A/N- Thank you for all the wonderful reviews/PM'S/E-mails. Sorry I haven't been in touch. To be honest, I won't be able to be online much for at least another week so don't be alarmed by my radio silence.

Thank you worrywart for donating a brain to those more disadvantaged people (myself) who seem to have misplaced theirs.

I don't own anything.

I wrote a witty, brief and concise A/N but it vanished and you got this instead...whoops my bad.

ENJOY!

Last chapter- "Thank Merlin for broom cupboards." Hermione whispered as she clicked the door shut and locked and warded it.

"My sentiments exactly Miss Granger." Came a silky voice from behind her. She spun around and drew breath to scream, reactionary of course, when her mouth was covered by a large warm hand.

Chapter 13

"Please consider what will happen to me if you scream, and the rescue brigade arrives." Severus murmured softly in her ear. Hermione shivered. I wonder if I can make her shiver again, Severus thought as the alcohol he had consumed clouded his senses. He pulled away from her ear and studied her intently. She had backed herself against the door and was looking rather vulnerable and delectable. Must get out of this cupboard without attempting to seduce student, Severus thought several times over as she gazed up at him with wide, trusting eyes. "If I remove my hand, do you promise not to scream?" he questioned in his smoothest tone; although it sounded a little slurred, even to his own ears.

I want him to make me scream, Hermione thought. An image of him pushing her dress up past her thighs and taking her against the cupboard door as she screamed into his hand appeared in her mind almost instantly. Shit… Do not make eye contact. Why am I thinking such dirty thoughts about a man who has made it quite clear he does not wish to spend time with me?

She averted her eyes from him and nodded shyly as he felt her cheeks under his hand warm rapidly. Gods, she does everything so prettily, he thought as he took in her rosy cheeks. He could feel her warm, uneven breathing and soft lips against the flesh of his palm, and he stifled a moan as he thought about where else he'd like to feel those things.

"Do you promise?" he asked as he enjoyed teasing her. She nodded again, with her eyes trained on the floor. "Look at me Miss Granger," he added darkly and stepped even closer to her. Her eyes fluttered to his hesitantly before widening in fear, and it dawned on him that she thought he was going to use Legilimancy on her.

"I would never enter your mind without your permission," he said bitterly as his hand slipped from her mouth.

Without thinking, she caught his hand in her own before it could fall back to his side. "I know that. I'm sorry; I don't know what I was thinking." She offered him a smile that was not returned. He looks so hurt, Hermione thought as she used her free hand to start rubbing her chest which had begun to ache.

"I trust you," she stated firmly as she squeezed his hand.

He stared at her, his eyes smouldering as he looked her up and down. "You shouldn't," he practically growled before averting his eyes. It was rather awkward in the cramped and stifling cupboard; there was nowhere for him to actually avert his gaze to.

"Why ever not?" Hermione asked as she tugged at his hand in order to bring his attention back to her.

He snapped and with something resembling a snarl pinned her against the door. "Don't you know who I am? Don't you know the things I have done? You are foolish to think that a man like me is trustworthy." He loosened his grip on her wrists slightly, but couldn't quite bring himself to actually release her from his grasp. He could feel her body, warm and soft against his own; the skin of her wrists against his calloused fingers was so smooth. He took a moment to examine her more closely. Her eyes were captivating; since when did the colour brown become so unbelievably beautiful and complex? In his slightly inebriated state, he couldn't quite find the words to do her eye colour justice. He took in her expressive eyes, her soft and lightly tanned skin and the full-bodied curls that had grown wilder over the course of the evening. She was so warm; her skin tone, her hair colour, her eyes, her voice; everything about her was so soft and warm. He was cold and ragged around the edges. He felt like she was the perfect antithesis of himself. He couldn't decide whether that meant he should avoid her at all costs or that he couldn't live without her.

Severus' face was mere inches from her own, and she could feel his laboured breathing ghost across her cheek as she watched him try to control his temper. He's actually angry at me for trusting him, she thought in exasperation as she struggled to remember the words he had just spoken. She wanted to argue how ridiculous that was but she was finding it extremely difficult to concentrate with him so frustratingly close. She knew that if she shifted just a fraction their lips would be pressed together. Hermione felt like she was on fire; she was too hot in the tiny cupboard with the man she'd been lusting after pressed up against her. She wanted to claw at the skin on her wrist where the touch of his fingers caused a kind of electric shock. She wanted to wrap her arms around him and pull him more firmly against her. She wanted to feel his lips against her own, and yet here he stood claiming she was some silly little girl who trusted the big bad wolf blindly. Hermione was beyond frustrated, and she had no idea how to make it better. "I know exactly who you are, Severus, it's you that seems to have no idea," Hermione snapped at him, her own breathing becoming erratic. She watched as his expression grew thunderous.

"Of course you do," he scoffed before throwing his hands up in exasperation and walking away from her. "You are an insufferable Know-It-All," he sneered contemptuously. "Tell me, who exactly is it that you think I am?" he asked as he came to stand in front of her once more.

Merlin, I can't breathe, Hermione thought as she rubbed her chest. Although he wasn't touching her this time she felt pinned to the door by his unrelenting stare. The man is infuriating; she thought as he quirked an eyebrow at her as if taunting her sudden silence. She wanted him so badly, but more than anything she wanted him to stop hurting himself. Something within her snapped, and she decided that at this point she had absolutely nothing to lose. "You're Severus Snape; a flawed but ultimately good man. You made some idiotic, selfish decisions when you were too young and fucked up to know better. You made amends. You have done so much good, and yet all you remember is the bad," Hermione spat out in frustration not feeling at all threatened by his narrowing eyes. "You wore a mask of viciousness and anger for pretty much your entire adult life, and now that you don't have that to hide behind, you have no idea how to behave." Hermione spoke somewhere between a whisper and a shout and despite the quietness of her voice, she managed to convey her anger and frustration through her bitter tone and passionate speech. "You are far more complicated than I could ever hope to convey in such a short time frame, but am I close?" Hermione asked as she raised her own eyebrow whilst breathing heavily.

"You are too close," he groaned as he closed his eyes and massaged his temples. He paused in his ministrations and looked up at her. "You are always too close. Your presence in my life is suffocating," he had raised his voice in anger, yet there was something vulnerable in his tone.

Hermione gasped for breath and only struggled more as she began to feel the tell-tale symptoms of a panic attack. Does he hate me that much? He finds my presence suffocating. Well, no wonder he started distancing himself from me, she thought as her emotions got the better of her and the dull ache she had felt in her chest transformed into a full-blown stabbing pain. "Well…I…I'm…sure…you'll," she began rubbing her chest as tears filled her eyes. "…push…m-me…away; you're…good…at….t-th-"

"No. You were the one who no longer required our weekend potions work," he sneered as he paced back and forth across the tiny space. "Are you so arrogant that you presume to know all there is about potion-making , or was any excuse to get away from me good enough?" He looked up at her and noticed she was still gasping for breath. Don't fall for it; you said you were going to find out what was going on with her and you will, he thought to himself, determined to sort out this whole mess.

"I-I d-didn't; you…you said…it w-would be….for t-the best," she wheezed. "Minerva s-said you w-wouldn't work...alone…w-with me."

As if his vision suddenly cleared, he took in her shuddering form and realised something was definitely amiss. He grabbed both her hands and brought them together in his own. "What's wrong with you? Areyou in a great deal of pain?" he asked gruffly. "Additionally, you should know that I was told you no longer wished to participate in our private lessons," he offered soothingly. What the bloody hell is Minerva playing at? She must suspect…he thought before he returned his attention to Hermione's health."Are you suffering greatly?" He took in her flushed cheeks and wheezy, uneven breathing.

Hermione stared at him completely speechless as she attempted to regulate her breathing. Yes, she wanted to say, I am in agony. I am in a relationship and expected to have sex with somebody I am not in love with and who I feel nothing more than deep friendship for. MeanwhileI am expected to remain professionally distant with the one man who makes me feel…everything. Who makes me burn with desire, shiver with anticipation and makes my heart ache when I see sadness in his eyes.

"I…I…I'm f-fine," she managed to choke out softly.

"You are in pain," he stated, almost crossly, as he rolled his eyes.

"No…I am fi.." She was interrupted by his words.

"Hermione, I'm not Potter; you can't fob me off with an 'I'm fine'." He stared into her eyes, his concern was written all over his face. "You are struggling to draw breath, are rubbing your chest as if in some kind of severe pain, you are flushed and seem disorientated. Tell me what is wrong so I can help," he demanded.

The only sound that could be heard for several moments was Hermione's gasping breaths.

"Let me help," he pleaded kindly as he brought a hand up tuck her hair behind her ear. She stared into his eyes thatseemed to have softened since they first began talking this evening.

"The only thing you can do to help…is…is…" Hermione stuttered. How can I tell him that he makes me feel all of this? He'll laugh in my face. Don't do it, Hermione; do not tell him he is responsible for your aching heart and arousal. What would I say anyway? Leave so I can function normally? Kiss me? Touch me? Fuck me? Love me? I don't know what I need so how can I ask for it?

"Yes?" he enquired as he tenderly caressed her clenched fists with his thumbs, moving them in soothing circular motions.

"L-leave." He flinched and a look of pain crossed his face so briefly Hermione wouldn't have spotted it if she hadn't been looking for it. He does care, she thought as she began to feel dizzy.

"Severus…when you…I…I c-can't…" she attempted as her breathing grew heavier. Gods, so not the time to have a panic attack Granger. I must tell him he needs to leave because I want him too much.

"Hermione, please stop speaking at once and concentrate on your breathing." He wrapped an arm around her and then withdrew it as if burned. "I must get somebody else to help you," he mumbled as he reached for the door.

No, no, no, Hermione thought. He thinks you hate him. He thinks you want him to leave because you are scared of him. I must tell him I'm overwhelmed by my feelings for him.

"Let me…e-explain,…I…I'm…scared…of…how you…" she managed to gasp as she gulped for air.

"I understand perfectly Miss Granger," he said as he opened the cupboard door and gently guided her into the hall. He was relieved that everyone's attention was directed towards the front of the room. Is Filius dancing on a table? Severus thought as he searched for somebody reliable and sober enough to take care of Hermione. He felt her lean upon him more heavily and noticed her eyes were increasingly unfocused. "I am so very sorry for this, I know how uncomfortable this will make you, but I fear I must carry you to help. Forgive me." He finished as he swept her up in his arms.

As soon as Hermione felt his arms aroundher, she felt peace and slipped out of consciousness as she literally swooned in his arms.

X~X

"She will be ok Poppy?" Severus asked as he paced at the bottom of her bed in the hospital wing.

"Yes, Severus. She will be fine. Just a panic attack; Miss Granger suffers from them from time to time. She was lucky you found her when you did," Madam Pomfrey added fondly. She couldn't explain it, but she had a soft spot for Severus;he was always so lost.

As Poppy wandered off to get some potions from her store cupboard, Severus looked down upon the face of Hermione Granger and felt overwhelmed. She's so beautiful, he thought as he took in her rosy cheeks, pink pouty lips and golden brown curls. She offered me friendship and companionship, and I built it up to be something more than it is. How did I get everything so wrong…again?

"Poppy?" he called quietly as he backed away from the bed.

"Yes, Severus?" she called back from across the wing.

"I am going to speak with Minerva. Take care of Miss Granger here…she is one of the good ones, like yourself." He stated sadly.

Poppy turned in shock, hearing such heartfelt sentiments coming from the grumpy Potions Master, but he was already gone.

X~X

When Hermione awoke several hours later, the moonlight was filtering through the blinds thatdecorated the windows. As she looked around the familiar hospital wing, she noticed that Madam Pomfrey was in her adjoining chambers rather than in her office. She sat up and tried to process all the overwhelming thoughts and emotions she was experiencing, but the only tangible point that she could pick out of the din was that she needed to see Severus.

As her memories of the evening began to return to her, she realised her feelings could no longer be ignored. She had wanted to defend him and protect him from everyone in the room. Hermione was no fool, she was well aware of what many of the 'esteemed' guests at tonight's festive function thought of Severus, but actually hearing them verbalise it, and to Severus himself, had shocked her. She had never felt so much rage and bitterness in all her life. Seeing Severus standing there and taking the abuse had made her heart ache with a longing to wrap her arms aroundhim, and tell him that none of it was true; that he was valued and that he was loved. Loved, Hermione thought as her heart began beating wildly. Do I really love him?

Hermione remembered so many of their more amicable encounters and fondly recalled the small gestures of affection he offered her; tentative smiles, comfort and concern, the odd good-humoured eyebrow quirk...but perhaps that is just friendship? Hermione felt a sudden heaviness in her stomach and light-heatedness as she remembered other encounters they had shared; the feel of his body behind her in the bookshop, the way he sometimes leaned closer than necessary, the way his eyes watched her, the way he had behaved in her room…No, there is something more going on here and I refuse to ignore it, she thought determinedly.

Hermione slipped out of bed, wincing at the gentle creaks of the bed springsthataccompanied her actions. She glanced down and saw she was wearing some rather fetching pyjamas and quickly, without drawing the curtain lest the noise alert Madam Pomfrey to her behaviour, changed back into her dress. She tiptoed quietly to the doors, shoes in hand and spotted a mirror above the sinks; she darted over quickly and took in her reflection. She looked pale, she looked weak and her hair was an absolute fright, but fear that she had hurt Severus overrode all those concerns as she opened the doors a fraction and slipped into the hallway.

She had no idea what time it was as she made her way towards his office; I hope his chambers are actually around here somewhere, she thought, realising she had no idea where to find him. When she reached his office,she noticed a soft glow was emitting from under the that she may have found him so easily, Hermione knocked on the door without thinking and then flinched as she heard the scrapping of a chair on the stone floor and furious footsteps thundering towards her. The moment the door flew open she regretted her decision; his most terrifying sneer was in place, and he looked ready to kill whoever had disturbed him. But when he looked down and saw who stood beforehim, his face changed instantaneously and showed only anxiousness and concern.

"Miss Granger, is everything alright?" he spokehesitantly, his eyes only meeting her own occasionally and briefly at that.

"Yes-I mean, well no not really," she stuttered surprised at his kind yet professional demeanour. She presumed he would have been either his normal self with her, calling her Hermione or completely distant and cruel. This strange courteous blend of the two was a little disconcerting.

"Shouldn't you be in the hospital wing?" He leant against the door jam and folded his arms across his chest. Hermione detected the faintest scent of Firewhiskey emitting from his person, and she noticed he looked weary. Firewhiskey and numerous goblets of wine…how is he still standing? Hermione thought before realising he expected her to speak.

"I sneaked out," she offered with a shrug and a slight grin.

"And why would you do something as foolish as that? Clearly Poppy wanted you there for a reason, or are you such a know-it-all that you think you understand treatment better than an experienced mediwitch?" He scoffed, and despite his teasing words there was a flatness to his tone thatgave the impression that while he was not joking, he was not entirely serious either. Hermione didn't quite know how to take this version of him.

"I- I wanted, well that is to say, I needed to talk to you," she admitted anxiously before worrying her bottom lip between her teeth.

"At two o'clock in the morning? What could possibly merit such an inappropriate display?" Again his cruel words lacked their usual bite, and Hermione thought he looked utterly exhausted.

"I owe you an apology and also an explanation…of sorts. She pulled every ounce of Gryffindor bravery she had and made eye contact.

"It is not necessary I assure you; the only apology you owe me is for this bizarre disturbance to my evening, and since you don't seem to understand the-"

"Severus, stop. Please," she interrupted in no more than a whisper, but it was enough to catch his attention. "Can I come in and talk to you…properly."

"No, you cannot. Not only is it entirely inappropriate for you to be here at this time, after your…attack earlier I think it would be wise to keep yourself away from stressful or potentially threatening encounters," he spoke calmly but by the end of his speech, his bitterness began to shine through.

"But that's what I want to talk to you about," she raised her voice as her emotions got the better of her. She felt his slender fingers enclose her wrist in a bruising grip and pulled her forcefully into his office, slamming the door behind him.

"Are you trying to get me in some kind of trouble?" His nostrils were flaring in anger as he leant menacingly close. Hermione noticed a change come over him as he suddenly composed himself and marched away from her. Once he was on the other side of the room he turned to face her, his anger still evident despite the new distance he had put between them. "If you were found down here, at this time of night, even on the threshold of my door, do you have any idea what people would say? What they would think?"

"That something is going on between us?" Hermione offered shrilly. "Would that be so far from the truth?" She huffed out in exasperation. Her hands were shaking, and she couldn't quite swallow the lump in her throat, but she was so tired of pretending there was nothing going on between them.

The silence that descended upon the office was deafening, and the two occupants stood stock still, staring at each other.

Hermione waited for her professor to laugh, sneer, hex her, anything that would show her she was nothing more than a foolish child with an unrequited crush; his silence spoke volumes. She took in his dumbfounded expression and knowing full well that Severus Snape would not hesitate to tell her how very far indeed that would be from the truth, if that were the case, she had a sudden burst of bravery.

"I was overwhelmed earlier; my reaction had nothing to do with you making me uncomfortable or my not feeling safe in your presence," she began to speak softly as she walked over to him. He stood as still as a statue. "The truth is, I trust you, implicitly. I feel safe with you, safer than I think I've ever felt. I feel happy when I am with you…ridiculously so. My panic attack was not a negative reaction to you in anyway, and if I gave you that impression I am so very sorry." She reached out tentatively and placed one of her hands over his own, which was still tucked away at his side. Where his arms were crossed noticing the familiar tingle of electricity and warmth she felt whenever she touched him.

"What then?" He muttered hesitantly.

"I'm sorry?" Hermione asked, dragging her eyes away from their joined hands to his face.

"What caused your attack?" He asked as his eyes flitted over her face, studying her reaction. She was blushing and biting that bloody bottom lip, but did not seem to be bothered by the question.

"Some overwhelming emotions which have been bothering me for quite some time now," she offered with a shaky breath. She raised her face and locked eyes with him. He uncrossed his arms, removing her hand from his own in the process.

"You seemed fine, and then all of a sudden..."Snape ran a hand through his hair. He was confused and not sure how to respond to her revelations. "I mean, can you...

"No, but… it was some kind of reaction to you," Hermione practically whispered as her bravery deserted her. She watched Severus study her intently, her hand was still lingering in mid-air, she wanted to reach out and touch him again, and she wanted to tell him the truth.

There was silence once more. Severus watched her and took in her sincere expression and flushed cheeks. What she is alluding to is unfeasible, he thought as he desperately fought not to get his hopes up. She tells me that she feels safe and happy around me and that her panic attack was not a negative reaction tome, but that it was indeed a reaction to me. She can't possibly…I mean surely she doesn't want me?

He felt his breathing quicken as he began to imagine that she did return his newly developed feelings. This cannot be happening; if it is, I cannot let anything happen…he attempted to remind himself as he tried to ignore how attracted he was to her at this moment. He liked her better this way, dishevelled, wild hair, less make up. Of course he had thought she looked beautiful at the party, but even in her perfectly fitting gown, she was so much more his Hermione, right now. Her ridiculously tall high heels had been dumped by the doorway and he could see her feet poking out from under the hem of her gown, showing that hint of practicality that he admired in her. She was now her own stature and instead of being close to matching his height, she was tiny beside him; he liked the way that made him feel. She was so confident and self-assured that he often felt like she was in control of the situation. He liked being able to tower over her and make her anxious like he did in the book shop; it allowed him to feel like he had some control of this tiny little whirlwind of a woman. Merlin, that hair is just made for post-coital bed-head, he thought, and that bloody lip… He was driven to distraction by her biting on her lip. He felt his chest tighten painfully as he saw a look of concern cross her face as she awaited his reaction to what she had just said. She is so kind and considerate and I…am utterly besotted. I am completely enamoured with her. What on earth does a girl like her want with me?

"I don't understand what you want from me," Severus spoke hesitantly. He began pacing the room and stopped once he had put some distance between them

Hermione racked her brains as she battled with what to say. How much do I tell him? I don't want to overwhelm him or make things irreversibly awkward but I'm so tired of keeping things from him. I want him to know everything; I want him to understand-

"If you are standing there trying to come up with some inoffensive reason for your behaviour then don't bother," Severus spat out cruelly. "I don't care if you're scared of me, I don't care what you have to say. You are…infuriatingly complicated and confusing, and I just want you to go. I just want you to…" he tailed off as he watched her sudden movement.

Gods, he's so insecure. I take a few seconds to decide how best to word the fact that I want to spend the rest of my life in his bed being ravished by him, and he automatically jumps to 'she's formulating a gentle knock back? Hermione rolled her eyes and let out a sigh of frustration. What can I say to make him understand that I want to be here, that I want to be with him? She took a moment to study him; he was undeniably sexy. She couldn't quite understand how it had taken her this long to see it. He was dark and mysterious; a bad boy with a loyal and passionate heart, intelligent, witty, classy and annoyingly obtuse when it came to seeing that she was attracted to him. Well, if I can't tell him how I feel I guess I'll just have to show him, she thought determinedly. Hermione walked over to him, ignoring his bewildered expression, and placed her hands on his shoulders before closing her eyes, stretching up and pressing a chaste kiss to his soft lips. She waited for something, anything, to happen but it was as if he had been turned to stone. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. She slowly opened her eyes as she pulled away and took in his expression. He was staring right through her and didn't lower his eyes to meet her gaze, she noticed his jaw twitch and realised in horror that he was obviously attempting to control his temper. "I'm sorry," she gasped before turning and running for the door.

Tears stung her eyes as she fumbled for the door handle, and she cringed as she heard an audible sob escape her. Just as she turned the handle and opened the door slightly, she felt his hand cover her own and slam the door shut. He was behind her and just like that day in the bookshop, she was hyperaware of everything about him; his scent which made her heart flutter, the warmth she felt as he stood so close behind her, and his deep and slightly uneven breathing fluttering the curls at her neck. Her breath hitched when she felt has hands slide up and down her arms, gently caressing her skin. Without realising what she was doing, she leant back slightly bringing her back into contact with his chest. She could feel his heart racing against her, and it seemed to be keeping pace with her own thrumming pulse. Before she could really consider what was happening, he grabbed her by the shoulders and spun her to face him. She gasped as she took in his eyes that seemed to be smouldering with heat.

Severus had tried desperately to fight temptation, but when he had felt her lips against hisown, his resolve had crumbled. The only reason he hadn't kissed her back was that by the time he had processed what was actually happening, she was heading for the door. He knew he should let her go, but he couldn't let her go because he didn't want to. He wanted her here, with him. When he had slammed the door shut and boxed her in against it, he knew there was no going back. There was no reasonable explanation for the way he stood behind her, trying desperately not to nuzzle his face into her curls and breathe in her scent. There was no reasonable explanation for him to rub his hands up and down her arms, seeking some kind of contact with her bare skin. There was no reasonable explanation for any of it; all he knew was that he couldn't bear to have her leave thinking that she had done something wrong, or that he didn't feel the same.

When he felt her lean in to his tentative embrace, he stopped thinking and spun her around to face him, desperate to observe her reaction to him. She gasped, but reached out towards him and cautiously placed her trembling hand against his chest. She's so beautiful, he thought as he studied every inch of her flushed face. Even if I was 10 years younger and not her professor this would still be wrong, he forced himself to consider. She is so good and innocent, and I have committed so many wrongs…I could never be enough for her. This could never be right. He began to speak, stunned at the raspy quality his dry mouth had brought to his voice. "Hermione…I-I-"

She brought her hand up to his mouth and gently pressed the tips of her fingers to his lips, silencing him. "Is what you are about to say horribly noble and responsible?" Her own voice also sounded different, it was breathless and lower-pitched than her normal tone.

He nodded, almost unperceptively as he fought the urge to kiss the warm skin of her fingers.

She let her hand trail back down to his chest before gripping his shirt in her fist. "Then don't say it." He reached out and touched his fingers against her cheek lightly. She stared up at him with pleading eyes. She swallowed nervously. "Just kiss me…please," she begged as she pulled him towards her with the fistful of shirt she had captured.

He feathered his fingers downward, towards the base of her throat, and she shuddered as he lightly grazed the sensitive skin behind her earlobe. He stared at her, a look of wonder and amazement on his face, and in that moment he was no longer the unreadable man she fought to understand. His fingers worked slowly round to the nape of her neck and became entangled in her mass of curls. She stepped closer bringing her body flush against his, and he exhaled noisily as his fist tightened around her curls. His other hand slid gingerly down her side, and she shuddered as she felt the heat of his fingers through the cool silk of her gown. He curled his arm around her waist and held her against him. His fingers began tracing circular patterns on her hip bone as he waited.

Neither of them knew what he was waiting for; for her to change her mind, him to change his, someone to come barging in and tell him this was all a great joke at his expense? Hermione understood his cautiousness, and so she waited. She would wait for him forever if need be. She waited as he drove her insane by the gentle touches he bestowed upon her, and the way he stared at her as if she held all the answers. She licked her lips and watched as his breathing grew heavier.

"Severus?" Hermione spoke gently so as not to startle him.

"Hmmm?" he replied as he shifted closer not really paying attention to what she was saying as he was so intently focused on the way her lips moved as she spoke.

"I-I need you," Hermione confessed in a whisper.

Something came across him in that moment, and before she could even contemplate what was happening, he tugged gently at the fistful of hair so that her face tiltedto meet his, and hecaptured her lips in a bruising and passion-fuelled kiss. She wrapped her hands around his neck, desperately pulling him into her as if she could somehow get him even closer.

This is bliss, Hermione thought as she let her eyes flutter open briefly in an attempt to convince herself that this was actually happening. His lips were surprisingly soft and warm; ironic that such a mouth could spout such cold and cruel taunts on a daily basis. She moaned into his mouth as he began to kiss her more fervently.

This is home, Severus thought as he tightened his grip on her waist. He couldn't believe that a scenario as wrong as this one was could feel so unbelievably right. She let out amoan, and in a sudden surge of increased arousal, he bit down on the bottom lip that had haunted him for weeks. She opened her mouth slightly in surprise; he took advantage of the opportunity and slipped his tongue into her mouth, gently caressing her tongue with his own.

She was just starting to feel light-headedwhen he pulled his lips away from her own, gasping for breath. She had her eyes closed tightly and was pleasantly surprised when she felt his lips begin to leave a trail of kisses along her neck as he backed her over to the wall. He left one hand on her collarbone and was caressing her shoulder with his other hand; he slipped the strap of her dress down and kissed her shoulder as he pressed himself against her.

Sandwiched between Severus and the wall, Hermione didn't think she had ever felt more content, or hot, or frantic with need. Every touch of his hands, lips, teeth, anything, was filled with pure lust. The quiet sighs of contentment and gaspsof desperate lust she heard coming from her normally so-in-control professor only served to turn her on even more. She needed….more. She lifted one leg up and attempted to curl it round his waist; she was left breathless when she felt him reach down and fumble with the hem of her dress. His fingers skimmed her skin lightly as he began to work the full length dress up her legs. She moaned when she felt his warm fingers against her outer thighs as he continued to push the dress up. Once her legs were freed from any restrictions he lifted her from under her thighs and wrapped both legs around him as he ground against her. The friction she felt was amazing, she felt his hard length pressing against her and he is huge, she thought as a peculiar warmth began to infuse her entire body. The way he lifted her made her feel as if he was completely possessing her. She felt weak and helpless and that he could do whatever he wanted toher, and she would be helpless to stop him. I love feeling like this, she thought as he continued to kiss her demandingly.

"Oh…Severus" she panted as he began trailing kisses down her jawline once more.

He growled and began to suckle on the pulse point of her neck. I never want to hear anyone else say my name ever again, he thought as he felt all the blood in his body rush straight to his cock. It's like she was made to say my name like that.

"Gods…Severus…I want you so much."

Definitely made to say my name like that, he thought as he fought the urge to take her against the wall of his office.

He thrust against her wildly and tore his mouth from her neck as he gazed at her with desire written all over his face. He held her against the wall with one hand as he raised the other up to her mouth.

"We have to stop," he murmured unconvincingly as he traced her lips with his thumb.

"No…we don't," Hermione stated before nibbling gently on the tip of his thumb.

He eyed her longingly, "You're probably intoxicated… you drank a lot this evening." He gently placed her back on the ground, his newly free hand began exploring the curves of her waist through her sinfully fitted gown.

"I'm not," she answered breathlessly. "You were watching me?"

"I'm always watching you," he confessed stroking a hand down her cheek. His lips twitched upwards in the slightest of smiles.

She grinned widely at him. "I thought so. It's like I can feel you watching me sometimes; at meals, when we're working together, in class." She wrapped her hand around the back of his neck and pulled him towards her.

He froze. In class, he thought as he was brought back to earth with a bump. What am I doing? "Hermione, stop."

"Why?" She took in his worried expression as she pulled away from him just enough to make eye contact.

He removed her hand from his neck and brushed her hands away from him before walking away. "You need to leave," he groaned sadly as he covered his eyes with one hand.

"Severus, I d-don't-"

"This is wrong; you need to leave," Severus spoke quietly, the bitterness of his emotion building. "You're my student..."

Hermione felt terrible. She knew how honourable he was, how much he strove to prove that he wasn't the bad person that most of the world thought he was. "I understand this must be difficult for you, but I'm not exactly a typical student. I'm older and wiser than my peers, and you and I have fought in a war together." She attempted to reason with him, knowing a man as intelligent as Severus couldn't be distracted by her trying to kiss him again. At this point I would strip naked and hop on his desk if I thought it would help, Hermione thought as she fought to stay calm. Severus would undoubtedly be turned off by any over-emotional and immature outbursts.

"It doesn't change anything…I'm still…it doesn't change what I am, what this is." He gestured between the two of them. He looked at her with such longing that Hermione felt her chest tighten.

"Stop," Hermione said softly. "I instigated this, and I have actively pursued you. Please don't go all magnanimous on me and start blaming yourself." Shewalked towards him and reached out to grasp his arm, but he pulled away from her.

"Don't, Hermione; I can't control myself around you, you need to leave," he practically whispered as he poured himself another glass of Firewhiskey and threw it back with a shaking hand.

"But we need to talk about this," Hermione pleaded.

"No, we don't. Please… just go." He sank into his chair wearily.

"Sever-"

"Hermione, I would appreciate your discretion in all this, so please don't be angry with me when I tell you to get the hell out of here…now," he spoke coldly as his anger got the best of him. It's not her you should be angry at, it's yourself, he thought logically but he couldn't help but lash out at her. It was too easy.

"It's not like some seedy, twisted, abusive relationship where you insist on me calling you 'Sir' and wearing my uniform while you fuck me in detention!" Hermione yelled as she finally lost her temper.

Gods, all of that sounded good; I am sick, Severus thought as an image of Hermione lying on his desk in a skimpy version of her uniform appeared in his mind. "Hermione! Out!" He yelled but it still sounded as much like begging out loud as it did in his head.

They stared at one another for a moment; neither sure how the other was about to act.

"Fine, I'll leave, but only because I am mature enough to see that this discussion isn't remotely productive," she sniffed disdainfully as she pulled the shoulder of her dress back up. "This isn't over though; you know that, don't you?" Hermione tried to control her temper.

"Is that a threat?" Severus growled as stood up from his chair, his fists clenched.

Hermione rolled her eyes before throwing up her hands in frustration. "Of course not you stupid arse! I care about you, I would never…nobody will ever hear about this. I would never harm your reputation or try to hurt you."

He looked at her from under hooded lids and took in her earnest expression. She would never intentionally cause me harm, he thought remorsefully.

"I meant," she began through gritted teeth, "that there is no way we can co-exist harmoniously in this castle without dealing with this properly," Hermione pointed out gently, as she thought about how awkward things could get. She wanted to scream at him; she wanted to cry and stamp her feet and tell him she couldn't live without him. She didn't however; none of that exactly screamed 'yes I'm young enough to be your daughter, but don't worry, I'm mature enough to be your lover.'

"We'll manage," Severus muttered indifferently as he poured himself another drink.

"I won't," Hermione's voice wavered as she struggled to maintain her aloof facade. "I'll miss you terribly if you avoid me and act like this never happened."

He snorted into his glass. "Well, then you are a fool." He knocked his drink back before reaching for the bottle again. Gods, get out you wonderfully perfect human being, he thought as her kindness and maturity made him fall for her just that little bit more.

Hermione watched him as the hurt she was feeling began to invade every cell in her body. I have been kind, patient and understanding, and all the while he sits there getting pissed and belittling what just happened between us.

"I'm starting to see that," she spoke sadly, but there was a hint of steel in her tone that showed she was angry too. "I am evidently an awful judge of character." She was glad he was staring into his glass as she felt her lip wobble and her eyes fill with tears. She walked over to the door and picked up her shoes. "Goodnight, sir."

Severus' head shot up, ready to chastise her for taunting him, but she was already gone.

He waited long enough for her to have reached Gryffindor Tower before he threw his glass against the wall.

What have I done?

X~X

A/N- OVER 7,000 WORDS PEOPLE! PRETTY PLEASE WITH NAKED SNAPES ON TOP LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK, I AM SO NERVOUS!

This chapter is dedicated to worrywart for ensuring that Hermione did NOT end up with 'Weird Ass Feet' x

P.S You poor souls; I just read the first few chapters of this fic. TERRIBLE. I must go back and edit! Thank you for sticking with it.

Well?

Next Chapter-What would Christmas be without an awkward break up, getting drunk with your girlfriend and sending novelty socks to professors, and a morning-after-the-night-before-style encounter in a public place? Hmmm...