A/N: Last chapter......

Disclaimer: Blah blah blah (Don't own HP) Blah blah blah

The time between Snape's return and now was killing McGonagall from the inside out. But finally, it was the day before he was to be let out. Not a minute too late! She constantly checked up with how he was doing through Dumbledore and the Ministry. Supposedly he was cooping, but she knew he would be a little upset. I mean, it was Azkaban. But she had the perfect cure to nerves and stress.

She hoped that what Dumbledore had said about making the bed was true, even though she was a bit flustered by him figuring out. It was a miracle they had lasted that long without having been caught under his wise eye. But, she decided just in case it was only a cruel joke, to put out some pillows and at least make the bed.

God knows this is just what he needs,' she thought, as she laid out the last of the pillows.

She could hardly contain her joyfulness as she flopped gently down on her newly made bed, knowing she was just going to mess it up again as she slept. But being able to make it for the two of them made her feel like his arrival was sooner than it actually was. She lay on her back, her long dark hair sprawled out like a halo around her fragile face. She felt like a teenager again. Back at Hogwarts after a long day's studying, completely beat, and falling onto her bed like a brick. In moments her eyes shut, and only minutes after her mind was full of unbelievable visions and surreal occurrences that only come in dreams.

In the morning, she was out of bed almost an hour early. She dressed into her most versatile and quick-to-put-on robes, and ran a brush through her hair only as much as necessary, not even bothering to put it up.

Only when she reached the Great Hall did she realize getting their first would not help Snape to arrive any faster, but she didn't care. Her mood was too light to be daunted by the fact that she was only doing ridiculous things just because she could.

The day after breakfast seemed to go extravagantly slow, and it didn't help that she had no idea when he was going to arrive anyhow. It even crossed her mind that he may not even be able to arrive today, for one reason or another. After her first three classes, she had a break, and decided to go down to Dumbledore's office to see if he had received any more news.

She was about to speak the password when Dumbledore appeared from behind the statue, a smile on his face.

Um... Hello, she said, a bit stunned.

Hello, Minerva! It's lovely to see you. I figured you would be down her in a matter of minutes, so I decided to save you some breath. How are you?Well, uh, fine. And you?Peachy. Severus should be arriving soon, and do not worry, his travel will not be delayed. And I was serious about the house elves, they shall be down after dinner.

Her face flushed crimson, and she looked at the floor. Yes.... well, thank you.I figured he would need something to cheer him up, for I'm sure seeing the students again will not do the trick.

McGonagall chuckled a bit, and nodded to show her agreement. Yes, that may even make him feel more melancholy, I do believe.

Dumbledore smiled, and put a hand on her shoulder. This really is one of the more exciting pieces of news I've heard since I've been here. How long are you planning on keeping it a secret?

She shrugged casually. I really don't know, Albus. I really do want everyone to know. I just don't know how to tell everyone.Why do you have to tell them? Show them.I suppose it will be quite awkward. Don't you think?Maybe. Maybe not. If it being so private doesn't matter, just don't care anymore.

She nodded. Well, I still have a few more classes to teach before dinner. It does look like we've missed lunch, does it not?Oh well. All good conversations come with a cost. I'll see you at supper, Minerva.You too. Thank you so much, Albus.

And with that piece of advice, and a plan forming in her mind, she made it through the last few classes and on to dinner.

She sat down at her seat in the Great Hall at the staff table, waiting for the food to appear, because, having missed lunch, she was starving. It slowly appeared from the table, and she politely picked out some meat and vegetables that look appetizing, trying not to overstuff her plate and look as though she was piggish.

She ate and made small talk with Hagrid, who was seated beside her, when Dumbledore got up, and walked over to her seat, tapping on her shoulder. She was laughing at something Hagrid had said.

And so this was.... Oh, hello Albus. Can you excuse me for a moment, Hagrid?

He nodded, and she turned to Dumbledore.

What is it? she asked, her face beaming with happiness.

Well, I think you may want to look up by the door.

She looked up, still laughing a bit. Then her eyes widened, and her heart stopped.

There was Snape, looking a bit pale, and eyes squinting as he walked over to the staff table. His walk was a bit slower and he didn't seem to have noticed her yet. McGonagall knew she would be happy when she saw Snape for the first time in so long, but she felt almost overwhelmed. Her eyes started watering, and her face turned pink. She was shivering, and she wanted to wave to him, but she could barely move. Finally, he spotted her, but remembered that they were trying to stay on a low-key relationship, so he smiled, and walked over to her to great her casually, along with his other coworkers.

But the second he walked up to her, she found herself able to move, and she stood, facing him, breathing hard. He smiled, looking at her with a mix ot puzzlement and pleasure. Why was she being so obvious? Her hand was shaking as she touched his face for the first time in so long. His skin crawled under her touch, and he found himself not caring who saw. He didn't care if anyone knew. Was anyone even watching. He glanced out across the Great Hall to see that all eyes were on them.

Minerva, I..... I missed you so much.Shhh, don't say a thing. I know you did. Severus?I don't care who sees anymore.I don't either.

Her hand moved back and gently ran through his long black locks, which were heavier with grease and dirt than ever. His face was dirty and his skin was much more sullen than it was before. It looked like he hadn't seen the light of day for ages! Then she remembered it was because he hadn't.

she groaned, wanting so badly to throw herself onto him. His hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her so close that his long nose was almost touching her small and slightly pointed one. They lingered close a moment longer, looking at each other. Her piercing catlike eyes. His shimmery black ones. She took in one last breath, and he pulled her to him, their lips touching with the utmost subtlety. His hands stroked her silky dark hair and she leaned into him as she went weak at the knees. She knew without looking that everyone was gaping, even the teacher. But she could feel Dumbledore's smile out of all the confusion and bewilderment. They pulled apart, and she was aware for the first time that she was crying. She put her head in her hands, leaning on his chest heavily. She uttered quiet gasps and sobs before she slowly pulled away and decided to face everyone.

She looked up at Severus first, who had also not dared look at the expression from his students. They could both hear murmurs, but neither of then could understand a word. Then, they nodded to each other and knew they had to look. Together, they turned to face their students. McGonagall looked first upon her noble Gryfindors. She spotted Hermione first, who was one of the closest. She was beaming at her, and McGonagall gave her a weak smile in return. Most of the others were whispering, but when they felt her eyes on them, they either smiled or looked away, as if ashamed to see something so private from a professor.

Snape looked first on his loyal Slytherins, who mostly looked completely shaken by the whole affair. Not only did their strong-willed and sour Head of house show compassion and love in front of the whole school, but the lover was the infamous head of Gryfindor house! The rival! The enemy!

The other houses' reactions weren't as drastic, and not nearly as important to them, but still, the group reaction was one of great shock and disbelief.

Then reluctantly, the two lovers turned to their colleges. Most of them were either in absolute awe, or they were glowing with happiness for them. No one said anything to them for a while. It was a very uneasy silence. Then finally, Dean shouted, Are you guys, like, getting married? And that broke it. Everyone erupted with laugher, and through it all Snape managed to get a We'll see out, loud enough for everyone to hear, including McGonagall. She looked at him, and smiled. It was a we'll see type deal. Nothing was certain, but things did look good. There was definitely nothing she would like more.

After a merry feast and a toast to Snape's return, everyone headed off to bed. McGonagall happily led him to her bedroom (and was spotted doing so by a few slow-walking students. Uh oh, rumors!), and was thrilled to find that Dumbledore had kept his promise.

So Minerva, does this luxurious treatment come with a little Champaign?

She smiled. No thank you, Severus. I really would like you to be completely aware of what you're doing to me.

He laughed a bit, and smiled sheepishly. So would I. Now, shall we?Don't mind if I do, she said as she closed the door quickly and pulled him with her as she fell onto her bed, and stripped herself from her robes.

I do love the games we play, he said, smiling as he massaged her breast tenderly.

As do I, she said, leaning in for a kiss. She felt the heat from his body pulsing through her. She let go of him tenderly and leaned back with a sigh. As do I.