parentage." Severus said.
"But sir..." Malfoy started in.
"Shut it, Malfoy I witnessed your actions. You need to learn that just because Ms. Granger and other Muggle-borns have no wizarding ancestors that it makes them less powerful in magic. Being a pureblood does not make you better, if it did you would have the highest grades in this class and Ms. Granger would have the lowest among the other Muggle-borns, but as it is clearly seen she has the highest marks of this class and every subject she takes in this school. From now on there will be no more favoring of students, if you step out of line once you will regret it immediately. Ms. Granger now that you are Head Girl you will be acquired to keep those grades but you need to learn to keep your mouth shut and hand down. There are other students who need to learn by themselves," Severus looked directly at Neville, "Mr. Longbottom move yourself to this seat right here." Severus pointed to a desk he was standing next to that had Harry and Ron. "Mr. Weasley move yourself with Longbottom."
Both boys were in shock over the seating arrangement and froze for a second, "Move!" Severus hissed and they jumped and moved quickly.
"Mr. Potter you seem to have an abundance of Gryffindor courage, give some to your fellow Gryffindor here as I am sick of this boy exploding his cauldrons."
And the class was shocked over the new Professor Snape. He was still vile and sneering as ever but fair, the Slytherins lost more points than Gryffindors did during the lesson. Neville actually completed the potion and didn't blow up his cauldron but it was also due to the fact Severus was helping the boy more one on one. When Hermione asked a question she received the answer, when she raised a hand again to answer a question he asked, she was sneered at and told to keep her hand down again.
While Hermione knew this is what was going to happen. It didn't mean she had to like how he was treating her, but she understood. He was perhaps a bit more rough with her that first day to ensure there were no suspicions would be raised because of the way he defended her against Malfoy at first.
When the class was over, the classroom emptied fast. It was the last class of the day and the 7th year Gryffindors traveled in a pack and went to the common room. After arriving and dumping their bags, Ron was the first to speak, "What just happened?"
"That couldn't have been Snape!" One of the boys chimed in.
"It was, after Voldemort has been defeated he has no reason to favor the Slytherins. He is being a real teacher now," Harry piped in.
"When he was helping me he was almost.... nice?" Neville got in.
"Something changed him though," Ron stated suspiciously.
"Ron, you just still hate him because you lost the most points today," Hermione teased.
"So what?"
"You wouldn't have lost any points if you just done your work." Harry commented.
"I was asking Hermione for help..." Ron whined.
"I'm not helping in class anymore. I'll help you study after class though, you too if you want Neville, you did great today!" Hermione encouraged.
Neville smiled at the compliment.
......
The first week of school went by before Hermione could safely venture down to the dungeons to visit Severus. Severus gave her an invisibility spell he would use during his spying years so she could come down unseen. Severus told her the password he would use for the first week during the summer so she could get into his quarters. It was past hours on Friday night, they didn't have one chance to talk to each other privately at all, and Hermione missed that and him. When she was in his bedchambers she swiftly, but quietly stripped and climbed into bed.
Severus was sleeping when he felt the shift on the bed he knew only two people who could get into his quarters and only one person who would get into his bed. He opened his eyes to see his lover with a grin.
"I've missed you," Severus spoke quietly before pulling her down to him.
"Me too," was whispered back before the kiss.
After a gratifying kiss, Severus pulled Hermione beneath him and looked at her. "How are you doing?" he was a bit worried this might be too much for her and she wouldn't want to put in the effort of keeping their relationship going.
"Better now. It's hard to be around you and not be able to talk to you, I've been so tempted in class to tell you to shut up and kiss me," Hermione smirked.
"That would cause quite reaction in class don't you think?" Severus lifted his eyebrow.
"But seeing Malfoy's reaction would be to die for," Hermione laughed.
"The minute after you are no longer officially my student, I plan on kissing you in front of everyone," Severus whispered leaning in closer.
"Is that all?" Hermione said a bit sad.
"No, then I'm going to announce to the world you are the woman I love and drag you off to some place private," Severus finished.
"Getting a real reaction out of people is by me telling the world you are the man I love," Hermione grinned before locking lips with him.
They decided to leave talking for after they feed their hunger for each other a bit. The first round at lovemaking was fast and full of passion, needing to take the edge off. The second was slow and gentle but just as intense, hours of learning each other's bodies again. The third after a little while was slow, passionate and intense again just to confirm their lover's were still by their side. Talking took place between sessions to get caught up with their lives.
When morning came around Hermione snuck back before breakfast with no one noticing she was even gone and having her own room because of being Head Girl helped also in keeping her secrets from prying housemates and friends.
......
Classes went on as usual for the students. Severus was still a bastard but the Gryffindors weren't as 'scared' of him anymore. The Slytherins were learning the true Severus and were shocked but realized that he was correct that all witches and wizards were equal no matter the heritage.
Weeks passed by and it was soon Hermione's birthday. Harry and Ron gave her their present. They both pitched in for a book they knew she would enjoy - after finding out which one from Ginny. Ginny gave her bubble bath soaps and lotions. There wasn't much else they could give her - the dinner at the Gryffindor table was livelier with them singing happy birthday to her while she flushed embarrassingly. At breakfast that morning though she received an owl with a message that Severus planned something special and told her not to eat much at dinner. So, at dinner she made it look like she ate a more than she really did, taking only a few bites of chicken, potatoes and some from the other side dish, she went to her room and waited a until she the time it said to go down to the dungeons for her birthday from Severus.
About 8 o'clock that night Hermione sneaked out with her invisibility spell on and went down to the dungeons, she had a surprise for Severus herself too. She was grateful that her birthday fell on a Saturday. She finally arrived in Severus' quarters but there was no light and when she went for her wand to cast a lighting spell she was instructed not to.
"Don't," a soft velvety whisper said.
Hermione obeyed and put her wand away.
Severus' eyes had time to adjust to the darkness and could make out Hermione's simple moves, he walked to her and guided her to the couch and he kneeled down in front of her. He took hold of her hands and brought them behind her back and pressed forward forcing her to lean back and he captured her lips in a slow sensual kiss.
He took his time in the kiss trying to convey his feelings for her and what she meant to him. He wasn't vocal in as much as he should with his feelings and tried to show her instead of telling her. When he withdrew he heard a moan of disappointment knowing she was enjoying the kiss and the sensations they were giving each other was pure joy for Severus. He pulled her back into a sitting position and with a wave of the wand two single candles were lit around the room giving the small amount of light allowing them to see each other's facial expressions.
"Hermione today is your birthday and a day as this should be celebrated because it brought your presence into the world. As for your birthday gift it is nothing I can hand you physically but something else I think you could value you more. I want to grant you three wishes within my capability and I will do anything I can for you," Severus' voice was soft and silky.
Hermione was awed at Severus' 'gift'. "Severus you don't have to do anything like that, a book would be fine you know I love to read."
"Name a book you want and I will procure it for you," Severus offered. "And it will be one of your wishes if you want."
Hermione smiled, who would ever think Severus Snape being able to love and give himself as he had done with her recently. She knew one thing she wanted immediately and only he could give it to her. "I accept. My first wish is to be able to stay with you forever."
Severus was surprised at this but accepted it, "Granted."
Hermione kissed Severus again and this time more passion was introduced. After several long minutes Severus broke the kiss again, they still had to eat dinner. He had arranged a special meal of all her favorites to be setup for them to enjoy. When he showed her the food she was happy she didn't eat much dinner. The couple enjoyed a quiet meal together. Severus was unwilling though to let her leave his side so she ended up sitting in his lap on the floor with the food spread out on the coffee table in front of them. They fed each other stealing kisses between bites of food.
The other two wishes were kept for later until she thought of what she wanted and Severus gave her no time limit.
After dinner Severus learned what his surprise was from Hermione. Hermione was able to sneak off in Diagon Alley for a little bit while with Ginny and get some lingerie, it wasn't much to what others might think as simple. The one she wore was more along of a slip that cascaded down her body to mid thigh; it was silver it appeared to the naked eye. It was sheer, leaving hints of what lay beneath the material but a hint of mystery which Severus was all too willing to discover for himself, and he did in his own sweet time.
......
October came for the couple with a bit of good news and fun. Dumbledore announced during the first week of October that on Halloween night they were to have a masquerade ball. All 4th years and above were invited. Severus was not planning on going since Dumbledore let him out of it but Hermione convinced him to as long as they were both dressed to hide their identities no one else would recognize them. Hermione told her friends she wasn't interested in going, they begged for weeks to get her to say yes but she kept saying no. Ginny had some suspicions but let them go, eventually Ginny went with Harry as friends and Ron went with his girlfriend Lavender.
The ball started at 7 pm and lasted until midnight. Hermione and Severus agreed to meet in the Great Hall at 7:30. They each knew what the other would be in costume but they had not seen each other's costume. Severus let Hermione pick a pair of Roman Gods to portray and she chose God of the Sea, Neptune and his bride Amphitrite.
Hermione entered the Great Hall and was surrounded by people of different costumes, of different creatures, but she had in mind for one God her God... Neptune. Hermione dressed as Amphitrite, in white Roman dress, her hair was up and she put on a charm to make it more of a lighter brown with blonde in it. Her mask was simple and elegant hiding her eyes and cheeks but leaving her mouth visible. As she looked around for Severus not having to spot him but having spotted Harry and Ginny dressed as Romeo and Juliet, Ginny loved old Shakespearean classics.
As Hermione looked she was barely aware of her body swaying to the music.
"Would you like to dance?" a voice whispered in her ear.
Hermione knew that voice, it was silky as ever but layered with seductive meaning. She turned around slowly to face Neptune. From the gold crown on his head to his trident, the man was the king of oceans. Severus' chest suited the old-fashioned breastplate, his mask was gold and covered his eyes and cheeks leaving his mouth open like hers. His black silky hair was tied back to the nape of his neck while the rest of him was covered in Roman robes underneath the breastplate. "Neptune, my king, it is a pleasure to see you," Hermione whispered.
"My queen dance with me," Severus held out his arms to embrace her.
Hermione stepped to him and placed her hand in his and another on his shoulder and he started to lead her around the dance floor among the other dancers. The couple was oblivious to everyone else as they danced song after song, Hermione realized that Severus was a great dancer and moved smoothly and gracefully as he did walking. She was normally an average dancer but her partner made her feel like she was floating on air.
"My love, are you enjoying yourself?" Severus whispered.
"Immensely. I didn't know you were such a good dancer," Hermione teased.
"I'm not, but dancing with you makes it seems as if I am," he replied.
Hermione laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes as they continued to dance. When she opened her eyes a little bit later she noticed several people staring at her, she looked up at Severus, "Have you noticed people staring at us?"
"Yes."
Hermione looked around and saw a few more people including some staff. Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Vector who were all huddled together talking. "Dumbledore, McGonagall and Vector seemed to be focused on us also," Hermione said a bit worriedly.
"I know, love," he softly whispered.
"Maybe we should leave?"
Severus had stopped dancing and pulled her to the side with the least amount of people staring, "I can agree to that, unless you wish to stay and dance some more?" he asked sweetly.
Hermione smiled, "The only dancing I want to do now needs to be in private and in bed." She brushed her lips against his before kissing him fully.
Severus wrapped his arms around her and held her tight giving into the kiss, after a few minutes he pulled back after hearing a clearing of a throat. He pulled back to see Dumbledore and McGonagall eyeing him.
"Neptune and Amphitrite interesting choice of costumes," Dumbledore said dressed as a big elf.
Severus changed his voice, "Thank you."
"And who are you really?" Dumbledore curiously asked.
"Professor Dumbledore the point of a masquerade ball is to hide the identities, if we told you it would ruin all the fun," Hermione changed her own voice as much as she could.
Dumbledore chuckled, "You are quite right my dear, but I usually can guess who everyone is and I have not been able to discern of your real identities."
"Then we have done an excellent job in our costume," Severus bowed to Hermione: "Excellent choices my queen."
Hermione courtesied a little, "Thank you my king."
"It is time for us to take our leave, my queen must return to her castle. Goodnight Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall," Severus said.
"Goodnight Professors," Hermione voiced and allowed Severus to guide her to the door.
After the two were out of ear shot, "Albus do you have any idea who they were?" McGonagall asked.
"No I don't, interesting pair though." Dumbledore said, "Shall we dance?"
Outside of the Great Hall Severus and Hermione checked to make sure no one was around before they put on the invisibility spell and headed down to the dungeons. Once inside Hermione started to laugh, Severus smirked. "Severus that was close."
"Yes, but it was fun," he pulled Hermione closer to him.
"Yes it was," Hermione purred into his ear.
Severus pulled Hermione to his bedroom and slammed the door shut for the night.
