Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, except the one I created myself. All others belong to J. K. Rowling and Warner Brothers. I have only borrowed them for my amusement and hopefully yours as well.

A/N: Once again, this chapter has sexual content. If you are not old enough, you know what to do. See you later!

Chapter 34

Severus awoke very early the next morning. As he opened his eyes, he remembered he was not in his room, but in Jolicia's. He felt a very fleeting moment of panic – as if he did not belong in her bed and that he should run as fast as he could. He quickly pushed those feelings away. He lay there and stared at the beautiful creature next to him. She looked so peaceful, so serene. He relived the previous night's events in his mind. How his life had taken an unexpected twist! Severus had gone to Jo to turn her away from him and just the opposite had occurred. They now were lovers, not just in the physical sense, but the emotional as well. Severus felt a twinge of regret – he should not have denied his feelings for her. Precious time had been wasted!

He was still at a lost to understand how she could love him, a man with such a sordid past. He marveled at her capacity to love. He had observed it many times with the students, but now that he was on the receiving end of that love, he was in awe of her.

"She should not love me, but she does. She should be repulsed by my touch, but yet she craves it. How does she do it? I'm not so sure that I could be so forgiving if the situations had been reversed. Thank Merlin for her heart! Let me worthy of its blessing," he thought.

Severus had the overwhelming urge to waken her, but didn't; the hour was still too early. He snuggled himself to her and felt her stir. She moved herself closer to him, all the while staying asleep. He listened to her breathe and its gentle rhythm lulled him back into slumber.

Severus once again waked and found he could no longer lay still. He began to kiss the back of her neck and rub her belly gently.

He whispered into her ear, "Jolicia, love. It's time to wake up." She barely moved.

He stroked her breast and nibbled her earlobe. His hardness pressed into her hip. Merlin, he needed her!

"Love, come on now. Wake up. Love?"

"Hmmm, what a delicious way to wake up!" she purred. Rolling over to face him, she said, "I like the sound of that – hearing you call me 'love'. Do you realize what a sexy voice you have?"

He captured her in a deep kiss and then replied, "You're the first one to mention it, Jo. Do I really?"

"My lord, yes! You underestimate yourself, Sev. You are hot!" she said, leaning up to return his kiss. She suddenly grabbed him, causing him to moan loudly.

 "Is this for me, love?" she asked innocently, all the while stroking him.

He hissed, "Ohh, yes. Don't stop."

Jolicia threw back the bedclothes so she could have better access and then swung her leg over top of him. As she straddled him, she reached around to position him at her entrance. She allowed just the head enter her and then she stopped.

Breathing heavily, she whispered, "This is definitely the most delicious…oh…yes…way to wake up… yesss."

She let herself slowly, slowly sink down until his full length was buried deep inside her. She stopped again, eyes closed, and let her head fall backwards. He reached up to caress her breasts, to pinch her nipples. Severus could feel her velvet walls contracting around him. It was bliss. Jo then leisurely raised herself upwards until he was almost completely withdrawn; she plunged back down, again taking her time. She repeated her actions over and over, driving herself and Severus to the heights of ecstasy.

"So good…Sev…I don't want to stop... so good."

"Jo, it's too good…I don't know how …'hiss'…how much longer I can last…oh yes."

She began to move faster and faster, grinding herself into him. Severus was about to tell her he couldn't continue when she screamed that she was coming. He let go as well, grateful for her climax. Jolicia rolled off of him and the two lovers lay panting and spent.

"It just keeps getting better, doesn't it Sev?"

"That it does. Imagine what it will be like in ten years," he laughed.

"I can't wait," she replied.

"I do think we should get dressed soon. We are going to be late for class if we don't get a move on, Jolicia."

"Yikes! Is that the time? Come take a shower with me," said Jo, leaping out of bed.

She stopped to perform a contraceptive spell before following him to the bathroom. While they soaped one another, they discussed how they should handle their 'situation'- should they keep their relationship under wraps for the time being or should they go public. Severus convinced Jo to keep things quiet for now and Jo convinced Severus that they should at least tell Albus. Once out of the shower, Severus went to the fireside to retrieve his clothes, which were completely wrinkled having spent the night in a heap on the floor. He laid them out on the bed, waved his wand and then began to dress in the now perfectly clean and pressed clothing.

Once they were both fully clothed, they made their way to the Great Hall, judging there was still time for a quick breakfast.

"It is going to be hard to keep my hands off you, Severus."

"It will be for me as well, my dear. We have to practice a little self restraint, that's all. The brats don't need to know our business, at least for now."

"They're not brats, Sev. They're children. Be kind."

"I can't suddenly be nice to them, Jo. They have certain expectations of me; I have an image to maintain."

"We'll talk about your image later," she laughed. "Do you want to go in first or shall I?"

"Ladies first. I'll follow in a few minutes," he said. Severus looked around to see if anyone was in the corridor. Finding that they were alone, he gave her a quick kiss.

"I like to live dangerously," he smirked. "Go on in now."

She walked into the room and made her way up to the head table. She saw that the students seemed to be staring at her, but she didn't have a clue why. Taking her usual place, she greeted her fellow teachers. They were staring as well.

"Is something wrong, Albus?" she asked quietly. "Everyone is staring at me."

"We haven't seen you smile like that for quite some time, my child. You are glowing, as a matter of fact." His eyes were twinkling as he asked, "I trust everything has worked out to your satisfaction, Jolicia?"

She blushed and said, "Most definitely. Even better than my wildest expectations. Thanks for your advice. It was the right thing to do." She looked up and saw Severus enter the room. She smiled and said, "It was the best advice anyone has ever given me."

Albus sat back down and waited for the Potions Master to pass by.

"Everything all right, Severus? We haven't had the pleasure of your company lately."

"Good morning, Albus. Yes, everything is fine. Thank you for asking. I have been…indisposed."  Realizing that the Headmaster knew already, he leaned in and added quietly, "We want to keep this quiet, please."

Dumbledore tapped his nose with his index finger and said, "Mum's the word."

Once Severus was seated, Albus turned very discreetly to Minerva and gave her a knowing smile.

Albus and Minerva purposely lingered in the Great Hall. He knew that she was bursting to know what had happened between Severus and Jolicia. After the last child left, he began to stroll slowly away from the table.

"Where are you going, Albus? You can't leave me hanging like this!" she cried, hurrying after him.

"I was asked not to say anything, my dear," he replied with a grin.

'Since when has that stopped you, old man? Tell me and be quick about it."

"Well, I don't know…"

"Albus!"

"All right, all right. I am sure you noticed the smile on Jolicia's face? Yes, well we all did. They have finally resolved their differences. Severus has finally admitted that he loves her."

"It's about bloody time. I had really given up hope, Albus. Oh, I'm so pleased for Severus. He deserves to be happy," she sobbed.

"Now, now Minerva. Don't cry. You'll get me started as well. You know what a sentimental fool I am. Remember, you're not supposed to know anything about this. You have to act properly surprised when they tell you."

"I am well aware that I'm not supposed to know, Albus. Don't worry; I'll put on an act that will make you proud of me."

Dumbledore nodded and smiled; this was a happy day indeed.

The day had been unusual, to say the least. Jolicia's students had all noticed that she was back to her usual good humor. They were all dying to find out what had happened, although they all realized that they would probably never know the truth. Harry, Ron and Hermione were just as curious. They were sure that the Headmaster had helped Professor Medwin 'fix' the problem, whatever it was.

After the class was over, Ron said, "Harry, you're closer to her than we are. See if you can get her to tell you what happened."

"Ronald Weasley! You are so thick sometimes it makes me wonder how you are still here at Hogwarts. Of course Harry can't ask her. She didn't want us to know on Saturday when we found her, so I doubt that she'd open up now," said Hermione.

"Hermione's right, Ron. I can't ask her. Anyway, even if she did confide in me, I wouldn't tell you guys, so there's no point in me asking her for you, is there?"

"But Harry, we're your best friends. You'd have to tell us, mate."

Harry laughed and said, "Do you think I tell you everything?"

"You mean you don't?" asked Ron, looking quite shocked at Harry's confession.

"See what I mean? He's thick," said Hermione shaking her head. "Of course he doesn't tell us everything. Everybody has got to have some secrets, don't they?"

"I tell you everything," answered Ron indignantly.

"That's because you're thick," said Harry, bursting into laughter. Hermione joined in.  Ron turned red and started to walk away from them.

Realizing that they'd gone a bit too far, they ran after him and said, "Stop, Ron. We were only teasing you. Come on, mate. It was only for a laugh. We're sorry, aren't we Hermione?"

"Yes and I promise not to keep any secrets from you in the future. Okay?"

"Well…promise you won't say I'm thick anymore?"

Harry and Hermione replied together, "We promise we won't."

"Right, I forgive you. Let's go, we'll be late for Potions."

The Potions class was most surprising. Somehow, Snape was in a good mood! He had actually made a somewhat humorous remark about Neville's cauldron. Neville himself just stood there, with his mouth open. He was so used to Snape berating him that he waited for the cutting remark to follow. It never came. Gryffindor didn't lose any points, either. It had been a class of 'firsts'. None of them remembered the Potions Master being anything but snarky, mean and hateful. They didn't know what to make of it – imagine Snape, cracking jokes (albeit small ones)!  What was even more surprising was that none of the students made a connection between his good mood and the return of Jolicia's.

Jolicia had found it difficult to concentrate on her work that day. Any time there was a lull, she found herself thinking of him. They had seen one another over lunch, but had not had time to be alone. He had whispered into her ear just before he left for class how much he was looking forward to later. His tongue had ever so slightly grazed the tip of her ear. It was all she could do to keep from throwing her arms around him.

At last the long day was over and Jo headed back to her room, wondering if she would find him there. As she walked by his door, she suddenly felt herself being pulled inside.

"I have been going mad all day thinking about you, Jolicia," he said thrusting his tongue down her throat. "I have a problem that requires your assistance, love."

He grabbed her hand and placed over his crotch.

"I have been like this all day long. Won't you put me out of my misery?"

They were crazed, clutching at one another's clothes, trying desperately to be rid of their encumbrance. He drew her into his bedroom, and pushed her face down over the edge of the bed.

"I can't wait, Jo. I need you now," he growled, lowering her trousers and then his own. They both groaned as he swiftly entered her from behind.  He began pumping into her, reaching under to pleasure her as well. Jo pushed back on his every stroke, creating a most delightful sensation. She turned her head to tell him how good it was when she beheld a sight that took her breath away. There they were, perfectly framed in his cheval mirror! She watched excitedly as he took her.

She gasped, "Sev…oh gods…look in your mirror."

He turned his head, wondering what she meant. There they were, half-undressed and in the throes of passion. He saw himself entering her! Oh Merlin - he had never seen such an erotic sight!

"Look at us Jo," he cried. "Oh…YES!"

The view had sent him right over the edge. Jo watched his face as he came and reached down to complete the job he had started. She quickly reached her climax as well. They took off their remaining clothes and climbed into his bed. This was the first time she had been in his bedroom. She looked around, admiring her surroundings. It was a very masculine room decorated in black and dark green. Definitely Slytherin!

"I'm sorry, Jolicia. I couldn't hold myself anymore – what with being excited all day and then seeing us in the mirror like that."

"There's nothing to be sorry for – it was wonderful. Don't ever get rid of that mirror," she laughed.

And so the two lovers meshed their lives together, each learning to give and take, starting to build a solid foundation of love and understanding. Severus was surprised at how easily he adapted to his new way of life. He had been alone for so long that he had fully expected to have difficulty giving and receiving love. It was the easiest thing he had ever done! How could he not love her? He still couldn't believe that she had chosen him, but was grateful for it. He tried very hard to banish all of his fears and self doubts. Jolicia loved him, and that was good enough for him.

They spent as much time together as they could, finding little stolen moments for a quick hug or a caress. Jo loved to tease him just when she knew it was impossible for them to be alone. It made him wild for her. Severus was thankful for frock coats and robes; they hid a multitude of 'sins'. Their favorite time together was the long night in each others arms, sometimes in Jo's bed, and sometimes in Severus'. They touched and tasted, pleasured each other, explored each other's body, teased and talked until each became as familiar with their lover as they were with their own self. Neither had known it was possible to love and be loved so completely.

Much to the students' dismay, Severus went back to being his usual unpleasant self, although there was something different. His bite had lost a little of its edge. One could perhaps say he had mellowed. He and Jolicia worked hard to keep their love life under wraps and they almost succeeded.

One evening, Jolicia was late for her class with Harry. When she finally arrived, he noticed that she seemed flushed and a little distracted.

"Sorry, Harry. I was unavoidably detained. Shall we get right down to business?" she said.

"No problem, Jo. Aren't you going to…"

She cut him off before he could finish what he was about to say and bade him to begin. Harry shrugged his shoulders and did as he was instructed.

Harry felt as if he had run into a brick wall! Her emotions crashed into him with such intensity, he was hard pressed to make sense of what he was feeling and seeing from her mind. He also felt a rush of excitement – he was finally there! Harry put all of his will into what he was attempting to do. Gradually, he became aware of what the emotion was – it was love, waves and waves of love! He felt joy and contentment such as he had never himself experienced. Images were starting to solidify. He could see the shadow of a man – this must be her lover! Slowly a face began to take shape. Harry knew him – it was Professor Snape. Jolicia was in love with the Potions Master! He saw them kiss and smile at one another; they were in bed…

Harry pulled away, not wishing to see anything more. Those images were not for his mind. They belonged to her and her alone. Harry looked over at Jo and began to smile. He had felt how happy she was; he was pleased for his friend, pleased that she had found the man of her dreams, even if it was him.

Jolicia realized her mistake and said, "Harry, I'm sorry if I embarrassed you. I… I forgot to use the Pensieve."

"I know you did. That's what I was trying to tell you, Jo, but you made me start. Maybe you'll listen to me next time," he laughed. "So you love him, huh?"

"With all my heart," she replied. He could see from the look on her face that she was telling the truth.

"He love you?"

"Oh, yes. Just as much as I love him, Harry."

"Well, I have to say I'm a little shocked, but if you're happy, then I'm happy for you. Both of you," Harry said, giving her a hug.

"Can you keep this to yourself? Don't even tell Ron or Hermione, okay? Sev and I aren't ready to go public yet."

"Sev?" he asked with a chuckle. "Wow, you and Sev. I can't get over it, Jo. I won't breathe a word to anyone, even though it's gonna kill me to keep my mouth shut. This has got to be the juiciest bit of tittle tattle to hit Hogwarts ever!"

"Thanks, Mr. Legilimens. I knew I could count on you."

"Hey, yeah! I did it at last. I am a Legilimens now, too. Thanks Jo. You're the best teacher I've ever had."

"It's easy to teach, when you have a student as good as you, Harry. I'm very proud, son."  He was proud of himself as well.

The following day, Harry ran into Snape in the corridor. Harry had the overwhelming urge to call him 'Sev', but didn't dare. He smirked quietly to himself.

"Potter, congratulations once again. Jolicia told me what happened. Thank you for your… discretion."

"Thank you, sir. My pleasure." Somehow he almost believed that Snape had been sincere.

A week later, the sixth year students filed out of Jo's classroom after a particularly interesting lesson. Draco and Hermione were heading to the library to work on an assignment.

"Damn it, Hermione. I left my book back in the classroom. Go on ahead, I'll catch up with you in the library," said Draco, turning around.

He opened the door to the classroom and was about to go in when he stopped and drew back. Severus was talking to Professor Medwin.

'He must have come in through her office," thought Draco. Something made him linger at the door.

He watched them talk and then to his amazement, he saw his godfather slip his hands around her waist and begin to kiss her!  Draco stood transfixed. She was kissing back! Severus' hands had slipped down to her ass! She didn't push him away!

"Holy shit, they're lovers!" he thought. "I didn't think he had it in him."

He continued his voyeuristic pleasure, hoping to see even more, until a voice said rather loudly, "What are you looking at, Draco?"

"Shhh! Hermione," he admonished, putting his finger to his mouth to make her hush. "Be quiet and come see."

He pulled her to the edge of the door and stood closely behind her, his hands still resting on her arms.

"Look," he whispered.

Hermione peered inside and gasped. Professors Medwin and Snape were locked in a passionate kiss. They were actually feeling each other up! Hermione knew she should look away, but she was mesmerized just as Draco had been. When they finally broke apart, she saw him say 'I love you' as he gathered her into a tight embrace. Hermione quietly shut the door.

She felt light-headed. They were lovers! She turned to face Draco, who was standing oh so close to her. She had felt his breath on the back of her neck.

"Wasn't that something, Hermione? Snape and Medwin together – who would have ever imagined!"

"I think it's wonderful. They looked…well suited to one another. I think we should keep this to ourselves, Draco. Don't you?"

"I suppose. Severus never said anything to me, so I guess this is top secret. Yeah, I'll keep quiet. It was hot to see though, wasn't it?"

Hermione blushed and nodded. She began to walk away.

"Wait, Hermione. Don't go just yet."

Draco pulled her towards him, leaned in and kissed her very gently. He felt her tremble as she kissed him back! He had been afraid that she would slap him or scream. He wanted very much to pull her in even closer, but he didn't dare. His arousal would surely frighten her away. For the moment, he was content with her delicious kiss.

When they finally parted, Hermione asked, "Did you kiss me because you got turned on by what you just saw, Draco?" The blush of her first real kiss lit up her face.

"No, I kissed you because it's something I've been thinking about doing for a long time."

"Really? What took you so long?"

"I was afraid you'd belt me again."

"You have to admit that you deserved it that day," she laughed. Her tone grew serious and lowering her eyes she said, "I thought you found me unattractive; that you only wanted to be with me because I'm smart."

"Don't you know how I feel about you, Hermione?" he whispered, raising up her chin so he could gaze into her eyes. "I'm crazy about you." He saw her tremble anew.

"You are?"

He showed her, not with words, but with a deep kiss. The small sounds of pleasure she made spurred him on.

"If only…" he said.

'If only what, Draco?"

"If only you were my girlfriend Hermione," he said wistfully. "I realize that can't happen." He turned away from her.

"Why not? I'd …I'd like that, too."

"You would?" he asked incredulously. "Shit, Hermione, it is because of my father. A Malfoy and a Muggle-born won't do. I shudder to think about what would happen if he found out."

"He wouldn't have to find out, Draco. We could keep it quiet. Look at them – who knows how long they've been together and nobody is the wiser. We can do this, that is, if you're willing to take the risk."

"You mean you're willing to?"  He slipped his arms around Hermione.

"Miss Granger, you've got yourself a boyfriend!" he grinned. "Give us a snog."

Hogwarts acquired its second undercover couple.

Hermione acquired two secrets that day, ones that, despite her promise, she was not about to share with Ron.