A/N: Thank you to all the reviews I have gotten. I love reading them. Before you read this chapter I would like to tell you all that I am looking for a beta for this story and my other one. I must warn you that this story is almost over but there will be a sequel so don't worry. If you are interested in one or both then please contact me trough email or my profile page. Ok here is the next chapter.

Chapter 5: Laffy Taffy

Hermione walked into the bathroom. She looked in the mirror and saw the bruise that Draco had left. She opened her cupboard and took out some 'cover-up'. She thought that muggle make-up was easy than wizard make-up. She dabbed some on her cheek cringing a few times at the pain. She had mostly concealed the bruise and put the make-up back. She grabbed a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt and threw them on.

She left the room not sure where she was going. She just felt like she needed to go somewhere. Every corner she turned, she had to make sure that Draco wasn't around. Even after Severus had hit him, she knew he wouldn't give up. When she was heading down the stairs to the Great Hall she almost ran right into Professor McGonagall.

"Oh sorry Professor, I didn't see you there."

"That's perfectly fine Miss Granger. I was actually looking for you. Professor Dumbledore would like to see you in his office. If you would follow me please."

"Ok." Hermione was a little confused but followed her anyways. McGonagall led her to an odd statue.

"As you have been here before, I think all you need is the password." Hermione nodded.

"It's Laffy Taffy'."

"Ah, I see Professor Dumbledore has taken a liking to muggle sweets now."

"Oh so that's what it is. I thought he just made it up. It's not that unusual for him to do that. Very well, he will be waiting for you." Hermione stepped onto the platform and said "Laffy Taffy." The statue then begun to spin around and a staircase started to emerge. She walked up the stairs and knocked on the door at the top.

"Come in Miss Granger." Hermione stepped into Dumbledore's office and noticed that it was still the same as usual.

"Professor McGonagall said you wanted to see me Headmaster." He nodded and motioned for her to have a seat which she did.

"Have you spoken to Severus lately, Miss Granger?" Hermione was confused.

"Um Professor Snape? No. Why?"

"Well I have just returned from having a very interesting conversation with him." Hermione's eyes widened. Oh no! He knows and now he's going to expel me and fire Severus.

"What about Professor?" Hermione was trying to look calm.

"Well I think he should be the one to tell you. I would like you to go see him and just tell him that I sent you. I think he will then tell you on his own." Hermione nodded still confused and got up to leave but was stopped.

"Oh Miss Granger. Did you enjoy the Christmas party?" Hermione couldn't help but notice the twinkle in his eyes.

"…Yes…I did Professor," She said and left. Now she was even more confused than when she arrived. That's it? He just wants me to go see Severus? Hermione didn't know what to expect as she walked the cool corridors to Severus' room. She knocked on the door even though she didn't have to.

"Come in." She opened the door and slid in.

"Hermione what are you doing here?" He stood up from the couch he was sitting on and walked over to her.

"Well I was just walking around when I was told to go see Dumbledore. Then he told me to come see you about 'an interesting conversation' that the two of you had."

"Oh that. You better sit down." He led her over to the couch. She sat down and he sat in the chair across from her. He sighed and then began.

"Well, this morning after I left you I came here and sat down to think. I heard someone so I stood up to find Albus standing in front of me. He said that 'they' had been waiting for me."

"They?"

"That's what I said. Then Draco comes out from hiding behind Albus. He has a black eye, so that's good. Then Albus took these from him and handed them to me." Severus handed Hermione the pictures.

"He told Draco to leave. I told him that before he fired me that I love you and you love me."

"Well…what did he say?" Severus could tell that Hermione was getting anxious.

"He said that he had never intended to fire me at all."

"What?"

"He said and I quote, 'I personally, am relieved that you two finally realized your feelings. I have been waiting for this for quite some time now Severus.'"

"What?" Now Hermione was as confused as she thought possible.

"Yes. He said that was why he invited you to the Christmas party and that he knows everything that has happened since." Hermione was shocked. So that's why he asked if I had fun at the Christmas party.

"Everything? Even that we had sex?"

"Yes."

"Great this is just what I need. Dumbledore to know about my sex life. You said he knows everything. Does he know about…last night?"

"Yes and he said he has people following Draco. So you shouldn't have to worry about him."

"Well then I guess that this is a good thing. So he is ok with…us?"

"Yeah I guess."

"So now what?"

"I don't know. Do … you have any plans today?"

"Not really. Why?"

"Well I was wondering if you would like to accompany me to Hogsmeade?"

"Really? I would love to. But there isn't a trip this weekend."

"Well seeing as I am a teacher I can go whenever I like." She grinned and threw her arms around him.

"Well can I go change? I mean I look like a lazy bum."

"I think you look amazing but if you would like to change you may."

"Aww thank you. I'll meet you back here in about 20 minutes. Is that good?"

"Perfect." She started to leave but came back, kissed him and then left. She ram up to her room to change.

Severus decided to change too. He put on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, both black. He grabbed his coat which was also black. He walked back out to find Hermione standing in his doorway. Wow she looked amazing. She had on a pair of blues jeans that fit her perfectly and a t-shirt that was snug in all the right places. Severus was speechless.

"You look nice. All black as usual." Hermione laughed.

"You look amazing." He walked over to the door and held it open for her. They headed down the Hogwarts grounds to the gate to Hogsmeade. They walked along the streets together not worrying about being seen because Hogwarts students wouldn't be there today. When he had his head turned she slipped her hand in his, but he didn't pull away.

For a few hours they just walked through the town looking in shops and talking. Around three, Severus led her to a small building that Hermione had never even seen before.

"What is this place?"

"Oh just a little restaurant that I come to a lot." They stepped inside. It was cute. It definitely looked old fashioned. Severus led Hermione over to a small table in the corner.

"Don't we have to wait to be seated?"

"No. Like I said I come here a lot. I know the people that own it." As they sat down a women came up and Severus stood up to give her a hug. Hermione eyed her cautiously.

"Severus what are you doing here today?"

Just thought I would drop by." Just then the lady noticed Hermione.

"Well who is this young lady? Severus has forgotten his manners. I'm Linda. I own this place. And you are…?"

"I'm Hermione. Hermione Granger." Linda smiled and turned back to Severus.

"So this is Hermione. She is definitely prettier than you let on." Hermione smiled.

"Oh really?" She said looking at Severus as he sat back down.

"Severus has told me all about you. So what can I get you?"

"We'll take two of your amazing cappuccinos," said Severus. Linda nodded and left to get their drinks. Severus turned to Hermione.

"So you told her all about me?"

"Well not everything. I didn't tell her that you were a student, but she knows how I feel about you." They talked and drank their cappuccinos and finally decided to leave. Severus put his arm around Hermione as they walked back up to the castle. When they got to the castle, they made sure no one was around and Severus kissed Hermione.

"That was nice and the cappuccino was good. I'll see you later," said Hermione heading up the stairs to her room.