A/N: You know the drill... I don't own anything, so let's get on to the story, shall we?
Severus woke first and, as he laid with his witch against his chest, he thought back to the night before. It had easily been one of the best nights of his life. Hermione was magnificent; how he'd been lucky enough to find such a witch, he'd never know.
She began to stir as he held her, and she looked at him with a sleepy smile.
"Morning," she yawned.
He smirked and kissed the top of her head in response. Severus called Tinky and asked for breakfast in bed, and the house elf looked at them happily before disappearing.
Soon, breakfast appeared- sans elf- and the two ate, enjoying their lazy morning. They eventually dressed and went into the sitting room to read where they could sit by the fire and look at the tree. Hermione was laying with her head on Severus' lap, and he ran his fingers through her hair while they read.
After it'd been a couple of hours, Severus asked Hermione if she was ready for lunch. He didn't get a response, and he looked down at her face. She had fallen asleep, and her book was slowly slipping to the floor. He caught it and set it down. Raising his hand, the soft blanket from her room appeared in his hand, and he wrapped it around her before going back to his book.
When Hermione opened her eyes, she only saw white. Confused, she moved her head, and she realized that she was looking at Severus. She'd fallen asleep on his lap. He was reading, but looked down when her stretch got in his way.
"Hello, again," he said softly before bending down to plant a kiss to her forehead. She smiled, sitting up so she could kiss him properly.
"Severus?"
"Yes, Hermione?"
"Thank you."
He didn't quite understand what she was thanking him for. All he'd done was… oh.
"Anytime, Hermione," he answered with a wry smile.
"Like now?"
He caught the mischievous glint in her eye, and suddenly vanished their clothing. She didn't hesitate as she straddled him, kissing him fiercely.
Severus was hard almost instantly, and he laid Hermione down on the couch. Last night, they'd been slow and languid, but now they were fueled by carnal desire. It was fast and desperate, but just as pleasurable.
They had moved so Hermione was lying against him at some point, and she was panting as she leaned into him, resting her head on his heaving chest. She covered them with the blanket, and they watched the fire flicker, casting moving shadows around the room. They spent the rest of the afternoon in each other's arms, talking about anything and everything.
For dinner, Severus cooked them chicken and rice, baking rolls to go with it. He was a remarkable chef, and Hermione was grateful; she was useless in the kitchen. As she watched him cook, she got lost in her thoughts.
She'd written to Harry a while back, telling him about the apprenticeship and how far she'd come with her work. He was happy for her, and she promised they'd meet up at least once over break. Ginny had gotten a separate letter, explaining that she had something she needed to tell her. Hermione had spoken with Severus, and he didn't mind her telling Harry and Ginny. She just needed to talk about it; it felt wrong to bottle up so much happiness and keep it to herself.
Ginny had met her at The Three Broomsticks, and Hermione asked about the wedding planning. Her friend had gushed about the proposal, and they were really happy together. Then Ginny asked what it was Hermione wanted to talk about. Taking a deep breath, she told her about her relationship with Severus. At first, Ginny had been shocked, but then she said that it wasn't much of a surprise. She was happy for them, and hoped things went well. Ginny had also had questions about their sex life, but Hermione tried to avoid those; her intimate moments with Severus were theirs and nobody else's.
Then she'd gotten a letter from Harry. Ginny had told him everything, and he was supportive. Harry was like a brother to her, and she was more relieved than she wanted to admit that he approved. She still would have stayed with Severus, but it would have hurt to cause strain to she and Harry's relationship.
"Hermione?"
Pulled from her thoughts, she looked at Severus blankly. He rolled his eyes and smiled at her, one of the rare ones that lit up his whole face. She loved his smile, and his laugh, and everything about him, even his temper. He had yet to use it towards her, but she was ready, just in case. Hermione knew that he tended to lash out at those he cared about, and didn't want to be caught off guard.
"Dinner's ready. Where were you?"
"I was just thinking about when I saw Ginny and the first thing she wanted to know was if you were hung like a Hippogriff," Hermione answered cheekily.
An eyebrow raised at this, and she laughed lightly. She took her plate from him and they ate in a companionable silence. He hadn't made dessert, so Hermione made a suggestion and led him back to the bedroom, where they spent the next few hours enjoying dessert.
The next five days passed slowly. Things were quiet at the castle, and Severus and Hermione were waiting for the day they could present their gifts to each other. Both were fairly confident that they had the best idea- not that one knew that about the other. Another stack of books was plowed through, more (lots more) love was made, more banter and easy conversation. It was nice, and Hermione was enjoying all the time with Severus.
Severus was also happy. This was the merriest he'd ever been around the holidays- not that anybody other than Hermione got to see it.
Now, though, it was Christmas Eve, and they were both eager for the next day. As they sat in front of the fire with cups of tea and a plate of cookies, they curled up under a blanket and just enjoyed the warmth. It was a nice evening, and soon the two were fighting to stay awake. Calling it a night, they walked hand-in-hand to Hermione's bed and just went to sleep.
Severus couldn't remember the last time he'd slept in his bed. He would go to his room to get ready for bed before joining Hermione in her room, and he had used this as inspiration for his gift to her. He just hoped it wasn't too forward.
It was just after three in the morning when Severus got out of bed. Albus would be coming shortly to help him; as current Headmaster, the castle would respond to his magic better than it would Severus' since he was a former Headmaster.
Albus had gone and gotten himself cursed by that damned ring, and then told Severus that he had to kill him when the time was right. He would know when because his godson of all people would be trying to do what was requested of Severus. It was outrageous! Severus saw Albus Dumbledore as a father figure of sorts; how could he ask such a thing? But then, Severus had an idea.
He could cure the curse. To keep up the illusion that the Headmaster was dying, a disguising charm would be used to make his arm appear black and dead. That would get back to the Death Eaters through his Slytherins, and no suspicion would be raised. Draco would still try to get to Dumbledore. Being the arrogant fool that he was, he would believe that Dumbledore was already dying, and wouldn't put too much thought or effort into what he was doing, even if it was for the Dark Lord. This would buy Severus time.
He had been able to brew a potion that, if he soaked his wand in it for three days, could turn what the caster said into what they actually wanted while maintaining appearances. Severus would utter the Killing Curse, but he would desire a mild Stunner. Dumbledore would fall from the tower, and apparate before he hit the ground. He would leave the Elder wand for Voldemort, and an enchanted dummy would act as his corpse.
The Headmaster had been in hiding until after the war. Their plan had worked. Once all had been revealed, all charges against Severus were dropped, and Albus was reinstated as Headmaster.
Albus stepped through the Floo quietly, not wanting to wake the witch. Severus was waiting for him in the sitting room, and he led the Headmaster to his private rooms. They worked until the sun rose, but it was finally done.
"Thank you for your assistance, Albus. I'll be sure to let you know how she reacts."
"Of course, my dear boy. I'm glad to see the both of you so happy, Severus. Have a happy Christmas."
"You, as well, Headmaster."
With that, Albus left their chambers and Severus slipped back into bed. He was feeling the drain of his magic, but it would be worth it.
He slept until he was woken inadvertently by Hermione. She woke and saw what he and Albus had done, and she was thrilled.
Hermione and Severus no longer had separate rooms. Their rooms were now one, and the space that had been his was now a library full of both their collections. It was one massive space, bedroom and library all rolled into one. She had never seen anything so beautiful, and he'd done it all for her. For them.
She didn't even know she was crying until his fingers were wiping the tears from her cheeks. Hermione looked at her wizard and gave him a huge smile before throwing herself into his arms and kissing him with all she had. He reciprocated, and when they pulled away, they were breathing heavily.
"Merry Christmas, Hermione."
"Severus, have I ever told you that I love you?"
He gave her a small smile. "I believe you have, and I love you as well."
"You have to wait a bit for your gift. Well, the planned gift, at least. You can have the other now, if you want."
He raised an eyebrow expectantly.
"Close your eyes."
Severus did as he was asked, and was only half-surprised to feel his clothes disappear. He smirked at her, and he knew she rolled her eyes before kissing him; it was one of those things that became so familiar that he didn't need to see it to know she'd done it.
She grabbed his hands and his palms were cupping her breasts. He was tempted to open his eyes, but could sense that she had something else in mind; if he wanted to find out what it was, he had to cooperate.
It was interesting. With his eyes closed, he had to focus more on her touch, making it much more intense than it had been before.
His touches were soft and sensual, and he could feel her leaning into his hands. It didn't take long for his arousal to become apparent, and what his witch did next caught him by surprise and his eyes flew open.
Hermione's fingers were around his length, stroking it cautiously. Her eyes were shining with her burning curiosity, and he knew that she didn't quite know what to do.
"It's alright, Hermione. You know you don't have to do this."
"I want to, Severus. I just need you to tell me what to do."
"What you're doing is fine, love. Yes, just like that," he groaned out as she applied a little more pressure. Her pace was quickening as she became more comfortable with her exploration. Her small warm hand felt wonderful, and she was encouraged by a slight buck of his hips. While that hand moved faster still, her other moved to cup his sac gently. He sucked in a sharp breath, and she looked at him, concerned. When she saw the arousal plain on his face, she leaned forward and kissed him softly as he groaned into her mouth.
"Hermione, love, stop," he panted as he laid her down and hovered over her. She pulled his head down and their mouths met again. He slipped easily inside her, her gasps and moans stopping against his lips. It was slow and gentle, much like their first time, but his impatient witch was soon moving her hips harder as she met every thrust.
"Faster, Severus…"
Not one to disappoint, he did as she asked. Before long, she was lost in the throes of passion, and he followed soon after. They laid together, panting as they tried to regain their thoughts.
"Merry Christmas, Severus."
"So it is, Hermione, so it is."
Four o'clock couldn't come fast enough for Hermione. She'd made sure that Severus didn't eat too much throughout the day, and they enjoyed their day curled up on the couch. When it was time for them to leave, they grabbed their cloaks and walked hand-in-hand away from the castle. Hermione took his arm and Side-Along Apparated with him.
When they arrived in Severus' spot in his childhood park, he barely recognized it. Twinkle lights were wrapped around the trees, a small fire was burning near a small table with two mugs of hot chocolate. There were blankets and he could see a small bell sitting on the ground next to them. Looking down at Hermione, he couldn't help but ask.
"You did this?"
"I had help, but yes, it was me. Do you like it?"
"Beautiful," he murmured, still looking at her.
"Oh, stop that. You know that's not what I meant. Thank you, though, that was sweet."
He scoffed. "I don't think 'sweet' is a word that could be used to describe me but, to answer your question, yes, I like it, my love."
"I'm glad," she murmured as she stood on her toes so she could kiss him. As if on cue, the snow began to fall harder as they kissed, swirling around them in the most magical of ways.
They pulled apart and began walking slowly to the fire. It was then that Hermione felt something cold and wet hit her back.
"Severus Snape, did you just throw a snowball at me?" she asked with a laughingly-stern tone, her face mock-angry.
"I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about."
"Oh, I see. It just came out of nowhere, then?"
"Absolutely," he drawled softly.
Just as Hermione was about to respond, another one came at her. It flew up from the ground and hurtled in her direction, and it was then that she noticed his barely-moving hand. Two could play at that game.
She let him think that she would let it hit her, turning it on him at the last moment. He had recently started teaching her how to do wandless magic; she may as well practice.
Unfortunately for her, he had heard her soft command and he threw up a shield, not wanting to give her the satisfaction. She couldn't do wandless and nonverbal at the same time yet, but he was going to use that to his advantage.
Suddenly, snow was flying through the air in all directions. It seemed to be coming from nowhere, but Hermione knew better. She turned so Severus couldn't see and caught one, enlarging it and sending it his way. His eyes widened but, before it hit him, it exploded into a cloud of puffy white flakes, covering Severus.
Hermione was doubled over in laughter at the sight of Severus Snape scowling at her while he stood spotted with snowflakes. She laughed until tears came to her eyes, and then she heard Severus laughing with her. It was dark and deep and beautiful. Hermione wished he would do it more often, but at least it was just for her.
He had come to her while they laughed and embraced her. His warmth felt so nice against the cold wind. She was finally able to calm herself- he'd done so a few minutes ago- and pull his head down for a kiss. He was still covered in snow, and she brushed some of it from his hair and shoulders before taking his hand and finally leading him to the fire. They settled in amongst the many blankets with their cocoa, Hermione snuggled against his chest for more warmth.
It was wonderful. They didn't even have to say anything; it was so easy for them to just be together. At some point, she had reached into her pocket and enlarged two books, the ones they were currently reading. Neither knew how much time passed before they were interrupted by Hermione's stomach.
Severus noticed and looked up from his book. It had grown dark, but the lights on the trees kept it just bright enough to read.
"Should we return to Hogwarts? It sounds as if you are rather hungry."
She just shook her head and reached over and grabbed the little bell. She rang it twice, and two plates of food appeared before them. Beef Wellington and roast potatoes were piled onto the plates, and their mugs of cocoa refilled. How she'd known his favorite meal, he wasn't sure, but he had the feeling that she'd had the aid of a certain house elf.
"Thank you, Hermione."
"Of course, Severus. I had fun today."
"As surprised as I am to say this, I did, as well. I should throw white slush at you more often," he snarked.
"You wouldn't dare! Oh, who am I kidding? Of course you would, you amazing man."
Severus only smirked at his witch in return before kissing the top of her head.
"I love you, my little know-it-all."
"And I love you, my snarky bastard."
A/N II: Alright, well... I can't believe it's been ten weeks already! It's gone by pretty fast. As always, all feedback is appreciated! The next chapter is probably my favorite that I've written so far:) See y'all next Wednesday!