You'll like me for this chapter...well hopefully...LOL...as always THANK YOU for your reviews...they mean the world to me!

"Severus, this may sound crazy," Hermione said after dining in the almost empty Great Hall. "But can we go for a walk?"

"It's snowing outside," he told her. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," she answered with a small smile. "For a few minutes. I just want to be outside, you know?"

"Very well," Severus said, understanding her desire. "Let's go."

Albus saw two figures in the distance and, as always, curiosity got the better of him, reaching for his glasses that were much like muggle binoculars, enabling him to see great distances.

As he focused, Albus smiled when he saw Severus and Hermione bundled up and walking very close. Even though he knew if he didn't keep Draco and Lucius quiet there would be big trouble for everyone, he couldn't help but feel happiness for the two, especially Severus, tortured soul that he was. Albus thought he was destined to be alone forever. Maybe, even if brief, he would find the one thing Albus knew he needed most. Love. While some would think that Hermione would be a rather odd choice, Albus knew it was quite fitting. They shared a passion for knowledge that few others could identify with.

As he continued watching, he enjoyed seeing Severus smile at the younger girl. It was such a peaceful look; it made him wish everyone could see the teacher like this, even though he knew that wasn't possible. As he watched, Severus pulled her into his arms in a caring embrace, closing his eyes as they held each other, causing Albus to chuckle with affection.

Severus had already found love, whether he knew it or not, causing Albus to wonder if he would be able to either recognize or admit it.

Taking his glasses off, he decided he'd seen enough. Regardless of what anyone else thought of the pair, he would remain supportive. They'd found happiness. Who were they hurting?

"I went to their mansion," Severus was telling Hermione as they walked back to the castle, the snowflakes falling heavier, dotting their black cloaks with white flecks.

"You did?" she asked. "You were there? When?" He had tried to find her! Her stomach seemed to flip over in queasiness that passed as she soon as she felt it, realizing that he had attempted to rescue her.

"Yesterday," he answered. "I told Lucius that Albus sent me because of an odd note from you saying you were leaving when you'd told no one you were leaving for holiday," he explained. "I also said it was because of your involvement with Draco."

"Think they knew you had a suspicion of what happened to me?"

"I don't care what they thought," he told her. "I wanted to find out if they were lying." He paused as they entered the gate, brushing the snow off of them. "All I wanted to do was curse them and search the house for you," he added.

She smiled as they walked. "As wonderful as that would have been," she began. "We both know it wouldn't have been wise. You wouldn't have found me anyway, I'm sure."

"Probably not," he agreed. "Perhaps we should stop by your dormitory to get some of your things since you're going to spend the next few days with me."

"Good idea," she said. "You can go ahead if you need to. I'll be down soon."

"If it's all the same," Severus said. "I'd feel much better accompanying you." And I really don't want to let you out of my sight, he thought, choosing not to tell her that.

Hermione smiled again. "Are you being protective of me?" she teased as they climbed the stairs towards the Gryffindor dormitories.

"If I was," he quipped. "Would that be wrong?"

"No," she answered honestly. "I like it."

Hermione felt a few butterflies in her stomach, as she got ready for bed in Severus' bathroom. She was looking forward to spending a few nights with him but had never stayed with a man before, feeling both excited and nervous at the same time.

As she brushed her teeth, she had to stifle a giggle, thinking that if someone had told her that during her last year she would be spending holiday with Snape in his private chambers, along with all the other events that had happened so far this year, she would have cursed them and then herself. But as she thought about the time she'd spent with him already, she realized it felt extremely natural. Their sexual involvement was turning into something different, although she wasn't sure exactly what that was just yet. She would enjoy whatever time with him she could, not knowing what the near future held for them.

Severus was already in bed reading and started to put it away when Hermione emerged from the bathroom.

"No, don't," she said, slipping under the black satin covers and sheets with him and immediately snuggling up to him, her arm over his stomach and head resting on the pillow, her cheek leaning against his shoulder.

"It's just a report about the latest antidotes for acid lily poisoning," he told her with little enthusiasm. "I can read it later."

"No," she insisted. "Read it to me. Please?" After the past few nights, sex was the last thing on her mind anyway. She just wanted to 'be' with him, be close to him.

Severus shook his head at her request. Of all the things to read to her, he thought. Finding it oddly comfortable with her beside him, he knew better than to question her and began reading.

Ten minutes later, Severus looked down and saw she was asleep. He slowly placed the book on his nightstand, trying not to disturb her, as she appeared to be sleeping soundly. He carefully settled himself until he was lying beside her, head propped up with his hand, elbow pressing into the pillow. He brushed a couple stray brown curls from her cheek and simply watched her.

For years, he'd thought she was a nuisance, even though he always did silently respect her mind. But after finding her collapsed that night and helping her through something so difficult and personal, something slowly began to change. The more time he spent with her, the more time he wanted to spend with her. And when the physical aspect began, that definitely changed things. He'd thought it would only be physical between them but something more was growing. And he didn't mind.

"Could it really be happening?" he whispered. "Could I be feeling this deeply for you?" He couldn't believe how powerful these feelings were. Did he love her? He couldn't remember ever truly loving anyone. There had been someone years ago…but he wouldn't think about that now, hoping this would turn out differently.

Hermione awoke the next morning, snuggled up comfortably to Severus' chest and instantly smiled. She couldn't remember ever having such a peaceful night's sleep. She stirred slightly, pushing closer against him, comforted by the warmth of their bodies. This was incredibly nice. How would she go back to the dormitory?

Her stirring had awoken Severus as his hand that had been lifeless over her waist now moved, gliding over the curve of her hip. She looked up at him and saw his eyes were open, barely. "Morning," he said quietly. "You sleep okay?"

"Best sleep I've ever had," she said with a small smile.

He smirked. "It's too early for such enthusiasm," he said, still groggy. "Are you hungry?"

"No," she answered. "Not really. It's nice just being here with you."

His hand moved up to her hair, his fingers sliding through her locks, gently massaging her scalp. "Hermione," he whispered, almost more to himself than to her. "When did this happen?"

Playing with the material of his nightshirt, Hermione saw his eyes were closed. "When did what happen?" she asked quietly.

He opened his eyes and smiled just enough to cause her to smile. "You know I care for you," he said, voice seemingly deeper than usual.

Hermione's stomach felt like it flipped over again. "I had hoped," she said. "I care about you too you know."

"I assumed such," he said, fingertips grazing her cheeks as his hand trailed back down her arm. "And that is what I referring to when I asked when did this happen."

Hermione chuckled softly. "Were you caught unexpected?" she gently teased, raising her hand to brush a dark strand of hair away from his eye.

He took her hand and kissed her fingers before setting their hands in the small space between them. "You could say that," he answered. "There is much you do not know about me."

"I'm sure," she agreed. "But I'd like to know." In fact, most of his past was a mystery to her, but it didn't matter. She knew the kind of person he was and where he loyalties remained and that's all that was important.

Severus was quiet. There was much he longed to share with her but knew it would be better if she didn't know about a certain part of his life. Darkness had a hold on him for many years and he wanted to forget it rather than relive it, knowing there were other aspects of his life he could share with her. "There will be time," he said. "I do not know everything about you either."

"True," she said, hardly able to believe they were having this conversation, realizing she hadn't told him thank you for trying to get her away from Lucius and Draco. "Thanks for helping get me back here, by the way."

He didn't want to think about her with the Malfoys. "I wish I could have stopped it from happening," he told her. "The thought of Lucius and Draco…" He trailed off and rolled over onto his back, staring up at the ceiling.

One arm rested across his chest while she propped her head up with the other. "Please don't think about that," she told him. "It's over and I wasn't really hurt."

He looked at her then and caressed her cheek with the outside of his fingers. "Any other would have been devastated," he pointed out.

"I'm not any other," she said with a smile. "I'm a Gryffindor."

He laughed then and shook his head. "Indeed you are," he said. "But I won't hold it against you."

She gasped and playfully slapped his chest. "Very funny," she said. "Like being a Slytherin is anything to brag about."

He quickly rolled over on top of her, smiling as she giggled. "Are you downing my house, Miss Granger?" he teased, more awake now. "I should take points away from you."

She raised an eyebrow. "I'd really rather you do something else, Professor Snape," she told him as her hands settled on his lower back, enjoying the strands of hair that were tickling her face and the black eyes gazing down at her.

"And what would that be?" he asked, his lower region stirring as her legs wrapped around the back of his.

"Well," she said quietly. "Instead of taking points from me, why don't you just… take… me?"

"I don't know if the two are interchangeable," he told her with a smirk. "Maybe I should take you and the points and then decide later."

"Oh no," she told him, pressing his hips to hers. "You don't get to take both. You'll have to choose."

He smiled at their banter. "I don't get both?" he asked. "Well then I guess I'll take you for now."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Oh thanks for making me feel wanted," she said at his statement.

He touched her lips with his, seriousness returning to his pools of obsidian as he said, "Oh you are most definitely wanted, probably more than you know."

She felt his longing pushing against her as she stared up into his eyes, watching desire dance in them. "So show me," she whispered.

Severus allowed his mind to open to hers, not surprised at the depth of emotion within her, learning she wanted him inside her as much as he wanted to be inside her, choosing not to close his mind as he usually did. He wanted her to feel and experience his passion as well as him experiencing hers, as it took physically intimacy to a level most would never know. To him, it was the highest level of intimacy possible with another person, and there had only been one other he allowed it with.

Hermione didn't want to move and figured he didn't either so she reached down, pulling up both of their nightshirts, allowing their warm flesh to finally touch. He moaned as she moved her legs around his, pushing her hips to his member, needing him inside her and not wanting to wait another minute.

"You're not too…sore?" he whispered, the head gently touching her wet opening, fighting within himself to not plunge into her.

"No," she whispered. "I'm okay Severus."

And he knew she was telling the truth as he slowly slid inside her, groaning as he filled her, her muscles contracting around him, feeling her hands grip his backside. He leaned down and kissed her neck, not sure if her moans were from his nipping or him sliding in and out of her slowly. This time was different between them. He felt it. It wasn't just sex, not to either one of them.

Hermione's head was spinning in passionate intoxication as she held on, whimpering quietly as he pulsed gently. There was a notable tenderness that she'd never experienced with him before and it seemed as if her desire was too much for her to handle. She'd never felt like this with him before but didn't understand what was different. Climax claimed her quickly and when her muscles spasmed around him, he groaned louder and pulsed harder, not able to last any longer himself.

As he gripped her body tightly, pushing the last of his climax into her, knowing this time would be brief because of their shared desire, a thought slipped from his mind into hers before he realized it, before he could stop it.

I love you, Hermione.

Holding his trembling body against hers, she heard words inside her mind but didn't think much of it, assuming it was her mind saying what she would have loved to hear him say. And I love you, Severus, her mind said in response.

Hearing her words inside his mind, Severus lifted his head to meet her gaze, knowing she didn't know what he had done. He kissed her lips again, soft and gentle, thinking he'd never kissed another the same. Closing his mind, his inner voice was saying, She loves me…me…Severus. I didn't think anyone could love me. Not again.But he'd felt it when she thought it and knew it to be truth from the deepest most sincere depth of her being.

Eyes locked, silence surrounded them as their bodies were still joined, neither wanting to pull from their embrace. Instead, Hermione put her arms around his neck as he moved slightly to the side, her body following, his arms wrapping around her and keeping her close.

Her hair tickled his face, as they remained entwined, inhaling the scent of her and him and them, and never wanted to move. No moment in his life had ever been as perfect as this one. He clung to her as tightly as she clung to him and he was comforted by it. No woman had ever responded to him as Hermione did, nor had he ever responded to another woman as he did to her.

"Can't we just stay like this?" she whispered, breaking the silence but not moving.

He smiled. "I'm afraid I would not be able to teach without causing quite a commotion," he said dryly, listening as she laughed softly.

"No I guess not," she agreed, pulling from him so their eyes could meet again. "I will tell you now, I will hate going back to the dormitory."

"Then we will have to make the most of our time together," he said, cupping the side of her face, letting his thumb run along her cheekbone. "Why don't we shower and get something to eat? Then maybe we can come back here and do this properly."

"Maybe?"

"Definitely."

"Okay."

After showering together, Hermione settled herself on the couch while Severus dressed and headed towards the Great Hall. He'd thought of summoning a house elf but didn't want it to see her in his chambers so he decided to get food himself.

Twenty minutes later he returned, levitating two trays full of food onto the table in front of the couch. "I tried to bring a little of everything as I wasn't sure what your preferences were," he explained when her eyes widened.

"Thank you," she said, reaching for a sausage and cheese pastry. "I'm famished."

"Do you have schoolwork to finish?" he asked when they'd finished what they could.

"No," she answered.

Severus smiled and shook his head. "I figured as much," he told her, standing up. "I need to finish grading my fourth year's tests. You may join me if you wish."

"I wish," she said, standing up and following him into the classroom.

Ten minutes later, his head was buried, furiously scribbling on each piece of paper after quickly scanning it for errors, while her nose was buried in a book from his private collection as she sat beside him. They didn't speak for over an hour, each caught up in their own activity.

Reaching the bottom of the stack of tests, Severus turned to look at Hermione, curled up in the chair next to him; completely engrossed in the book he'd given her. He smiled, realizing they'd spent the past hour and a half together, never saying a word to the other, but thinking to himself how pleasant it had been just to have her there. Usually, especially when grading papers, he needed solitude in order to concentrate, but he hadn't given her presence a second thought. Watching as her eyes slowly scanned the page, he almost hated to disturb her.

"I'm finished," he said quietly. "But please continue reading if you'd like."

"Oh no," she said, putting the book down on his desk after marking her spot. "I can read later."

He stood and reached for her hand to help her up, then slipped his hands around her waist as hers reached up and around his neck. "Maybe we could go crawl back in bed," he purred, leaning down close to her ear. "And continue what we began earlier."

Goosebumps rose over her body as his warm breath tickled her ear. "I think that sounds like a very good idea," she said as his lips claimed hers in a lasting kiss.

A knock on the door startled them. They jerked apart as Severus called out, "Enter!"

Albus walked in and immediately noticed the reddened faces of Hermione and Severus. "Am I …interrupting anything?" he asked, twinkle in his eyes.

"Ah…no," Severus answered. "I just finished grading some papers. Is everything okay?" It wasn't like Albus to come by just to visit.

"Somewhat," he answered, glancing at Hermione. "I paid a visit to the Malfoys today."

"What happened?" Hermione immediately asked.

With another glance her direction, Albus said to Severus, "Perhaps we should discuss this later?"

"Professor Dumbledore," she said quickly. "Since I was the one kidnapped, I think I'm well within my right to hear anything related to my situation."

Severus raised his eyebrow and smirked at Albus.

"Yes I suppose you're right," Albus agreed. "Let's sit and have some tea, shall we?"

"Of course," Severus said as all three entered into the living room area, Albus and Hermione sitting on the couch while he brewed the tea.

Moments later, two cups of steaming tea were levitated to Albus and Hermione while Severus joined them, sitting on the edge of the couch by her.

"Wonderful as always," Albus said warmly after taking a sip. "So as I was saying…I visited the Malfoys."

"And?" Severus asked.

" We had a little chat about Hermione's disappearance from Hogwarts," he answered. "I told them that I gave her a truth serum and made her tell me what had happened the past four days."

"So they know you know what really happened?" she asked, afraid that would do more harm than good.

"Lucius knows I have…done that in the past when necessary," Albus explained. "He tried to deny that either of them had any involvement, trying to say he was set up and framed. I told him I should send him to Azkaban for kidnapping a student."

"Are you?" Hermione asked, feeling Severus' hand on her shoulder.

"I have expelled Draco from Hogwarts," Albus said. "He will not be returning."

"That's it?" she asked. "So neither of them get anything for what they did to me?"

"Hermione," Severus said, surprised at Albus' action, as he couldn't remember the last time that had happened. "A pureblood expelled from wizarding school, the one your family has attended for generations, is a severe punishment."

"Indeed," Albus agreed. "By expelling him, I have disgraced the Malfoys and shamed them into hiding. The clout that Lucius has carried for years is gone, completely disappeared. It will be in the papers tomorrow. I also told him in no uncertain terms that should I see either of their faces again, I will personally take both of them to Azkaban and give them a truth serum so they will admit their own guilt." He paused. "And there is much for them, especially Lucius, to admit."

Hermione glanced up at Severus and then at Albus. "So that's it?" she asked. "We don't have to worry about them?"

"I have done more damage to them than they could ever dream of doing to you," Albus said with a small smile. "I hated to do it but they gave me no choice. I will not have my students being kidnapped and used against their will."

Hermione stood up, turning around and hugging Severus, not caring that Albus was there, as he knew about them anyway.

"That reminds me of the other reason I'm here," Albus said as she pulled from Severus and looked at him.

"What is it?" she asked.

"While I have no qualm whatsoever with you two," he began. "I'm afraid there are those that will try to cause problems should they find out. I must ask you both to keep your relationship a secret until after graduation. It will be irrelevant after that."

"Albus you know we would never put ourselves in a position to be caught," Severus told him. "Unlike others in the past, we understand discretion."

With a knowing smile, Albus said with a smile. "It's not your words I'm concerned with. It's the glow radiating from you both when you're within five feet of each other. And Severus, you must find a way to get your sneer back. The students won't know what to do with a smiling and happy potions professor."

Hermione blushed and glanced at Severus who was also slightly pink. "Sorry," she said sheepishly. "We'll work on it."

Albus set his empty cup down and stood. "I must be going," he announced. "Make sure if anything strange happens that you tell me immediately."

"Okay," Hermione said. "Thank you so much."

With a wave, he left. After hearing the classroom door close, Hermione faced Severus. "I've never heard of a student being expelled," she told him. "Has it happened before?"

Shaking his head, Severus answered, "Not like this. Albus will have to answer dearly for this I'm afraid."

"Will he get in trouble?"

"Not exactly," Severus answered. "Do not worry. You are safe. That's all that counts."

She laughed. "So we're glowing huh?" she teased, choosing not to mention the "relationship" word that Albus had said. "I guess that's good?"

Severus sneered slightly but then ended up laughing and shaking his head. "I don't know if I've ever glowed before," he said. "Unless someone's potion went wrong and ended up on me." He pulled her to him again. "What are you doing to me?"

She kissed him quickly and said, "I know what I'd like to do to you."

"Is that so?" he asked, eyebrow up in question.

"Yep."

"What are we waiting for then?"

"We were waiting for Dumbledore to leave."

"Well he's gone."

"Then let's go, 'happy potions professor'."

"You're still glowing Professor," Hermione teased, hours later as they lay in bed still. "Really, you must work on that."

"Am I?" he teased back. "Well maybe I should rethink my actions causing the glow."

"Let's not get drastic," Hermione said, enjoying listening to his laugh.

"Are you hungry?" he asked, seeing it was almost eight.

"Not for food," she answered honestly.

"You're hormones are still raging, Miss Granger," Severus teased. "Really, you must work on that."

She laughed, feeling almost giddy as she lay in his arms. "God, what are we going to do?" she asked. "How am I supposed to sit in class and pretend I don't like you?"

He shook his head. "The same way I'm supposed to snarl and take points away from you," he answered. "When I think of something, I'll let you know."

She laughed again. "I guess we'll just have to pretend it's my first year," she said. "What a mess."

"Indeed," he agreed, glancing over at the clock. "I've got a potion I really need to brew for Albus. He asked me for it a few days ago."

"Let's go then," she said, getting up and reaching for her clothes.

He smiled and shook his head as he dressed. He hadn't even asked if she wanted to help. "Well that answers my question," he told her with a smirk.

After reaching his private lab, Severus handed her the list of ingredients. "Call these out and I'll get them," he instructed her.

Hermione read the list, one by one, watching as he quickly moved around the lab, gathering what they needed.

"Do you have any idea what type of potion we're working on by the ingredients?" he asked curiously.

Her eyes scanned over the list again. Sunflower root, mushroom powder, skunkweed powder, crushed beetle shells…"Something medicinal," she answered. "For…some kind of infection?"

Severus smiled, thinking he shouldn't be surprised. "Remind me to congratulate you properly later," he told her. "That is correct. It is for the Bell Infection."

Hermione thought for a moment. "The Bell Infection," she began. "First diagnosed by Mortimer Bell back in the late 1700s. It affects the…liver?"

"Kidneys," Severus corrected. "That's what we're making this potion for. It's the antidote for it."

"Who has it?"

"Albus has bouts every so often," he answered. "It doesn't take much and he's fine again." He was busy preparing the small cauldron. "Grab the mortar and pestle to begin…"

"Crushing the beetle shells," she finished, quickly finding what she needed. "Fine powder?"

"Yes."

She began crushing while he lit a fire under the cauldron, waiting for the milk thistle juice to slowly come to a boil. He watched her silently as she bit her lip, grinding the crunchy shells into a fine powder, apparently thinking she didn't have enough and adding a few more, continuing her grinding. He'd never allowed anyone in his private lab and certainly not while he was brewing potions for Albus' conditions but it seemed natural for her to be there helping him. He enjoyed her presence instead of finding it annoying as he did with others.

"Is this enough?" she finally asked, showing him her progress.

"Just a bit more," he answered, watching her repeat the process, adding the skunkweed powder, thinking he would test her again. "When should we add the mushroom powder?"

She looked up from her grinding, glancing at the bubbling cauldron and then up at him. "It's quite explosive," she answered. "The last potion I used it in I had to wait until it cooled to add it in and then slowly increased the heat to finish."

He smirked and said, "Your potions professor must be very proud."

Finished with the grinding and laying the pestle down, Hermione said, "I hope he is."

Their eyes met briefly before returning to their task. "Okay," he said. "Pour the beetle shell powder in as I stir." The dark powder turned the potion black. "Cut the sunflower root into one inch square pieces. We'll need seven." She reached for the sharp knife and carefully began cutting the root as he continued stirring the bubbling mixture. "Now add in one at a time," he said. "Each one will have to melt completely before adding the next."

"Okay," she said, eyes watching as she dropped the first piece in, watching as the root caused bright yellow swirls in the black potion. "So when the yellow is gone, then I drop in the next piece?"

"Exactly," he said, knowing if he'd been teaching this in class, he would have needed to explain that.

Silence fell between them for a few minutes while they watched each piece of sunflower root dissolve, swirling yellow quickly disappearing into the dark mixture as he stirred. "Now we extinguish the fire," he said, pointing his wand at the bottom of the cauldron. "And once it has cooled, then we can add the mushroom powder."

"How long before it cools?" she asked.

"It will take about twenty minutes," he answered, beginning to clean up. "Not too long." He turned his back, gathering small bottles and containers and putting them away, disappearing into a small closet and getting caught up in arranging the shelves that were in varying stages of disarray.

Fifteen minutes later, he returned, having lost track of time, and found Hermione's head down on the table, resting on her arm, realizing she was asleep. She wasn't even yawning, he thought, tilting his head to the side as he watched her. I'll just put her to bed then.

Slipping an arm around her back and another under her legs, he lifted her gently as she leaned against him, and carried her to the bedroom, placing her in bed and covering her with the sheets. She barely stirred, rolling over and clutching the pillow to her head. He smiled again, enjoying how she looked in his bed, finding himself wishing she could stay there.

Wishing she could stay here, his inner voice repeated. Yes I suppose I do wish she could stay here instead of returning to her dormitory in a couple more days. I enjoy her presence as no other before her. I love her…and it absolutely terrifies me.