I'm sorry it took me so long to update. It's not over just yet, but we're so very close. And yes, I'm still plotting a sequel. Let me know what you think of this chapter.

To my beta, MysticSong1978: Without you, my life would suck. Well, maybe not, but I hope you know that I appreciate you more than you'll ever know.

A Walk On The Grounds

Hermione's eyes fluttered open as the sunlight streamed into her room through the window. She stretched and sat up slowly, wincing as she did so. She felt rather sore and her hips protested with every move she made. Her eyes widened suddenly and she looked around the room, realizing that she was alone. She sighed as her eyes fell on the empty spot on her bed were Severus Snape had been.

Hermione walked into the Great Hall, unsure of how she should be feeling. She had greatly enjoyed last night with Severus, but waking up to an empty bed made her stomach feel as if it were full of lead. She sat down next to Ginny, unable to hold down the soft groan that escaped her lips as her pain seared through her hips again. "Good morning," she muttered, glancing briefly at Ginny and then at Harry and Ron.

"You don't sound as if you think it's a good morning," Ginny said with a concerned expression. "Are you ok?"

"I'm just fine," Hermione replied, forcing a smile onto her face. Ginny folded her arms over her chest and gave Hermione a pointed glare. "All right," Hermione said quietly, casting a nervous glance at Harry and Ron. They didn't seem to be paying any attention to the girls. "I'm a bit sore," she whispered.

"Sore?" Ginny asked suspiciously. "What have you been doing?"

Hermione shifted uncomfortably in her seat, instantly regretting the movement, and wincing in pain. "Where exactly are you hurting?" Ginny asked her, a smile starting to creep onto her face.

"My hips," Hermione muttered. To her dismay, Ginny face lit up with a big smile. "Don't start Ginny," she warned, shaking her head.

"You did!" Ginny exclaimed in excitement. Hermione looked startled and quickly looked around, afraid of other people getting curious. "Oh my goodness," Ginny said breathlessly, lowering her voice a bit. "How was it? I need to hear every detail."

"Ginny!" Hermione chided the red head. "This is no place for that particular discussion. That we can talk about later. However, I will say that he left before I woke up." Hermione looked down at her plate and took a bite of toast. She chewed it slowly and then forced herself to swallow as her eyes started to fill with tears.

"He just left?" Ginny asked in surprise. She glanced up at the head table to where Professor Snape was sitting. To her eyes, he looked a bit tired and anxious about something. "Don't worry Hermione," she said laying a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "I'm sure he'll talk to you. Perhaps he was just feeling a bit awkward. It'll be fine. Give him some time."

Hermione nodded. She turned her eyes to the head table and was surprised when Severus met her gaze. Quite suddenly, she saw him grimace and clutch his forearm. He stood up swiftly, muttering to Dumbledore. Then, he swept out of the Great Hall in a swirl of ominous black robes. Hermione's breath caught in her throat and she turned to look at Ginny. "He's being summoned," Hermione whispered. Ginny merely patted her hand, offering silent support.

"Albus, perhaps I should go and speak with Miss Granger," McGonagall said, folding her hands primly in her lap. She was sitting in front of Dumbledore's desk. She had met him in his office not long after Severus had left the school.

"Now, Minerva," Dumbledore said. "Don't you think that should be left up to Severus?"

"He's not here," Minerva protested. "He got up and left her alone. Then he was summoned. I saw her at breakfast. She's upset and confused." She gave Albus a pleading look. "I don't want her to feel used. She is a wonderful young woman and she shouldn't have to feel that way. Besides, if she's upset with Severus, this could cause damage to their relationship."

Albus looked thoughtful for a few moments. "Very well," Albus said with a smile. "I imagine that Miss Granger could use some reassurance at this time. The look on her face when he was summoned during breakfast..." he trailed off shaking his head remorsefully.

Hermione moved about her room packing up her belongings. It was just after dinner and everyone would be on his or her way home tomorrow. She placed her books in her trunk and then sat down gingerly on her bed, letting out a heavy sigh. Severus still hadn't returned. She had no idea when he would either. She bit her lip thoughtfully, hoping he would return before the Hogwarts Express left the next morning. A knock on the door drew her out of her thoughts. She walked to the door a bit stiffly and opened it carefully, peaking through the opening. She was relieved to see Professor McGonagall. "Is something wrong?" Hermione asked, looking at her with concern filled eyes.

"No," McGonagall said soothingly. "I just thought we'd have a little talk, you and I. Perhaps you'd join me for a walk." She smiled kindly at the young woman.

"I'd like that," Hermione replied quietly. She took her wand and put it in her pocket before walking out of the room and closing the door behind her. She allowed McGonagall to lead her through the building and out onto the grounds of the school. Hermione took a deep breath of the warm air that gently caressed her face.

The two women walked at leisurely pace, neither speaking for several long moments. Finally, Minerva cast Hermione an anxious look before saying "I spoke with Severus today." Hermione froze and her eyes darted to McGonagall's face. "It's all right Miss Granger," McGonagall said quickly, smiling kindly and placing a comforting hand on Hermione's shoulder. "I'm not angry with you. If anything, I would be angry with Severus. Nevertheless, I am not. You are an adult and you are, officially, no longer a student. You seem to make Severus happy, which is even better."

Hermione smiled slightly, but it quickly turned into a worried frown when she remembered that he had left her alone that morning. McGonagall noticed Hermione's expression and stopped walking so she could look Hermione in the eye. "Don't be angry with him," McGonagall said gently. "Men can sometimes be about as sensitive as a wooden post. It never occurred to him that he could simply stay with you until you woke up."

Hermione gazed uncertainly at Professor McGonagall. Perhaps he had simply left because he didn't know better. Maybe he did truly care for her. The thought seemed to loosen the knot in her stomach. It was certainly odd to be discussing such things with Professor McGonagall. She gave McGonagall a nervous smile, causing the older woman to grin.

The two women continued to walk, watching the sun set and discussing Hermione's apprenticeship and career plans. They walked near the edge of the forest and near Hagrid's hut. Suddenly, they heard something approaching from the forest. They could hear leaves rustling and twigs snapping. Hermione and McGonagall exchanged startled look. They silently drew their wands and crept to a large nearby tree. Hermione peered carefully around the tree, her heart pounding in her chest. She could see a dark shape gliding its way toward them. Her breath caught in her throat and she lifted her wand, preparing to protect herself from whatever was approaching.

She could feel McGonagall fidgeting behind her, nervously peeking around the tree from the other side. McGonagall moved her face so it was only inches from Hermione's. "We'll hex it into oblivion, whatever it is," McGonagall whispered nervously. Hermione nodded silently, alarmed by Professor McGonagall's obvious fear.

Hermione's grip on her wand tightened as the ominous figure moved closer. She let out a loud gasp as the figure stepped into the light. She immediately recognized the black hair and robes.

"Severus," she said with relief, clutching at her chest as her fear subsided.

"Hex him anyway!" McGonagall exclaimed, "He scared me to death!"

Severus fixed McGonagall with an amused look. Hermione snorted with laughter. "Really Minerva," Severus drawled. "Is that any way to talk? What are you two doing out here?"

"Taking a walk and talking about daft men," McGonagall replied slyly. Severus turned his gaze to Hermione, noticing her blush and look down at her hands. "What happened tonight Severus?" McGonagall asked.

"Well, that's something that we need to discuss with the Headmaster," Severus replied. "Shall we?" He gestured toward the castle and led the two women away from the forest. Hermione and McGonagall exchanged smiles and walked along beside the potions master. Hermione observed him silently as she walked. He didn't appear to be injured, but he looked exhausted and he was wearing a thoughtful frown.

When the group had finally arrived in the Headmaster's office, Dumbledore gave Severus a slightly relieved smile. "It's wonderful to see that you've returned," Dumbledore said happily. "And you've brought two lovely ladies along with you. Please sit and you can fill me in on what occurred today."

Minerva, Severus and Hermione sat down in the chairs near the desk. Hermione winced as she sat, grateful that the others didn't seem to notice her discomfort. "Albus, the Dark Lord is still angry that he has not yet obtained Miss Granger," Severus said with a weary sigh. "He knows that she is well protected, but he also is aware of the fact that she will be working closely with me," he said shifting uncomfortably. "He knows about Miss Granger's apprenticeship because of young Mr. Malfoy. The Dark Lord questioned me about whether or not Miss Granger trusts me."

Dumbledore nodded slowly. "And what has this led you to believe?" he asked carefully.

Severus hesitated shortly, glancing at Hermione. "I believe he is going to request for me to stay close to Miss Granger, in order for me to gain her trust and admiration."

Dumbledore smiled. "Now, that won't be difficult," he said, a playful twinkle in his eye. "We'll just have to keep track of his plans and make sure that Miss Granger is escorted as often as we can manage it."

"I suppose that will be a job for Potter, the boy-who-lived-to-converse-with-flatware," Severus said dryly, rolling his eyes. Hermione giggled at the comment, remembering the incident where Harry had tried to interview her with a spoon. She smiled thinking that it seemed to have happened so long ago.

"Actually," Dumbledore said with a grin, "I was thinking that would be the perfect job for you, Severus. She'll be spending most of her time with you anyway, and you're getting along so well. Watch over her. I know you will do everything you can to keep her safe. We'll take further action when Tom makes his plans a little clearer."

"Yes Headmaster," Severus replied, inclining his head politely.

"Well," Dumbledore said cheerfully. "Now that we have that settled, I believe I will retire for the night."

They all rose from their cheers and bid each other a good night. Minerva, Severus and Hermione left the office together and started walking down the hall. "I will leave you here," Minerva said, resting her hand on Hermione's shoulder. She leaned forward close to Hermione's face. "He loves you," she whispered in the young witch's ear, although she was, truthfully, just loud enough for Severus to hear. "Don't let him tell you otherwise."

Hermione's eyes widened as the older woman promptly turned and walked away from them without another word. Hermione's brown eyes landed on Severus and he simply looked back at her silently. She had no idea what to say. Could it be true? She opened her mouth to speak, but quickly closed it again. Fumbling for words she stammered "D-Do you...?" She was unable to finish the question, and her face flushed crimson.

"You know I do," Severus said quietly, answering her unspoken question. "You don't even have to ask." He moved toward her slowly and hesitantly, as if he was afraid she would run from him. His stomach clenched painfully as he saw her beautiful brown eyes fill with tears. She stepped into his open arms and allowed him to hold her to his chest. "Why are you crying?" he asked her, tipping her face up so he could see her better.

"I was so afraid," she said tearfully. "You just left, and I just didn't know what to think."

"I'm afraid that I wasn't aware that I should stay," he said in an apologetic voice. "Now, that I know, I won't make that mistake again. Let's get out of this hallway," he said leading her down the hall, toward her room.

Arriving in Hermione's room, Severus immediately took her in his arms. He felt such an overwhelming need to be near her, to touch her. He moved away slightly and placed his hands on the sides of her face. He kissed her lips tenderly. He couldn't help smiling when Hermione gave a little sigh. He guided her to her bed and had her lay down next to him.

Hermione brought her hands up to unbutton his robes. She was shocked when he grasped her hands in his. "We don't have to do this," he told her quietly, looking into her eyes. She arched an eyebrow at him in surprise. "I know that you were hurt when I left after last night. I need you to know that I was not using you. It would be fine if you just wanted to lay here next to me. I'm also aware that you are still a bit sore."

Hermione smiled into his face. "You know, that's really very sweet," she said to him. "However, all this kindness coming from you is rather strange." She gave him an impish grin.

"Kindness is rare for me," Severus replied with a smirk. "Do not get used to it." Even as he said it, he was caressing her face gently.

Hermione laughed softly. "Of course not," she muttered, scooting closer to him on the bed. She reached over to remove his robes, but was promptly interrupted by a knock at the door.

Severus growled in frustration causing Hermione to chuckle. Hermione hopped off the bed and went to the door. When Severus had gotten off the bed as well, and had readjusted his clothing, she opened the door.

"Hey Hermione!" Ginny said from the doorway. "I wanted to check on you. You were so upset with Professor Snape earlier..." She trailed off and her eyes widened in surprise when she noticed the Professor Snape was standing in the room. He had his arms folded over his chest and he was watching her with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh!" Ginny exclaimed, looking from Hermione to Snape. "Well... I guess you're not upset with him anymore," she said with a wide smile. "I do hope I haven't interrupted anything." Severus scowled, causing Ginny to giggle. "I take that to mean that I have." Severus scowled even more.

Hermione clapped her hand over her mouth to keep herself from laughing. Struggling to keep her expression serious, she said, "What can I do for you Ginny?"

"I was just stopping in for a visit," Ginny replied, stepping into the room, much to Severus' discomfort. "Am I to assume that you're feeling better?" she asked Hermione. Hermione grinned and nodded. Ginny then turned to Severus. "I'm so happy to see that you've returned safely Professor Snape. I know Hermione's happy about that. Harry and Ron just couldn't figure out what was wrong with her today. I thought it best not to explain everything to them just yet. At breakfast, she acted as if it pained her to move. And then, she was just so worried after you were summoned." Ginny gave a little sigh. "It's so nice to see her feeling so much better."

"Indeed," Severus said silkily, looking at Hermione with a slightly amused expression. Turning to Ginny, he said, "Miss Weasley, I must say that you are as meddlesome as the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall. Do you have a reason for standing here, wasting our time with your incessant chatter?" he asked with a sneer.

"In a hurry to be alone?" Ginny asked with what she hoped was an innocent tone. She was rewarded with another growl from Severus. "I better be going," she said cheerfully, winking at Hermione. "I'll see you in the morning," she called over her shoulder as she walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Hermione burst into a fit of laughter as soon as she was alone with Severus again. Severus looked irritated for a moment, but then his lips curled up into a small, reluctant smile. "Your friends are ridiculous," he muttered stepping a bit closer to her.

Hermione giggled and stepped into his embrace. "I suppose I could say the same for yours," she retorted.

Severus sighed and allowed her to lead him back to the comfort of her bed. He held Hermione close to his body and pressed gentle kisses onto her neck. She sighed contentedly and allowed him to undress her slowly. He then undressed himself and lay down next to her. Severus pulled Hermione closer and let her rest her head on his chest. He traced slow circles on her back with his fingertips until she drifted off to sleep. He smiled slightly and hugged her closer, allowing slumber to overtake him.

Nattie88: I was worried because I've never written a sex scene before... This was new territory for me.

Paranoid Sarcasm: I understand about having a sunburned scalp. I have long thick hair, but I burn my scalp every year right where I part my hair. Man, does that ever hurt! You know, I didn't even think about protection. blush See how responsible I am? lol Maybe Snape muttered a little spell just before going to sleep. That'll work. I read the e-mail you sent and discussed it with my beta. I'm not too worried about it. If they want to boot my story, I'll just repost the whole thing. By the way, you're e-mail address was fine. :)

cherbi161: Yes, he was very loving and caring... Don't worry, he's still himself. He'll confirm that fact in the next chapter. Mmmm... Cheesecake!

sexiprincess1228: I'm glad it wasn't trashy. I was so afraid of that. I didn't just want smut. I'm into the "it's just sex" thing. I prefer "making love". I think every girl deserves a guy that wants to make love rather "screw". That's my little speech for the day. lol

LateNiteRomance: You're from Texas too! Wow. Texans everywhere. lol Not that I mind. I think it's kinda cool. "Did the deed". chuckles I had so many people write and say "Finally!" I guess 32 chapters was a long time to wait for a sex scene.

Humanity74: What a coincidence! I think you're a perv too! giggles I'm just kidding. That was a lot of sexual tension. It was such a relief to finally post that. A "nekkid sev pic"? You mean... like a drawing or... what? You've peaked my interest. I guess that makes me a perv too. lol

bootyful77: Yeah yeah... You know you got all turned on. lol (I'm joking.) I'm glad you liked it.

MsPadfootVerona: Alan Rickman does have a really sexy voice. sigh I just love it. So yummy. Yes, my fiance was my first love. Whenever someone asks about the relationship my best friend looks at me and says "Ok, you've got to tell the whole story." lol It's really sweet.

Portkeys Miss-Mione: I'm glad you liked it so much. I was sweatin' bullets when I posted that one. (Now that's an attractive lady-like image. lol) I was so afraid that you guys wouldn't approve of it.

SilverAngel99: Yes, I saw that review from "You dire pedofile!" At first, I was a bit offended... I mean, my goodness it was mean. But, then as I read it, I found it kind of funny. It was really long. This sad person obviously has no life. Plus they used all these complicated words that all basically mean the same thing... Which tells me that this person is either a big nerd or writes with a thesaurus in his/her lap. Having said this, I must say that I ended up laughing at the ridiculous nature of the review. Some people just need to get a life. "Burning Boils"? I haven't seen that story... I may have to check it out. :)

Obi-wan's lover: Did you call me dude? lol I didn't even really notice any development with AD/MM... lol Well, I guess that just gives me more to work with.

BlackRanger: Well, I'm glad you had fun despite the rain. Don't worry, I'll tell you guys the title of the sequel when I post the final chapter of this one. I'll also be going back and brushing up some of the older chapters of this story... You know, make improvements now that I've gotten back into the swing of things.

Yusagi: I couldn't believe you actually reviewed nearly every chapter. It was nice. Thank you for the taking the time to do so. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

MadAnge: You're getting married too! Cool. Congratulations. Coming up soon isn't it. It's a bit scary. I think I have just 9 weeks to go.

madam loon: Oooo... Bloody mess. I hope you healed ok from the stabbing fit. lol

supafly09: You think someone copied my story! That sucks. I hope not.