They both stood in the potions classroom, both nervous. Severus walked towards his office,

Hermione watched with mild interest. "Well are you going to stand there all night? Or are you

going to follow me?" He snapped, instantly regretting his harsh tone. Anger immediatly rose in

Hermione's eyes and she stalked after him. He stood before a huge tapestry that looked much

like an old world map.

"Soltanto il serpent entrer" He muttered at it which took all the wards off of the entrance to

his private chambers.

"Only the serpent shall enter..."Hermione said softly in slight amusement. Snape arched a

dark brow at her and proceeded into his chambers. Hermione was surprised at the decor. It

wasn't at all what she expected. The room was done in amber, nuetral, and merlot tones. The

bed was enormous, with a soft tuscan style comforter. Pillows of various shapes, sizes, and

shades from the room were stacked high at the head of the bed. Rich amber velvet bed hangings

surrounded the bed. There was soft tan carpeting that spanned from wall to wall. A fire crackled

happily in the huge fireplace. Plush armchairs were seated by the fireplace; a loveseat was settled

inbetween the two, the fabric, a tuscan design, contained all of the coressponding colors of the

chamber. Bookshelves lined the walls, nearly overflowing with books and scrolls. It all seemed

so inviting and warm. The air smlled of spice and musk, a deffinate male scent. She couldn't help

herself buShe felt a lump catch in her throat and fear overwhelm her. Severus caught the look in

her eyes and chuckled to himself. He walked over to the bed and sat down, loving the softness

the mattress presented. His back hurt from prowling through the halls, and keeping an eye on the

dunderheads that everyone called students. Not to mention that this day had severely taken a toll

on his nerves and physical self. He watched as Hermione explored his, no correction, their

rooms. She seemed to be doing anything to keep her mind off of the task at hand. She scanned

the bookshelfs eyeing each book carefullyt to steal a second glance at the grand bed.

"Hermione, they are expecting us." Severus managed to say flatly. Hoping not to give away

his own fear of what was to come. How could he be fearful of this simple task, where he had

faced far worse at the Dark Lord's hands. Thankflly those days of torture were over, but now his

life was faced with a new form of torture. He had to share his private life with a slip of a girl who

he sadly cared a bit for. He didn't know which was worse, sharing his life, or the fact that he

cared for her. Either way it was a disturbing change of circumstances. Hermione turned her dark

eyes to him, he could see her fear, and he felt sorry for the girl. She walked slowly to where he

sat, her hands braced firmly at her sides.

"Severus, may I be blunt?" She spoke meekly.

"I wouldn't expect any different." He said sourly. "I'm afraid. This is not what I had planned

in my life. I wanted to complete my education here and continue my education. I never expected

this to be my future. Not that I regret it, I just fear the unexpected." She clamped her mouth shut,

obviously shocked that she revealed so much. Unfortunatly Severus was not surprised.

"This is not what I had in mind either. I never anticipated a wife to look after...."

"I don't need looking after!" She snapped waspishly. Severus could feel his anger reaching a

boiling point with the girl.

"We have a task at hand, and we should get to it." He growled at her. Her eyes widened

slightly. He took her hand in his and pulled her close to him.

"I...I suppose we do." She said nervously. With a flick of hs wand Severus put the lights out.

"Get undress and come to the bed." He ordered. She turned her back to him, and began to

undress. He watched as reached her arms back binhind her to unzip the delicate dress she wore.

As her flesh was revealed to him, he let his eyes wander down her back, to her slender waist,

and the swell of her hips. She shrugged off the sleeves of her dress, allowing the entire dress to

puddle around her ankles. Standing there she crossed her arms over her chest, and stood there

still facing away from him. The crackling fire cast a warm glow about the chamber. Her skin felt

hot, but whether it was from blush, or the the heat radiating from the flames; she didn't know.

She heard a sharp intake of breath from Severus, and could almost swear she heard a groan.

Severus watched the dress fall from her form, his chest tightened. Her skin was flawless, her

body seemed so soft.

"I said undress, then come to bed." He said impatiently. He could see her nod her head.

"Close your eyes please." Sighing he closed his eyes. The sheets pulled back slightly as she

scrambled into the bed. "You can open your eyes now." she whispered.

Severus still sat on the edge of the bed, his clothes still on. He picked his wand back up and

with a flick his clothes were neatly folded and at the foot of the bed. He lifted the sheets back

and settled himself down. He could Hermione breathing slowly as if she tried to take control over

her nerves.

"This is going to take forever at this rate." He felt Hermione jump.

"I don't know what to do." She said sharply. Severus was surprised it had never occured to

him that she may be innocent in that area. He figured that she would know plenty about it. He

forced out a sound of pure exhasperation.

"Miss Granger, if you can't figure out what we're supposed to do then you're not as clever

as you would like to think." He snorted. He could feel her turn on her side and look at him. He

turned his head towards her and looked at her.

"Show me what to do." Determination was in her voice. She gasped as his hand reached

out and traced a finger down her cheek. His finger trailed down her cheek, to her bottom lip,

slowly he made his way down her chin, neck, and then to her collar bone. She held her breath as

he inched lower.

"Hermione, I am not a patient man. Nor do we have the time for complete instruction. I

suggest we do the minimal of what is required and then head to th Great Hall, as we are must."

She nodded. "It will hurt, for but a moment."

He raised himself above her and looked at her momentarily.

"I will need you to spread your legs." He grunted out. She cautiously spread her legs and

allowed him to settle himself between them. He gripped a hip with a hand and guided himself to

her core. She couldn't see him except from the mid chest up, but she could feel him. He pressed

agaisnt her, slowing inserting himself within her.

Gods she is tight! He thought to himself. Warm as well. Unbearably so. It had been too

long since he had a woman. She tensed beneath him as she felt herself being stretched to what

felt like her utmost limit. Deeper yet he pushed, until he could feel her barrier. He paused and

contempleted whether slow and sure, or quick and hard would be the easiest path for

Hermione.Upon consideration he figured it would hurt just the same either way, and proceeded

to thrust into her unceremoniously. She didn't cry out, but bit her lip until she drew blood. Slowly

she could feel the pain rescide as he sat stock still. She could tell he was restraining himself. He

could feel her relaxe and he continued to press into her. When he was fully sheathed he pulled

out, and in a few quick thrusts the deed was done. Hermione hadn't felt the pleasure she heard

some of the other girls in her house gossiped of. Only the uncomfortable fullness. He rolled over

onto the side of the bed and sighed.

"One more step." He said, in what sounded as a breathless voice. She braced herslef on her

elbows and grimaced.

"I'm sore."

"You will be. Accio rose." He grasped the rose, and held it carefully between his index

finger and thumb. "Prick your finger on a thorn." He commanded. She reached over and pressed

the tip of her index finger on a sharp thorn. She brought a drop of blood to the surface and watch

as Severus did the same. He dropped the rose on the bed and grabbed her wrist. He touched his

finger to hers and let their blood mingle. She felt a surge of energy course through her.

"È fatta." Whispering the words the energy subsided. "We should get to the Great Hall." He

rose from the bed and proceeded to dress himself. Hermione ducked her head under the covers

and waited till he was dressed. But before she knew it, she heard his chamber door shut. She

peeked out and saw that he was gone.

A/N

Please excuse these last 4 chapters. These weren't bets read since I wanted to get them posted

in a hurry. I promise though my next chapters will be read by my beta. Please review! I love to

read everyone's thoughts and ideas. But be gentle!!!