A/N: I still don't own anything, but I am now in possession of my cap and gown, so there's that:) And in case you were wondering, my cap is definitely having a Harry Potter theme... it's gonna be great!

Oh, and lemons ahead!

New Year's Eve found Hermione walking to the table in the back corner of The Three Broomsticks, where an anxious redhead sat waiting for her.

"Hermione! Thank you so much for coming; I'm so stressed out. I think the wedding planning is already starting to get to me, and it's only been what? Two weeks?"

"No worries, Ginny. Can't you push some of the work onto your mum? I bet she'd be delighted."

"She would be, but Merlin knows what will come of it. We've already asked her to make the cake and some of the decorations, but I'm sure she'll end up doing all of it anyway."

Hermione laughed. "Yes, that definitely sounds like your mother. Don't worry, Gin. I'm sure it'll be absolutely wonderful!"

"Yes, yes, I know it will be, but I'm still worried. It's one of those things that only happens once, you know."

She nodded at her friend, who was almost bouncing with nerves. "I understand how important this is to you, Ginny. It will be perfect; we'll all see to that."

"So you'll be my Maid of Honor, then?"

Shocked, Hermione could only stare at Ginny for a moment. "Me? Are you sure?"

"Don't be daft. I wouldn't imagine asking anybody else. So will you do it?"

"Of course!"

"Is Sna- er, Severus coming?"

"I asked him to be my plus-one; is that alright?"

"Absolutely. He and Harry seem to have buried the hatchet, and if he makes you nearly as happy as Harry makes me, then who am I to stop it?"

"Thanks, Gin. Nearly, though? I dare say more so."

"Impossible. Perhaps just as, but definitely not more. It's just not possible."

They couldn't help but laugh at Ginny's haughty tone, and Hermione was yet again hit with relief that her friends were so accepting.

The rest of the afternoon was spent looking into color schemes, wedding robes, floral arrangements, bridesmaids' dresses, and so many other things that Hermione lost track. It was nice to spend the day with her friend; they hadn't had a day out in far too long.

After they'd parted ways, Hermione had gone back to the castle and found Severus in bed marking papers. "I hope you don't spill any ink. I rather like those sheets."

"Yes, they're quite nice, aren't they? Don't worry, Hermione. Cleansing charms exist for a reason, you know."

"I'm aware, Severus, but thank you so much for reminding me," she snarked. He was rubbing off on her a bit.

"My pleasure. So, how was your meeting with Ginevra?"

"It was nice. She asked me to be the Maid of Honor in the wedding."

"Are you going to do it?"

"Of course! You'll still go, won't you?" she asked, looking at him with the face he could never refuse.

"When you look at me like that, how can I tell you no?"

She gave him a big smile and kissed him on the cheek as she curled up next to him. "Thank you, Severus."

"Using a man's weaknesses against him is rather Slytherin of you, don't you think, Hermione?"

"Maybe a bit," she purred as she banished the essays to the other side of the room, crawling onto his lap and straddling him.

Then their hands and mouths were exploring, and they reveled in the other's touches. While the air was thick with their desire and arousal, they were also tender and loving. They undressed each other with tantalizing slowness, and Severus gasped as Hermione pushed herself onto him while they kissed.

"Did I hurt you?" she asked, voice full of concern.

"Not at all, love. I just wasn't expecting it."

"Severus Snape, caught by surprise. That's not something you see every day," Hermione breathed out, as she'd started moving above him.

"Impertinent chit," he muttered under his breath as his lips met hers in a passionate kiss before lying back. He could only lie and watch her ride him and listen to her heavy breathing and erotic moans. She was moving faster now, and he'd begun to raise his hips to meet her. They came together, moaning each other's names in ecstasy. Severus marveled at the feeling of her small body collapsed on his chest. Shifting so he could pull out and turn over with her back pressed against him, they both fell asleep quickly.

When they woke, it was ten minutes till midnight. Hermione grabbed Severus' hand and looked at him expectantly. He realized- almost too late- that his witch wanted a New Year's kiss. Once he knew what she was asking for, it was easy to oblige, and they welcomed the New Year with a reprise of that evening's activities.

They slept in, then spent the morning on the grounds. Hermione had found a spot by the lake that she wanted to show him, and it soon became apparent that this would become 'their place' at the castle. It was a small alcove of sorts, made by tall trees that formed a semi-circle. It faced the lake, and was partially hidden by low-hanging branches. Severus approved; it was private and reminded him of the park in Cokeworth.

Having had the foresight to bring their books with them, they called Tinky for lunch and lounged in their new-found nook. It was nearly dinner time when they returned to their rooms. While they could dine in the Great Hall with the students that had stayed and other professors, Severus and Hermione were content to keep to themselves for their last few days of peace.

Unbeknownst to Severus, Hermione was plotting. His birthday was coming up, and she wanted to make his as special as he'd made hers. She had already made his gift, but she was unsure of what else she could do. He didn't like to be the center of attention, and appreciated subtlety. Quiet, serious, dark, and brooding, her wizard also had a certain lightness to him that he only allowed her to see. He was sensitive, sarcastic, and Hermione was irreversibly in love with him.

So when January ninth came, Hermione was ready. He would wake up alone in bed with a single piece of parchment on her pillow. She'd set up a scavenger hunt for him, and was waiting for him at the end.

Severus was cold as he opened his eyes on the morning of his birthday. His hand reached instinctually for Hermione, only to find that he was alone. Sitting up, he eyed the rolled up bit of parchment on her pillow. He unrolled it and read.

It was here that my eyes first spotted you,

While sat at a table of red and gold.

Dark and mysterious, I somehow knew

That, though you came off as harsh, mean, and cold,

You couldn't be as bad as I'd been told.

It didn't take him long to figure out where she meant. She was referring to the night of her first year, during the Sorting Ceremony. The Great Hall. He remembered that night well. Yes, he recalled seeing her that night, but he hadn't thought anything of her at the time. Just another bloody Gryffindor. Her bushy brown hair surrounded her small face, and her dark eyes seemed too big on her. She'd only been eleven then, but now she was the insufferable know-it-all he'd come to know and love. Dressing quickly and skipping breakfast, Severus made his way to his destination, and was happy to see another parchment rolled up at her old seat at the Gryffindor table. He read the second riddle and smirked to himself.

During that same year, I sat there and saw

My dark professor's mouth moving with ease.

Then, the only conclusion I could draw

Was that the Boy-Who-Lived had surely displeased

The man, whose counter-jinx, with flames, ceased.

Before departing the Great Hall, he grabbed some toast and juice, eating it on the way to the Gryffindor stands on the Quidditch pitch. He didn't know where she'd been sitting that day, but it didn't take him long to find his next clue.

On that night with a 'mad-man' on the loose,

A most shocking revelation was made.

Protection came from a Hogwarts recluse,

And here, we had failed to do as you bade,

Running into the night, ignoring your aid.

This one was a little harder. There had been many times over the years when he'd tried to protect them and they'd blown him off, but on a night with a… Ah. 'Mad-man,' as in, supposed. Sirius Black. So, the Whomping Willow was his next stop.

The parchment was dangling from a small branch near the entrance to the Shrieking Shack. When he stepped too close, the tree swung its branches, almost hitting Severus before he moved back.

"Accio parchment."

It flew into his hand easily, and he'd been able to escape that thrice-damned tree without injury.

Now that my fourth year had come and had gone,

The Dark Lord had risen, as had a thought.

It was sudden, striking, just like the dawn:

If discovered, you were sure to be caught,

I'd realized upon my sterile cot.

The word "sterile" implied the Hospital Wing, but he couldn't recall her being in hospital that year. She'd spent a few nights there with Potter after the night at the graveyard, but that was it, as far as he knew. Still, that was his first instinct, so he went. As he walked, he realized that he'd revealed his Dark Mark here, which was probably what her clue was actually referring to. Sure enough, a small piece of parchment hung from the doorknob.

At one time, this room belonged to a toad;

She'd found our club and tired of our lies,

Called the Potions Master she loved to goad.

Trembling, she looked into those deep, dark eyes,

And I knew that I wanted the man-despised.

The toad was clearly Umbridge, and he was positive that this was about the night she'd called him in for Veritaserum. Severus was slightly confused by the last line, but he comprehended it as he walked. Everyone had hated him, but she coveted him, even then. He ended up in his office, as he was the current DADA professor. Sitting on his desk was the next parchment. Severus was surprised by how much he was enjoying this, but he had an appreciation for riddles. These were simple, but he liked them nonetheless.

The Christmas party of the new Potions

Professor found me wanting what I could

Not have. I was going through the motions,

Miserable, but hoping that you would

Find me, thinking what I'd do if you should.

She'd been stunning that night. Severus had been unpleasantly surprised to see her go with McLaggen, but he had been able to tell from his corner that she was unhappy. In fact, she'd looked rather pissed off. He had heard rumors that McLaggen had tried to grope her, but didn't know for sure that they were true. Knowing the boy, he wouldn't be surprised.

Professor Slughorn's room was in the dungeons, and Severus took his time getting there. The clue was tucked in between two stones next to the door, and it was difficult to pry out, but he got it.

This was your home while we were on the run.

Whenever we stopped, I would think of you,

And my heart would ache till the war was won.

I missed you so, but with nothing to do,

All I could hope was that it'd become true.

She'd missed him. Running for their lives and trying to destroy parts of Voldemort's soul, and she had still thought about him. He couldn't stop the small smile that crept onto his face, but he regained his stoicism as he approached Albus' office. It wasn't hanging from the gargoyles as he'd expected; it wasn't even in the corridor. She had given it to the old goat. Damn it, witch. Severus gave the password and entered the Headmaster's office without knocking. Albus looked up, that twinkle in his eye bright as ever.

"Hello, my dear boy. What can I do for you?"

"You know exactly why I'm here, Albus."

Dumbledore laughed, and held the clue out for the boy he saw as a son. "Happy birthday, Severus. You've got quite a witch, you know."

"Yes, Albus, I know." He took the parchment and breezed out of the office, robes billowing behind him. When he reached the end of the moving staircase, he read the next clue.

When I learned that I could come back to school,

At first I was hesitant to agree. B

ut upon hearing that my 'mean and cruel'

Was here, hope swelled to the highest degree,

And I had to come back, my heart decreed!

This clue was by no means straightforward. He never would have believed that he was part of Hermione's decision in returning to Hogwarts, but he wasn't going to complain. But this didn't tell him where to go next. Happy to have to figure something out, he read it until he had it memorized.

She had kept him on the grounds, so he was sure that he wouldn't be going far. Searching the entire castle would take too long. He ruled out the places he'd been already, noting that he hadn't seen any more as he'd passed. With this in mind, he began thinking of where she would have gone when she came back. The Entrance Hall was a possibility, but he'd been in and out all day; surely he would have seen it. Before that was… the Front Gate.

It made sense. It was the very first place she'd have to go upon returning. Mind made up, he went out to the gates, and was only half-surprised to see that he'd been right. This clue was the best of them all.

No time like the present, you know they say-

Live for the now, and aim for what's above.

As I wait under the trees on this day,

Thinking about our two hearts, free as doves,

I wish you a happy birthday, my love.

Knowing that the trees implied either the park or their place on the grounds, he walked swiftly towards the lake. She was sitting on its edge, dipping her toes into the murky water. Severus watched her smile grow as he approached, and she rose just before he reached her.

He was wrapped in her warm embrace, and he put his arms firmly around her, holding her to his chest. Her head was against his heart, and he knew she was listening to his heartbeat. She'd told him once that it was one of the most comforting sounds she could ever hear; it was always strong and steady. Severus had tried telling her that it wasn't actually always that way, but she'd just swatted his arm and kissed him.

"Hello, Severus."

"Hello, Hermione. That was quite the scavenger hunt."

"I'm glad you liked it. Are you ready for your gift, or do you want it after dinner?"

"Another gift? You're too kind," he smirked at her.

Hermione knew he was remembering his impromptu Christmas gift and blushed profusely.

"Yes, well… You didn't answer my question."

"Whenever you want to give it to me is fine."

She muttered something under her breath, but all he heard was something about a snarky bastard who was lucky she loved him.

"You mean to tell me I have competition, Hermione?"

"Oh, shut up! Come on, will you?"

He chuckled darkly, but did as he was asked. Only when he was sitting down with a plate of chicken shoved into has hand did he remember that all he'd eaten that day was toast.

"So, how was it? It took you less time than I thought it would."

"It was interesting, and definitely unexpected. I wasn't aware that you felt that way for so long."

"How could I not? I'd be as dunderheaded as Ronald if I didn't!"

He twisted his face into a sneer. "Do you have to mention him on my birthday, of all days?"

"Sorry, Severus. If it makes you feel any better, I can't stand him now."

"Yes, I think that does help some," he drawled.

"But in all honesty, Severus, everything in those clues was true. I've had feelings for you for years."

Just then, a plate with a single piece of chocolate cake appeared with two spoons. A candle was floating above the cake, the wax disappearing into nothing.

"Make a wish, Severus."

He rolled his eyes, but pretended to indulge his witch. There wasn't anything to wish for; he had everything he wanted. After he blew the candle out, it vanished, and the two ate their cake.

"Tinky told me chocolate was your favorite, so I just went with it."

"She knows me well. Although, I would hope so; she's only been my house elf for a decade."

"It's nice to see that you have a sweet tooth."

"I have no such thing."

"You don't? So, three quarters of this cake have just disappeared on their own, then?"

"So it would seem."

"Okay, Severus, if you insist. But I guess that means you can't… Oh, well. What a shame."

He raised an eyebrow at her, but she was having fun now.

"I can't what?"

"Well, for starters, you can't finish your cake. Secondly, you can't eat me tonight; I do believe you've called me sweet a time or two, or am I remembering incorrectly?"

He almost choked on his mouthful of cake when she said that, and she was waiting for an answer, amusement sparkling in her eyes, a faint blush still on her cheeks. She knew just as well as he did what she was implying- they were still exploring each other, and that was something they hadn't done yet. He'd tasted her essence before, but not so directly.

"No, your recollection is correct," he muttered.

"So I get the cake, then?"

"No."

"But, Severus! I thought you didn't have a sweet tooth?"

"I may have a small liking for sweets, but that is all."

She laughed, but conceded; he'd all but surrendered.

"Whatever you say, Severus."

Then she was reaching behind her, coming back with a wrapped gift in her hands. "Happy birthday, my love."

He opened it slowly, making the moment last longer than it needed to. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Hermione fidgeting slightly. Inside the box was a small glass heart on a chain similar to that for a pocket watch. When he held it up, the facets shone in different colors, and there was something shimmering in it.

"Hermione, it's beautiful. Thank you."

"I'm glad you like it. There are three things I want you to know about it. First, when I imagine your heart, this is what I see. You are beautiful to me, Severus. Don't ever forget that. Second, I have given you my heart. It is fragile, and will break if handled incorrectly- symbolically, of course; I'm getting to that, though- but I trust you with it completely. Lastly, I have one just like it," she said, pulling a necklace from under her shirt, and a smaller version of what he had dangled on her chest. "I have worked the Protean Charm so that if one of us touches ours and thinks of the other, theirs will grow warm. When we both hold them, we can communicate through thought."

You're brilliant, Hermione.

Thank you, Severus. I'm glad to see that it works.

"I've already made them safe from most curses, and they won't shatter unless extreme force is used. They can only work between the two of us. We are also the only ones who can see them. Others will see yours as a pocket watch- hence the chain- and mine will appear to be a plain silver pendant."

Severus could only sit and stare at his witch in awe. How did she think of things like this?

Maybe now you'll be able to figure that out for yourself.

He could hear her smile in her thoughts, and he looked at her to see that she was beaming at him.

"Shall we go back to our rooms, Hermione? It is getting late."

She nodded and took his hand, and they walked slowly back together. The corridors were quiet; it was after curfew. It wasn't that long of a walk, even at their ambling pace.

The door had just closed behind them when Hermione twined her arms around his neck and kissed his softly. He deepened the kiss, and they gasped as their tongues met. He picked her up so her legs were around his waist and carried her back to the bedroom, their mouths never losing contact.

He laid her down on the bed underneath him and kissed his way down to her chest. He pulled her Muggle tee shirt over her head and unclasped her bra so his mouth could find her breasts. She let out a small moan as he suckled lightly, and he moved to the other side, giving it equal attention. His teeth grazed lightly over her hard nipples, eliciting a louder moan. He replaced his mouth with his hands as he kissed his way back up to her mouth.

Her hands were unbuttoning his shirt; his robes and frock coat were somewhere on the sitting room floor. As his shirt fell from his body, he shivered at the feeling of cold air meeting his skin. Hermione's warm fingers trailed down his chest and back, surely leaving flames in their wake. Severus reached down and unbuttoned her jeans, and she lifted so he could pull them off, and then she reciprocated.

Severus was kissing his way down Hermione's body, stopping at the waistband of her knickers. He ran his fingers over her core lightly, but just hard enough for her to buck into his hand. His touches were driving her insane; he was teasing her and he knew it.

"Bastard," Hermione murmured, flipping them. She sat straddling Severus, and she climbed off of him and removed his boxers. Her hand went to his length, stroking it confidently now. But she wanted to try something new. Looking up at Severus, she saw that his eyes were closed in pleasure. Still moving her hand to avoid suspicion, she slowly replaced her hand with her mouth. She heard him gasp in surprise, and his hips were moving softly, meeting her mouth.

She swirled her tongue around the head, and he groaned deeply. She licked down his shaft as she palmed his sac, and he started groaning louder and his hips were moving faster.

She continued her ministrations, reveling in what she was doing to Severus. Normally stoic and showing no emotion, he seemed to melt at her touch.

"Hermione… I'm going to…"

And then he was releasing into her mouth, and she was swallowing as he came. It was slightly bitter, but she could handle it if it made Severus feel like this. When she pulled her head away, he was panting heavily and looking at her in wonder. She kissed him, and he could taste himself on her tongue. He was already growing hard again, but now it was his turn.

He laid her down again, and kissed down her body again, but rather than stopping at her hips, he continued down along her thigh. His lips moved back up her leg and finally came to her center.

It was incredible. She'd never felt anything like it before, and it was breathtaking. His tongue circled her clitoris and then swept down to her entrance, prodding gently. She was moaning louder and louder with every movement, and then her climax took her without warning.

He wasn't done yet, though. He brought her to orgasm twice more using only his mouth. "Severus, please. I need you inside me. Now."

As soon as the words left her mouth, he was there. Their lovemaking was slow and building, speeding gradually. He could feel her tightening around him, and they reached their peaks together, crashing over the edge as one. He collapsed over her. His weight should have been practically crushing her, but it was comfortable, so when he tried to move away, she stopped him. They laid that way for a little while before Severus moved. She sighed as he pulled out of her, and she curled against his chest as they fell asleep.

A/N II: I hope you liked it! I'm not a poet by any means, but I had this idea and I just had to do it, so I did my best. Anyway, all feedback is appreciated and I'll see y'all next Wednesday!